Dragon Star Oriental Foods

Category:	Grocery Store
Address:	633 W Minnehaha Ave, St Paul, MN 55104, USA
Phone:	+1 651-488-2567
Rating:	4.2
Working:	8AM–7PM 8AM–7PM 8AM–7PM 8AM–7PM 8AM–7PM 8AM–7PM 8AM–7PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 8

Alison

This is one of the best Asian markets in the Twin Cities. They have some of the lowest prices on imported goods, the freshest selection of produce, and one of the widest arrays of asian foods in one central location. I have been looking for a market of this style since I moved back from Japan a few years ago. I personally tend to frequent United Noodle more because I live closer and I cook more traditional Japanese food. Plus friends all kept mentioning that UN is the best and especially for Japanese ingredients. I would say that if you are looking strictly for Japanese style ingredients, United Noodle is a little bit easier to navigate because it is all in one section at their location. At Dragon Star everything is spread throughout. Many things are still there, but it just takes longer to find. That being said, it is worth the drive to St. Paul for several reasons. The prices on many of their jarred sauces, soy sauce, and oils seem to average about $1 - $2 below United Noodle. In addition, their freezer section is MASSIVE. If you are looking for a certain type of frozen clam, crab, shrimp, or what have you, they have it here. I was also highly impressed by their produce. Most of it was absolutely gorgeous and the prices are outrageously cheap. I was able to pick up three bunches of beautiful cilantro for 99 cents, thai basil for $2.00, and young coconuts for $2. They also have a great selection of more tropical fruits such as Star Fruit, Mangoes, Papayas, and various types of plums. The prices are very, very reasonable. I do not purchase meat simply from a bad experience once with another asian markets meat section. The seafood selection however is quite extensive. They do have a few things that Im a little wary of, such as buckets of shrimp you can help yourself too. They didnt have any ice and the buckets were not cold on my last visit. However, they have the same type of shrimp up at the counter so I picked some up there instead and they were wonderful. They also have a very good selection of various fish. I would like to try some of their live fish. At the time of this writing they had live Dungeness Crab for 10.99 lb and live lobster for 11.99 lb. In addition they also had lots of live catfish. The live specimens all looked to be in good shape and quite mobile, which is always a good sign. Overall I would say if you do a lot of asian cooking that spans multiple cuisines, this is your place to go. If you get overwhelmed by confusing and loud markets, then maybe visit somewhere else instead. As some reviewers have stated, it does smell a bit fishy but honestly it is still worth the trip.

Krystina Yang

The veggies are the cheapest that I could find and still good quality. I get my cilantro and green onion here. I dont tend to buy lettuce here. The American foods seem to be priced a little higher, but thats expected because this is an Asian food store. The customer service is good. I have to be careful next time I go because the pricing on the shelf was not what i was charged on a couple items. I keep track on my clipboard what the prices are and I decided to keep the items just to not make a fuss about it, but if it happens more frequently Ill have to say something because a little here and there makes a difference. I really like the choices that I get with going here. There are a great variety of choices. I get all my Asian food items here. There are a good variety of Mexican food items here as well, although Im probably not the best person to say, because I dont frequently visit a Mexican grocery. I enjoy the inside little "made fresh" area with the dessert drink, papaya, and sandwiches served fresh. It is a great convenience if you want to eat something soon/ immediately.

Heather Ringer

Ive been going here for about 2 years now (since I moved into the area) on a fairly regular basis and really enjoy this place. While a stereotypical Caucasian grocery-store-goer may be put off due to the smell, or dinginess of this store - dont be fooled, its fab. Rice is very inexpensive here, the produce price is very good and while the seafood area could deal with some more TLC, Ive always gotten good seafood here. Plus, I come at night and I see them cleaning regularly - which is quite nice. I would say though the mislabeling or complete lack of pricing is sometimes annoying, but as in quite a few Asian markets Ive been to - not unusual. Also - I will say if you do need help, as english is definately a second language here, Ive been met on occasion with some rudeness. Not often - but it does happen. Anyway, if youre not afraid of the unknown, try this place - Its better in price and quality than local American groceries!

蔡之丰

Dragon Star is terrible. Dont go there, as they will not refund in case the food went bad. I bought rice cake like 3 weeks ago and I kept it well refrigerated. I found it went bad and molted this morning and so I went there and asked for a refund or a switch. Well, the manager refused and argued that the food was good at the time of purchase. He was rude and not understanding at all. I asked if I can talk to the owner and he refused and said that the owner is busy. In the end I was not able to get a refund, or a switch. If you ever want to shop there, be prepared for the BS.

Ron Burg Burg

I attempted to return 4 items that I purchased. They wanted a recipe. Long gone. I ask the girl at the counter if she keeps all her recipes. She said NO... so I ask for return . Contacted manager. ..he would not do it. Some months ago they did return item that I purchased without recipe. .. I want to purchase $20 to $30 of another items that I need for my new life style. I will never shop there again and I will not refer anyone else to shop there. II have personally refereed over 50 people about the store.

Friedd Ice

Love stores like these. It has everything I need. Ive always been coming to stores like these since I was a youngin. However, this particular store I havent been to in about a decade. I was very disappointed that the quail eggs I purchased. Some were rotten even though on the label it said fresh. It got me wondering if other things they were selling are expired. Also, a lot of items are missing the pricing label. Other than that, this store has a lot of varieties. You can find many things you need.

Kristen Evenson

I love this place for the fresh vegetables and great variety of asian foods. They also have a wonderful selection of fresh seafood. Ive been able to find everything I need for my Chinese, Hmong, Thai, Cambodian, Vietnamese (SE asian) cuisines, but not for some others like Indian. They do also have some African and Central American foods thrown in for fun! They also have a small bakery with SE asian treats. Not to be missed!

Angelica Timbush

An absolute gem of a grocery store in St. Paul. Whether youre looking for speciality ingredients (pheasant, quail eggs, or live bass), candy, soda, or produce, this store has it all. Great service, as well. The only issue I have with the store is with the organization. Items tend to repeat in the aisles (three aisles had the same brand/variety of fish sauce). But, that just means you get to explore more of the store!