july 25, 2025
Nia Rasavong, owner and operator at Ruam Mit Thai & Lao Cuisine restaurant, surprises me, “I never knew of or heard of Downtown Saint Paul until I started working at Ruam Mit in the summer of 2008. Over the years though I've grown to love this city…”
“There are so many things I love about Downtown Saint Paul. Despite it being a metropolitan center and the capitol of Minnesota, Saint Paul has a very calm and peaceful energy compared to other big cities. There is also a lot of diversity here, and every day you meet different people with different cultures.”
“There are many other small businesses in the area which brings me to another thing I love about this city and that is the support for these local businesses. All of these things combine to create this strong sense of community within the area and that makes me proud to be a part of Downtown Saint Paul.”
Nia has a lot of faith in Downtown, “I believe that by focusing on improving the great things about this city, Saint Paul can be busy again. Continuing to support and bring in local businesses and giving them a platform to succeed will always bring people into Downtown. Also, continuing to keep up and maintain the public parks and squares in the area allows the city to hold more events in those places which also brings more of a crowd.”
“In my vision for Downtown Saint Paul, I see a bustling urban center that offers a diverse array of experiences for people of all ages and backgrounds. This includes a mix of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces that cater to the needs and interests of the community.”
Nia is actively involved, "As a business owner in Downtown Saint Paul, I believe that each of us has a role to play in shaping the future of our community. For me, this means actively engaging with my community leaders and advocating for policies and initiatives that support this vision for a thriving Downtown... The future of Downtown Saint Paul is bright, and I am excited to be a part of shaping that future. By working together as a community, we can create a vibrant and thriving downtown that offers a high quality of life for all."
Nia loves what she does, "Every city has its hidden gems, its quiet corners, or its hubs that locals cherish. When asked about my favorite spot in Downtown Saint Paul, my answer isn't a park bench in a sprawling green space or a grand historic landmark. It’s right here, within the bustling walls of my own restaurant, Ruam Mit... For many, a place of business is just that – work. For me, Ruam Mit is so much more. It's not just a business; it's my second home, my creative outlet, and the very pulse of my professional life."
Nia talks about her devotion to Ruam Mit, “While Ruam Mit has a history in Downtown Saint Paul – this is our third iteration in the area – this particular location holds a unique place in my heart. Here, I wasn't just the owner; I was the architect of its very soul. Being involved in the buildout, getting to design the space exactly as I envisioned, was incredibly empowering. Every corner, every wall, every design choice reflects a piece of my vision, making it truly feel like an extension of myself. It’s a tangible representation of years of dreaming and hard work.”
“This personal investment extends far beyond the initial design. I am here, quite literally, seven days a week, from open to close. When I say Ruam Mit is my second home, it’s not an exaggeration. I spend more waking hours within these walls than I do at my house in Eagan. It’s where I pour my energy, my passion, and my dedication into every dish and every customer interaction.”
Nia continues, "Being present constantly allows me to ensure the quality of every meal, to connect with our patrons, and to truly be at the heart of everything we do. It’s a place of constant activity, learning, and connection – not just for me, but for our team and our beloved customers who have become like family."
"My favorite spot isn't simply where I earn my living; it’s where I live a significant part of my life. Ruam Mit is a testament to dedication, personal expression, and the joy of building something from the ground up, precisely how you want it. It’s a place I am immensely proud of, and I invite everyone to step inside and experience the flavor, the atmosphere, and a piece of my heart that resides right here in Downtown Saint Paul."
Nia anchors the corner of Wabasha and 5th, "I love to make people smile, whether it be through a small action, or a grand gesture. I hope that when people walk into Ruam Mit they feel warm, welcomed, and at home. So my goal is to make people smile and enjoy their experience here at my little corner of Downtown Saint Paul."
Thank you, Nia for sharing your Downtown Saint Paul Story with me. And thank you for sharing your heart with our community through your beautiful restaurant Ruam Mit.