Shuang Hur Supermarket
Located at 654 University Ave W, Shuang Hur Supermarket is a legendary fixture of St. Paul’s "Frogtown" neighborhood. Established in the late 1980s by the Pan family, this market was a pioneer in bringing the flavors of Southeast Asia to the Twin Cities. While the shiny New Shuang Hur on Nicollet Ave in Minneapolis often gets the "modern" vote, the University Avenue location remains the soul of the operation—a gritty, authentic, and high-energy hub that serves as the culinary heartbeat of the local Hmong, Vietnamese, and Thai communities.
The University Ave Highlights
The "Fresh-Butchered" Meat Counter: This is the store’s most famous asset. Unlike pre-packaged grocery stores, Shuang Hur offers a traditional "full-service" butcher experience. It is the primary destination for pork belly (skin-on), whole ducks, and specific cuts like pork snouts or blood, which are essential for authentic Hmong and Southeast Asian soups.
The Produce "Jungle": The vegetable section is a masterclass in biodiversity. It is one of the few places in Minnesota where you can find fresh galangal, lemongrass stalks, and half a dozen varieties of Asian eggplant and leafy greens (like Yu Choy and Pea Shoots) that are often delivered daily.
The Aromatic "Durian Corner": You will often smell the fruit section before you see it. Shuang Hur is a local headquarters for exotic fruits, stocking fresh jackfruit, rambutans, and the "King of Fruits"—Durian. In the summer, their pallet-sized displays of tropical fruits draw shoppers from across the metro area.
The "Great Wall" of Rice: The back of the store features an incredible landscape of 20lb, 40lb, and 50lb bags of rice. From premium Thai Jasmine and Sweet/Sticky Rice to specialized red and black varieties, it provides the foundation for thousands of local family meals every week.
Hidden "Home Goods" Aisle: Tucked among the groceries is a section for heavy-duty kitchenware. This is where you find the thick granite mortars and pestles required for a proper green papaya salad, as well as oversized stainless steel steamers and traditional Asian cleavers.
Why It’s Unique
Shuang Hur is defined by its "Legacy of Access." It is uniquely unpretentious; it remains a "working-class" market where quality and price are prioritized over trendy decor. It captures the spirit of a traditional "wet market" while functioning with American efficiency. It is the kind of place where multiple generations of families shop together, navigating aisles filled with spicy Thai curry pastes, Hmong sausages, and every imaginable variety of fish sauce. It isn't just a grocery store; it is a historical landmark of the Twin Cities' immigrant success story.
Insider Tip: Parking in the small front lot can be incredibly competitive, especially on weekend mornings. The "pro move" is to visit on a Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon for a much calmer experience. Also, keep an eye out for the freshly made dessert cups (like Tri-color dessert or sticky rice with mango) often found near the registers.
Essential Information
Address: 654 University Ave W, St Paul, MN 55104
Hours: Open daily from 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM.
Vibe: Bustling, fragrant, and deeply community-oriented. It’s the ultimate "deep dive" into Southeast Asian home cooking.
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