If you’ve lived in the Twin Cities long enough, you know the University Avenue shuffle. You’re driving past the Green Line, dodging traffic, and suddenly you’re hit with that specific, unmistakable craving for heavy-duty takeout. Not the kind of stuff you get at a fancy sit-down spot with white tablecloths and a wine list. I’m talking about the kind of meal that comes in those heavy, steam-vented plastic containers that could probably survive a minor natural disaster. That’s usually when people start looking for china one saint paul.
Located at 712 University Ave W, right in the heart of the Rondo and Frogtown area, this place is basically a landmark for anyone who needs a massive amount of food for a remarkably small amount of money.
What the Locals Actually Order
Honestly, the menu is huge. Like, 80-plus items huge. It can be overwhelming if you’re just staring at the wall or scrolling through a delivery app while you’re starving. But if you want to eat like a regular, you have to know the hits.
The Cream Cheese Wontons are, without exaggeration, the soul of this operation. They’re consistently the most-liked item for a reason. They don’t skimp on the filling, and they actually stay crispy even after a 15-minute drive back to your apartment.
Then you’ve got the Sesame Chicken.
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It’s a classic for a reason. The portions are kind of ridiculous. You’ll think you’re ordering for one person, but you end up with enough leftovers to fuel a small army—or at least your lunch for the next two days. The sauce is thick, sweet, and exactly what you expect when you think of American-style Chinese comfort food.
A Quick Rundown of the Menu Gems
- The Lunch Specials: These are the real MVP. For under 10 bucks, you get an entree, rice (white or fried), and a side like an egg roll or more wontons. It’s one of the few places left where you can actually get a full meal for that price.
- Specialty Seafood: If you want to go a little off the beaten path, the Salt & Pepper Shrimp or the Tilapia with Black Bean Sauce are surprisingly legit. They use bold spices that actually have a bit of a kick.
- The "Happy Box": If you’ve got kids, the Happy Box or Party Box options are lifesavers.
The No-Frills Reality
Let’s be real for a second. China One Saint Paul isn't trying to win any interior design awards. It’s a no-frills, takeout-focused spot. If you go there expecting a romantic candlelit dinner, you’re in the wrong place.
It’s about efficiency.
You walk in, you smell the garlic and the fryers, you see the stack of containers ready to go, and you get your food. The staff is fast—sometimes impressively so. They’ve been at this since around 2010, so they have the rhythm of University Avenue down to a science.
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One thing people often get confused about is the name. There are a few "China One" or "No. 1 New China" spots around the metro (like the one in West St. Paul on Bernard Street). While they all serve that classic, comforting style of food, the University Avenue location has its own vibe, tucked into a suite near other local favorites like iPho and King Cajun. It’s part of that specific culinary ecosystem that makes St. Paul great.
Is it Actually "Authentic"?
That's the million-dollar question, right?
If you’re looking for the regional specificities of Szechuan peppercorns that make your tongue go numb, you might head down the street to a place like Magic Noodle. But if you're looking for the authentic experience of a St. Paul neighborhood staple that has fed thousands of families on busy Tuesday nights, then yes, China One is the real deal.
It serves a specific purpose. It’s reliable. You know exactly what the House Special Fried Rice is going to taste like before you even open the bag. There’s a comfort in that consistency that you just can't find at more experimental "fusion" places.
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Getting Your Fix
If you’re planning to head over, just remember that parking on University can be a bit of a gamble. Most people just pull a quick maneuver to grab their bags and head out.
They do a massive amount of business through DoorDash and other delivery services, so the kitchen is almost always humming. Even when it's "closed" between the lunch and dinner rush, you can tell the prep is happening.
Pro Tip: If you’re ordering the Beef Mai Fun or any of the noodle dishes, they tend to hold heat really well. If you’re worried about your food getting cold on the way home, those are your best bets.
At the end of the day, china one saint paul represents what a lot of us love about the city: it’s hardworking, it’s unpretentious, and it gives you exactly what you paid for. Whether you’re a student at the nearby colleges or a long-time resident of the Rondo neighborhood, it’s one of those spots that just feels like home.
Practical Next Steps for Your Visit
- Check the location twice: Ensure you are heading to 712 University Ave W, Ste 101, to avoid ending up at a different "China One" in a different suburb.
- Order the Wontons: Even if you think you don't want them, get the 5-piece or 10-piece cream cheese wontons. You'll regret it if you don't.
- Call ahead: While online ordering is seamless, calling them directly at (651) 298-9888 is often the fastest way to ensure your order is timed perfectly with your arrival.
- Bring an appetite: The "large" portions are genuinely large. If you're eating solo, be prepared for leftovers.