Quang Restaurant — Restaurant in Minneapolis

Worst meal I've had in a very long time. Seriously. I have never sent food back in my life and I sent back the bahn mi. This was heinous. As someone in my party said "like school lunch made by someone who hates food".

Details:

1. The first warning sign was that there was no chili oil, but I hoped that all the positive reviews would be accurate so I overlooked this alarming first detail.

2. The egg roll had the exterior texture of a baguette and the interior was like a meaty paste. They were also like messed up looking (weirdly burnt?), sort of like something terrible had happened to them that was worse than being inside Quang for an extended period of time.

3. The bahn mi arrived. I can't even fully explain my horror as I gazed down into the basket. Its whole aesthetic was offensive. The "cucumber" (two chunks of off-white jerky) was somehow dried out. The "jalapeno" was dried out and brownish. When I asked, they said it was intentional and that they "toss" them. Where they should toss them is in the garbage. The sandwich was supposed to have "red roasted pork , ham , pate and pork patty". What it had was some crumbs of pork, no pate, and some bologna on it (not the good stuff). I have eaten a lot of bahn mi in my life. I've had a lot Vietnamese food. I've traveled in Vietnam. I have never seen anything as horrible as this. I didn't touch the bread, but I could tell they're probably getting it from Jimmy Johns or some other purveyor of high esteem. To add insult to injury the whole sandwich was surrounded by ridged potato chips. I have never seen anything like that and hope to never see it again. If you want to do a chip element, do a fried pork rind. I can't tell if this is a result of catering to a mostly white cliental, but do you really want the people that colonized much of the world in search of spice only to decide that salt and pepper was as far as they were going to go on most days to guide the flavor profile of your Vietnamese restaurant? Also, there was no cilantro on the sandwich. I don't know what to make of that other than to shake my head.

4. The pho. Another warning sign is that all the bowls are tiny. We should have left when we saw everyone with their tiny bowls. In short, the pho is awful. The noodles are indescribably bad. They fall apart and have no chew (spoiler: the noodles are the "pho", pho means noodles and they are supposed to be delicious). There were some small ribbons of flavorless meat that were somehow fully cooked despite the broth arriving at the temperature of baby bath water. The broth's flavor was tolerable, but not complex and tasted of poor ingredients like the rest of the meal.

5. They've apparently raised their prices (fine, food costs are up), but all the ingredients are of incredibly low quality. I don't get the sense they're paying their staff a fair wage either.

In summary: just drive to Saint Paul and go to any one of the innumerable high quality Vietnamese restaurants there. If you've never had Vietnamese food before, FYI this is bad Vietnamese food. It is an extraordinary cuisine, and this place does...

Quang Restaurant in Minneapolis is a culinary institution that has mastered the art of authentic Vietnamese cuisine. For over three decades, this Eat Street gem has been serving up vibrant, flavorful dishes that keep locals and visitors coming back. From the moment you walk in, the bustling yet welcoming atmosphere—complete with modern decor and a spacious dining area—sets the stage for an unforgettable meal. The Pho Thap Cam is an absolute must-try. The broth is a masterclass in balance: rich, aromatic, and deeply savory without being overly salty. Loaded with tender angus beef, brisket, meatballs, and tripe, it’s a hearty bowl of comfort that feels like a hug from the inside out. Equally standout is the Bun Bo Hue, a spicy beef and pork hock noodle soup that packs a bold, chili-infused punch. Pair either with their legendary Cha Gio (pork egg rolls)—crispy, generously filled, and served with a tangy fish sauce that elevates every bite. Don’t overlook the vegetarian options! The Tofu and Veggie Pho surprises with caramelized onions adding a sweet depth to the broth, while the Bun Cha Gio (vermicelli salad with egg rolls) is a refreshing, textural delight. Appetizers like cream cheese wontons and shrimp spring rolls are crowd-pleasers, and the Vietnamese iced coffee—strong, sweet, and creamy—is the perfect finish. Service here is swift and attentive, even during peak hours. The staff navigates the busy dining room with grace, ensuring orders arrive hot and fresh. Despite the crowds, the recent renovation offers ample seating, including a sunny patio and private event space. Bonus: The parking lot is a rare perk in this bustling neighborhood! Quang’s commitment to quality and tradition shines in every dish. Whether you’re a pho purist or eager to explore lesser-known Vietnamese specialties like Bun Rieu (crab noodle soup) or Banh Cuon (steamed rice rolls), this spot delivers. Affordable prices, generous portions, and a lively yet cozy vibe make it a staple for solo lunches, family dinners, or...

Update: This Oct 9, 2023 5 star

Last year it was a 5 star and once again another 5 star eating experience. Ordered the Bun Bo Hue, tofu spring rolls, banh bao, and crispy sesame ball on this beautiful day.

The Bun Bo Hue rice noodle soup is hands down the best. It’s spicy, deep, flavorful and generously proportioned. If you like Pho, this soup takes it to the next level. Their legendary chef, My, has really mastered this amazing soup. Compliments to the chef.

The banh bao is also the best in town. I can barely eat an entire one because it’s so big. It’s got a good balance of steamed bread and meat. The egg isn’t ever rubbery. Truly perfect and many times sold out… so get it when you can.

I’m a big meat eater but the vegetarian tofu spring rolls are fantastic. I don’t miss the meat in this one. I like how the tofu goes along with all the fresh herbs in the spring roll.

The sesame seed crispy balls, bánh cam, is a nice after dinner or lunch dessert. Usually I take it home so I can take my time to savor it. It’s not too sweet and the mung bean center is really traditional Vietnamese.

As for service. I was very critical of Quang’s for years for their service. However it’s sort of the norm to get average to poor service at Vietnamese restaurants in my experience. Quang’s has really improved their service and it’s appreciated. Accurate ordering, fast kitchen, always hot, and friendly. Great place for friends, family, and work lunch. Highly recommended.

Last year this review would have been 4 stars for great food at a great value. Quang’s has always been an awesome place to eat but the customer service was always lacking. They amped up their customer service and improved the front lobby area... now it’s a solid 5 star. Will keep coming back and recommending to everyone I know.

PS. Tina is an...