Bemidji is set to welcome a new culinary gem in early 2025 with the arrival of Pho Bemidji, a Vietnamese restaurant poised to become a local favorite. Located at 414 Beltrami Ave. NW, in the space formerly occupied by Table for 7, Pho Bemidji promises to bring the rich and flavorful tradition of Vietnamese cuisine to the heart of Minnesota. This exciting venture is spearheaded by Patcharin “Meow” Nuankhao, the entrepreneurial force behind Kin Asian Market and Kin Poke, both beloved establishments in Bemidji. Meow is collaborating with her husband, Watcharin “Tek” Jaichuen, and a partner from their native Thailand to meticulously prepare the space and craft an authentic dining experience.
Pho, pronounced “fuh,” is more than just a dish; it’s the national culinary emblem of Vietnam. This iconic soup, celebrated globally for its comforting and complex flavors, consists of a deeply aromatic broth, delicate rice noodles, and thinly sliced meat, typically beef or chicken. Often served with a vibrant array of fresh garnishes like bean sprouts, fragrant herbs, zesty limes, and fiery chiles, pho offers a customizable and deeply satisfying culinary journey.
The inspiration for Pho Bemidji stems directly from the community’s desires. According to Meow, customers of Kin Asian Market and Kin Poke, located on Bemidji Avenue and 15th Street, have consistently expressed their longing for authentic pho. Currently, Kin Poke’s kitchen is limited to cold dishes, leaving a gap in the local dining scene for warm, comforting Vietnamese soups. “They say if we want to eat pho we have to go to Fargo or Minneapolis,” Meow explained, highlighting the demand for this Vietnamese staple within Bemidji itself.
Pho Bemidji is not just filling a culinary void; it’s bringing generations of restaurant expertise to the town. Meow’s new business partner hails from a family with a remarkable 50-year history in the restaurant industry in northeast Thailand, bordering Laos and Vietnam. This rich heritage ensures that Pho Bemidji will offer not only exceptional pho but also a diverse menu of Vietnamese delights. Diners can anticipate savoring classic Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches, flavorful rice and noodle dishes, and the distinctive richness of Vietnamese coffee. Meow and Tek are actively involved in launching the restaurant, aiming for a potential opening as early as February. “It’s good timing,” Meow noted, “My husband can help her with the recipe and the training,” ensuring the authenticity and quality of each dish.
Meow and Tek’s journey to Bemidji began approximately four years ago when they joined Tara Bemidji, a Thai restaurant established in 2016 by Keng Dechawuth. Tek contributed his culinary skills in the kitchen at Tara, while Meow’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to manage Kin Asian Market when it opened in 2023. She later acquired the market from Dechawuth and further expanded her culinary footprint by opening Kin Poke earlier this year. Her sister, Nachpanicha Nuankhao, also plays a vital role in the family businesses, working at the market.
Meanwhile, Keng Dechawuth, a prominent figure in Bemidji’s evolving food scene, is also on the verge of launching a new venture. His latest project, The Blue Oyster, is nearing completion in the former Elks Lodge on Beltrami Avenue and Fourth Street, with a projected opening in December or January. Dechawuth’s diverse portfolio includes the Puposky Pearl mushroom farm, Blue Oyster and Chick N Rice in Brainerd, Minn., Drunken Noodle in Crosby, Minn., and Wasabi Sushi and Asian Grill in Fargo, N.D. Notably, Dechawuth was also the founder of Wasabi and Slurp Ramen in Bemidji, which he later sold to his managers. Slurp Ramen, initially located in the very space where Pho Bemidji will soon open, has since relocated across the street to join Wasabi.
The upcoming opening of Pho Bemidji signifies an exciting expansion of Bemidji’s culinary landscape, promising to introduce authentic Vietnamese flavors and solidify the town’s position as a destination for diverse and high-quality dining experiences. Food enthusiasts in Bemidji and beyond should eagerly anticipate the arrival of Pho Bemidji, a restaurant poised to become a pioneer in Vietnamese cuisine within the region.
