Golden Harvest Foods
Located at 900 Maryland Ave E, Golden Harvest Foods is a premier Hmong-owned grocery store that has served as a cultural anchor for St. Paul’s East Side since 1988. After a devastating fire in 2018, the market reopened in 2019 with a complete high-tech remodel, transforming it into one of the most organized and modern Asian supermarkets in the Twin Cities.
The Golden Harvest Highlights
The "Zing Wing" Obsession: The hot deli is legendary, specifically for its Zing Wings. These spicy, crispy chicken wings have a cult following and are often ordered by the platter for local parties.
Modernized Hmong Deli: Beyond wings, the deli serves authentic Hmong and Lao staples, including Lao sausage, crispy pork belly, and bundles of fresh sticky rice—all prepared using state-of-the-art equipment to ensure consistent quality.
Premium Meat Department: The market is widely praised for its meat counter. They offer high-quality cuts of pork and beef, often processed in-house, and are known for their efficiency in weighing and wrapping odd-sized cuts for traditional stews.
Cleanliness & Order: Unlike the "warehouse" feel of some older international markets, Golden Harvest is known for being exceptionally bright, clean, and easy to navigate. The aisles are meticulously labeled and stocked with everything from 50-pound rice sacks to specialized Southeast Asian sauces.
Community Legacy: Founded by Shua Xiong, the market is now entering its third generation of family management. It’s a place where you’ll see grandparents shopping alongside their grandchildren, maintaining a deep connection to Hmong culinary heritage.
Why It’s Unique
Golden Harvest represents the evolution of the neighborhood market. It successfully balances the feel of a local "mom-and-pop" shop with the efficiency of a modern grocery store. It’s particularly valued for its customer service; the staff are known for being helpful and often use communication headsets to quickly locate items for customers in the aisles.
Local Tip: Because the deli is so popular, it can get very busy around lunchtime and during the holidays. If you are planning to pick up a large order of egg rolls or Zing Wings for an event, call ahead to ensure they are ready for you.
Essential Information
Address: 900 Maryland Ave E, St Paul, MN 55106
Hours: Open daily, typically from 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
Parking: There is a dedicated, well-lit parking lot adjacent to the building, making it a convenient stop even during the snowy Minnesota winter.
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