One of the Best Food Halls in Minnesota, This Spot Is a Must-Visit

With so many options in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, do you ever have a hard time trying to figure out what—let alone where—you want to eat? I know I do, but I have good news. One food destination in the southwest Metro offers so many dining options that you're certain to find something to delight your palate. Asia Mall in Eden Prairie offers a fantastic mix of international flavors all in one place, which I think makes it one of the best food halls in Minnesota.

Where This Food Hall Is and What Makes It Special

Asia Mall is located in Eden Prairie, about 20 minutes southwest of downtown Minneapolis. The building it's in is a clever reimagining of a former Gander Mountain outdoor store. Instead of camping gear and fishing rods, the 116,000-square-foot space is now a multi-level paean to Asian culture and food.

Make no mistake—this is no mall food court. The first level opens into a large specialty market filled with fresh produce, live seafood tanks, and aisles of international snacks, all surrounded by the storefronts of vendors offering a range of services, from insurance to beauty products. Upstairs, the second level is a dynamic food hall packed with walk-up counters and sit-down spots, where you can sample delectables like Taiwanese bubble tea, Korean street food, and traditional Chinese roasted meats in a single visit. Since its 2023 opening, Asia Mall has quickly become one of the most popular food halls in Minnesota for diners who appreciate variety and authentic flavors.

The Vendors and Dishes You Cannot Miss

If you're a fan of noodles, you won't want to pass up Pho Mai. Their classic beef pho features a savory, aromatic broth that takes hours to simmer—but don't overlook their grilled pork banh mi. The bread is crispy on the outside, matching the rich flavor of the pork, all punched up with the bright crunch of pickled daikon.

For something a bit easier to eat on the go, head over to the CrunCheese Korean Hot Dogs counter. The potato mozzarella hot dog is a symphony of textures, with a mozzarella core coated in a batter studded with crispy, golden potato cubes and fried to order. Add a dusting of sugar and a drizzle of spicy mayo for a sweet-and-savory combination.

Bakery lovers will need to visit Keefer Court, a Chinese bakery and Twin Cities staple for more than four decades. It was originally located in the West Bank neighborhood of Minneapolis before finding its new home at Asia Mall. The savory curry beef and sweet barbecue pork buns are what keep folks coming back for more.

Prefer a sit-down dining experience? Check out Hot Pot City. It's an all-you-can-eat hot pot eatery where tables have built-in burners, and robotic cat "servers" glide through the dining room to deliver plates of sliced meats and fresh greens.

What It's Like To Visit

Walking into Asia Mall is a sensory experience—people bustling among bright colors, a cacophony of music and voices mixing with the sounds of food being prepared, served, or rung up at registers. The combined aromas of the spices and cuisines make just strolling through the space a heady undertaking.

Asia Mall is popular, so expect lines at peak lunch and dinner hours. If you find yourself waiting for a seat, kill some time at Ebisu on the second floor and browse its Japanese plushies, keychains, and blind-box figurines. Also, the main parking lot requires a bit of patience, especially on weekends.

For hours, special events, and a complete vendor list, check out the official Asia Mall website. Next time you're looking for things to do in Minnesota, especially on days better spent indoors, spend some time exploring this fantastic food hall in Eden Prairie.