Courtesy of Visit Saint Paul
As one of the most diverse metros in the nation, the Twin Cities is home to an array of immigrant communities that have molded Minneapolis’ and St. Paul’s culture and history. These are just a few of those influences.
Hmong
Courtesy of The United Hmong Family Inc.
Today, the Twin Cities is home to the largest community of Hmong people in the U.S. From the earliest days of their settlement to the region, Hmong people quickly transformed the Twin Cities cultural landscape, with the Hmong International Freedom Festival kicking off in the early 1980s. Today, the festival is now the largest Hmong sports event in the nation and features sports like Kato, soccer, volleyball, Tuj Lub, and breakdancing. Hmong New Year—a three-day celebration with dancing, music, arts, and so much more—is another event that draws thousands every year to celebrate Hmong culture.
Like so many immigrant communities across the Twin Cities, the Hmong people continue to shape the region’s dining landscape. Hmongtown Marketplace boasts two food courts and outdoor stalls in the summer that sell fresh produce and more. Hmong Village is another great location to find a plethora of Hmong cuisine options, boasting 17 restaurants and more than 10 farmers markets. Plus, we can’t forget Yia Vang’s Vinai and Union Hmong Kitchen, Diane Moua’s Diane’s Place, Khâluna, and Gai Noi, among others.
Courtesy of Visit Saint Paul
Want to dive deeper? Discover the ways Hmong culture has influenced the Twin Cities at the Hmong Cultural Center. Beyond exhibits, interactive displays, art collections, and more, the center teaches music, dance, and ceremonial arts. Free English and citizenship classes are also offered at the center.
Somali
From the many grocery stores and restaurants to cultural events and centers, Somali culture is deeply imbedded into the Twin Cities’ heritage. One of the most well-known Somali locations is “Little Mogadishu,” a Minneapolis neighborhood considered the Somali capital of the U.S. due to its high concentration of Somali businesses and culture. Here, you will find Karmel Mall, the first Somali shopping center in the United States, and it features food, fashion, beauty treatments, and even an indoor mosque. A favorite restaurant in Karmel Mall is Wiilo’s where you will find not only Somali cuisine but Ethiopian dishes, too.
Photo by Vic Campbell/Courtesy of Meet Minneapolis
Several more Somali eateries can be found throughout Minneapolis, including Hamdi Restaurant which serves up Halal dishes. Looking for breakfast? West Bank Diner’s East African menu includes brunch options like Halal breakfast burritos. Afro Deli & Grill sources many of its ingredients locally and has catering options, as well. Additionally, the market and restaurant partners with Kitchen Coalition to provide meals to underserved communities across the city.
Photo by Yasmin Yassin/Courtesy of Meet Minneapolis
Learn more about Somali immigration and cultural influence in Minnesota at the Somali Museum. In addition to housing hundreds of Somali artifacts and traditional arts, the museum hosts traditional finger weaving classes and Dance Troupe.
Latinx
Making up 5.5% of the Twin Cities population, the Latino/Latina community boasts a historic imprint on Twin Cities culture. Latinx immigration to the region dates back to the 1880s, many working seasonally or permanently settling in the area despite the bigotry they faced. Like all immigrant communities in the Twin Cities region, the Latino/Latina community combatted these hardships head on by embracing and preserving their heritage through food, cultural practices, and more.
One of the best locations to grab a cup of coffee in St. Paul is Abogados Café—a gourmet coffee bar and mercadito owned by two lawyers whose office sits right above the cafe. Enjoy Honduran and Latinx coffee beverages as well as other caffeine classics. Also in St. Paul, Don Panchos Bakery boasts a selection of Mexican pastries and breads and is a popular location to grab sweet goodies for parties and celebrations.
Photo by Asha Belk/Courtesy of Meet Minneapolis
Courtesy of Teatro del Pueblo
Minneapolis is also home to several Latino/Latina eateries, including the newly restored El Taco Riendo. After burning down in a fire during the pandemic, the reconstructed restaurant whips up classics like chimichangas, flautas, tacos, and much more. Not to mention, El Taco Riendo’s food truck can be found roaming throughout the Twin Cities region during the warmer months. Looking for an eating experience that is unique yet based in tradition? Gustavo and Kate Romero’s Oro by Nixta celebrates “the power of corn” by making it the star of their dishes. From its ensaladas to its tacos, Oro showcases the cultural and historical significance of corn, one bite at a time. Or check out Christina Nguyen’s Latin-influenced Hola Arepa, El Sazon Tacos & More, or Mercado Central.
There are, of course, many other ways to celebrate Latinx culture in the Twin Cities, including supporting Latino/Latina artists with a visit to Ricardo Levins Morales Art Studio or Electric Machete Studios. Teatro del Pueblo—a local nonprofit theater—showcases Latinx culture and talent via the performing arts.
