A small bakery with a long memory.

Ai Hue's started the way most Saint Paul institutions do — quietly, behind a counter, with one person who knew exactly how the bread should sound when you tap it. Today, the storefront at 432 University Ave W is one of the most beloved Vietnamese bakeries in the Twin Cities.

Every morning, the ovens are on before the sun is. Baguettes go in first, then the day's pastries — pandan sponge cake, mung bean cookies, sticky rice rolls in banana leaf. By the time the doors open, the case is full and the broth for pho has already been simmering for hours.

Our regulars know the rhythm. A grilled pork banh mi to go, a Vietnamese iced coffee for the drive, a sponge cake for someone back home. New here? Order the đặc biệt. Trust the bread.

We're closed on Tuesdays so the team can rest, prep, and bake well the rest of the week. We hope to see you the other six days.