Nancy Ngo

Twin Cities

Food Editor at The Minnesota Star Tribune

Food @StarTribune

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Articles

Where to eat when spending 24 hours in downtown St. Cloud

2 weeks ago | startribune.com | Nancy Ngo

During a recent stay in downtown St. Cloud, I was struck by the number of independently owned restaurants dishing distinctive fare alongside beer-and-burger staples. They were the kind of places that leave a lasting impression, enough to make one jealous they aren't in your neighborhood. It might not be surprising that such an independent spirit exists given its history, which began with settlers in the mid-19th century.
3 Asian markets with great delis or restaurants

2 weeks ago | startribune.com | Nancy Ngo

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and a delicious way to celebrate is to explore a variety of rich food traditions right in our backyards. There are plenty of great Asian grocery stores in the Twin Cities that stock specialty ingredients for the recipe you've been wanting to tackle. We're also fortunate that there are plenty of restaurants serving up authentic cuisine from Asia and the Pacific islands.
Restaurant openings and closings in the Twin Cities

3 weeks ago | www2.startribune.com | Sharyn Jackson |Nicole Hvidsten |Nancy Ngo
Olive oil cake is the retro dessert that's making a comeback

3 weeks ago | startribune.com | Nancy Ngo

Olive oil cake, a popular Mediterranean dessert from back in the day, won over hearts for many reasons. For one, baking with olive oil instead of butter was considered a healthier alternative. The ingredient also rendered light and airy results. And, its more neutral profile allowed flavors - such as the citrus in a lemon olive oil cake or chocolate in a chocolate version - to shine through.
Vinai in Minneapolis makes another world's best restaurant list

1 month ago | startribune.com | Nancy Ngo

By Nancy Ngo Chef Yia Vang's restaurant Vinai is getting even more time in the sun: The northeast Minneapolis eatery has been named among the world's best new restaurants by a global publication. This week Condé Nast Travel released the Best New Restaurants in the World: 2025 Hot List, which spotlights 34 restaurants around the world from Bolivia to Sydney and Kenya to Paris.
How a culinary journey to Vietnam led me back to the Twin Cities

1 month ago | startribune.com | Nancy Ngo

It was pitch dark, and things had cooled down in the town just outside of Ho Chi Minh City, the former Saigon, where I was staying with relatives. Because food was never too far from our minds, my aunties and uncles said, "Let's go eat." It was a second dinner, essentially, to the family-style feast we had just hours before.
Restaurant robots are here to serve you

1 month ago | telegraphherald.com | Nancy Ngo

MINNEAPOLIS — Robot servers escort diners to tables, take orders, carry dishes, cook and clean, tasks they’ve been performing in Asian countries for more than a decade. Now they’re working at a dozen restaurants across the Twin Cities and it appears they are here to stay. Those in the industry say this new dining frontier is about finding ways for the technology to co-exist, not to pit robots against humans. “I really hope America leans into this type of automation.
3 restaurant meals for $10 or under

1 month ago | startribune.com | Nancy Ngo

Food prices have soared, and wrapping up taxes is barely in the rearview mirror. At a time when we might be looking for ways to save money, discovering a great restaurant bargain can't be beat. We're crushing on these satisfying meals that go easy on the wallet. Some might take a bit of planning, depending on the time or day of the week these cheap eats are offered, but all are worthwhile in our book.
Restaurant Robots Are Here to Serve You

1 month ago | theepochtimes.com | Nancy Ngo

These robots are commonly seen in Asian countries and now they are serving at a dozen restaurants across the Twin Cities. 4/11/2025Updated: 4/11/2025By Nancy Ngo The Minnesota Star TribuneMINNEAPOLIS—Robot servers escort diners to tables, take orders, carry dishes, cook, and clean, tasks they’ve been performing in Asian countries for more than a decade. Now they’re working at a dozen restaurants across the Twin Cities and it appears they are here to stay.
Restaurant robots are here to serve you

1 month ago | uniondemocrat.com | Nancy Ngo

Robot servers escort diners to tables, take orders, carry dishes, cook and clean, tasks they’ve been performing in Asian countries for more than a decade. Now they’re working at a dozen restaurants across the Twin Cities and it appears they are here to stay. Those in the industry say this new dining frontier is about finding ways for the technology to co-exist, not to pit robots against humans. “I really hope America leans into this type of automation.