Hmong Life in Saint Paul, Minnesota: A Photo Essay

Photos and Captions by Hmong Cultural and Resource Center

Copyright 2005

The Hmong Community in Saint Paul

Saint Paul, Minnesota is home to the largest number of Hmong people, businesses, and institutions of any city in North America. According to the 2000 census, around 25,000 Hmong live in the city of Saint Paul alone. Community estimates project the actual number as much higher.

Saint Paul is the center of Hmong institutional, commercial, educational, and cultural life in North America. There are an estimated 250 Hmong-owned businesses in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area with the largest number in Saint Paul. Hmong businesses have contributed strongly to the revitalization of the University Avenue, Frogtown, Northend and Eastside areas of Saint Paul. Hmong Homeowners have brought increased stability to these same neighborhoods.

The photo essay in the following slides captures visual images of Hmong institutions in Saint Paul with the goal of giving Minnesotans and non-Minnesotans a sense of the vibrancy and cultural diversity the Hmong community brings to Saint Paul and Minnesota.

The “Hmong Building”on University Avenue

Hmong ABC Bookstore on University Avenue

A Hmong Grocery on University Avenue

Clothing Store on University Avenue

Audio and Video Store on University Avenue

Mai Pastry - a Popular Hmong Restaurant on University Avenue

A Vietnamese Restaurant on University Avenue Advertises its

“Fawm” (Pho) for Hmong Customers

Another Restaurant on University Avenue Featuring Fawm

Vang Dental ClinicOn University Avenue

Another Hmong Market on Snowy University Avenue

Far East Market on White Bear Avenue on Saint Paul’s East Side

Jao Fa Market on White Bear Avenue on Saint Paul’s East Side

Vue Star Grocery Store on White Bear Avenue

Pharmacy Sign on Maryland Avenue

Market on Payne Avenue on Saint Paul’s East Side

Another Payne Avenue Market

Health Center on Rice Street in Saint Paul’s North End

Another Rice Street Health-Oriented Enterprise

Rice Street Photo Shop

Rice Street Auto-Body Shop