Bask in the Southeast Asian Design of Hai Hai

Hai Hai, the Asian street food restaurant from Hola Arepa’s owners Christina Nguyen and Birk Grudem is now open on 22nd Street and University Avenue in Minneapolis’ Northeast neighborhood. The restaurant was inspired by their vacations through Vietnam, Bali and Thailand. The room advertises that inspiration with giant fronded trees, vibrant wallpaper, splashes of turquoise, emerald green and a whole lot of of light.

For those who remember this address’ former tenant, a neighborhood bar with small section for topless dancers, the room is unrecognizable. Especially considering, there didn’t used to be much in the way of windows.

A long bar wraps its way around one side of the restaurant and that is where Grudem, who was one of the area’s top mixologists before starting Hola Arepa with his now-wife Nguyen, serves tropical beverages. The drink list includes drinks made with ingredients like mezcal, coconut water, lime-peanut orgeat, pisco, Saigon cinnamon and more. All are $9.

Kevin Kramer / Eater Twin Cities

The kitchen is overseen by Nguyen and that menu is a mix of snacks, small plates, vegetables and large plates. The most expensive item is a roasted fish with tumeric and dill for $15 and the least expense is a $6 egg roll with herbs, lettuce and nuoc cham. There is a wide selection of gluten free and vegetarian or vegan options, some are even both like the $6.50 salt and pepper tofu or the $9 Balinese cauliflower with coconut cream and lime leaf.

Kevin Kramer / Eater Twin Cities

The restaurant is open Tuesday through Sunday beginning at 3 p.m. with a happy hour menu with limited food. All the food is then available starting at 5 p.m.

Kevin Kramer / Eater Twin Cities

Kevin Kramer / Eater Twin Cities

Kevin Kramer / Eater Twin Cities

Kevin Kramer / Eater Twin Cities

Kevin Kramer / Eater Twin Cities

• Hai Hai [WEB]
• All Hai Hai Coverage [ETC]
• Inside the Twin Cities’ Most Beautiful Restaurants [ETC]