Welcome to Minh Hai
Minh Hai, nestled on Park Avenue in Cranston, Rhode Island, is a cherished family-owned Vietnamese restaurant that embodies authenticity and warmth. Run by a dedicated husband-and-wife team, this hidden gem enchants patrons with its homemade dishes and a welcoming atmosphere reminiscent of dining at someone’s home. Guests rave about the delicious, fresh offerings, particularly the pho and a variety of fish dishes such as ginger tilapia. While the service may be slower, the commitment to quality and traditional flavors makes every visit worthwhile. Minh Hai invites you to experience a culinary journey through Vietnam, where every dish is crafted with love.
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1096 Park Ave, Cranston, RI 02910 Hotline: (401) 383-8071
Welcome to Minh Hai, a charming Vietnamese gem nestled in Cranston, Rhode Island. Located at 1096 Park Ave, Minh Hai is not just a restaurant; it’s an experience that transports you straight to the heart of Vietnam. Operated by a dedicated husband-and-wife team, the essence of this family-owned eatery is evident in its welcoming atmosphere and lovingly crafted dishes.
At Minh Hai, authenticity reigns supreme. Diners are treated to a menu brimming with traditional flavors, from aromatic Pho to delicious fish dishes like Ca Chien Mam Gung and Ca Xao Lan, both priced at $11.95. Each plate is a celebration of fresh ingredients and Vietnamese culinary techniques, designed to evoke nostalgia for home-cooked meals.
- Customer Favorites: The bee meatball soup has been praised for its kid-friendly size while still offering hearty flavors, as noted by happy patrons like Elizabeth T. Meanwhile, the ginger tilapia shines with its pleasing contrast of soft fish meat and a delightfully crunchy exterior.
- Beverage Selection: Pair your meal with a refreshing Jackfruit Milkshake ($2.95) or a classic Ca Phe Sua ($2.50) for a sweet kick that complements the savory dishes.
Reviewers rave about the warm, inviting nature of Minh Hai, describing it as a place where the owners treat you like family. Frequent visitors like Alexa D. highlight the authenticity of the menu, with options that you won’t find in other Asian fusion restaurants around. The unique offerings, such as the chem chep hap (mussels in lemongrass and basil broth) or the delectable squid dish tom muc xao lan, keep foodies coming back for more.
However, it’s important to embrace the relaxed pace of service at this establishment. As Jonathan S. points out, the quality lies in its home-cooked approach, with a strong emphasis on flavor over speed. If you’re not in a rush, this is a perfect spot to unwind, perhaps with a bottle of wine in hand, enjoying the charming ambiance.
Minh Hai isn’t just a meal; it’s a heartfelt dining journey that captures the true spirit of Vietnamese cuisine. With its extensive menu of authentic dishes, informative recommendations from the owners, and a cozy atmosphere, it’s no surprise that this hidden gem is steadily gaining a loyal following among locals.
If you’re craving quality Vietnamese food made with love, visit Minh Hai to enjoy a dining experience that feels like home, right in the heart of Cranston. Don't forget to check for the OPEN sign and prepare for a delightful culinary escape!
The food was excellent. Tried the bee meatball soup in a kid size for the little one. I got the ginger tilapia, which was cook so nice. The fish meat was still soft with a little crunchy exterior. I had to scrape off all the small bits of ginger on top though. It was quiet considering I came in at 8:30pm. This place is definitely old, but it has its redeeming qualities.
10/10 Best spot in town. First it's cheap and then it's delicious as well. You can't go wrong here, Especially if you Love supporting Family owned businesses
Incredible food. If you like pho you need to try this place. Arguably best in town and it has character (also the cheapest in town as far as I know and is still better). Owned and ran by a couple and feels like a hidden gem. It sometimes can be a wait bc it's literally just the couple running it but I promise it's worth the wait. (Not a terrible wait tho)
I love this place so much. It is so authentic and the couple that owns it makes you feel so welcome, it's like you're sitting in their home. It is really just those 2 running the restaurant, as you see in other comments due to this, it's not super quick service but it's worth the wait, and it adds to the charm of the place. The pho is delicious, the best I have had in the area and I love trying one different dish every time I visit because the menu is so authentic, it's not like you can find menu items like that at other Asian fusion spots as it is truly Vietnamese. The food is so fresh and made with love, I really recommend!
The service, food and cleanliness are excellent. Meals are delicious and the portions, generous! Don't forget to order bubble tea! My fave is peach!
The food was excellent. Everything on the menu I have tasted is very good especially the two beef salads. The service was quite slow. It's only a husband and wife operation. All home cooked. If you're not in a hurry and not too hungry it's a great deal. You can bring a bottle of wine and chill and enjoy. However if you are hungry and want to eat quickly just forget it.
Mom and pop kind of restaurant run by a lovely older couple. I've been trying different menu items, and I say there are more authentic items than other places around! There are regulars who come in, and the owners are so kind giving suggestions to some authentic food items. I loved the pho, and appetizers of Bo Tai Chanh which is my favorite! The hours are off sometimes which is sad because you have to pick a plan B for lunch and dinner options. Check for the OPEN sign~
Family-owned restaurant, very kind and welcoming. I had the chem chep hap as an appetizer, which is basically mussels in a lemongrass and basil broth. Loved it. Would pair it with rice. Great starter on a chilly day. For an entree, I had the tom muc xao lan, consisting of squid, vermicelli noodles, mushrooms, onions, and coconut milk. The ingredients paired well together, however, I wish there were fewer onions and more squid. Unique rice dish that I'd recommend, not too spicy either. I also tried the pho, which was okay. Nothing to brag about. I think it would be better to try more traditional Vietnamese dishes here. Lastly, service is slower because it is essentially a two-person team, however, it's worth a try if you want authentic Viet food.