Portland’s culinary landscape is renowned for its exceptional Thai food, displaying an impressive variety that caters to all tastes and preferences. This city has firmly established itself as a national destination for Thai cuisine, cemented by standout establishments like Pok Pok and Langbaan, which recently earned accolades at the 2024 James Beard Awards.
The Thai dining experience in Portland offers a mix of hyper-regional specialties and traditional favorites. From the Thai-Chinese dishes typical of Bangkok to the crispy fried chicken on the southern coast, the options are rich and diverse. Local favorites highlight beloved dishes like khao soi and pad kee mao, elevating the everyday dining experience to a new level of quality.
Chef Akkapong “Earl” Ninsom, celebrated as the Chef of the Year in 2019, has significantly influenced the Thai food scene. His restaurants cover a range of flavors from the Isan region of northern Thailand down to southern culinary delights. In addition to the range available in Portland, great venues like Khamdee Thai Cookhouse and Lanna Thai can be found nearby in Beaverton, as well as Chef Thai Cuisine in Vancouver and Nine Dang Fine Thai in Hillsboro.
Among the list of top spots, Ba Mee Thai Noodle House stands out, especially for noodle aficionados. Located on North Williams, this lively restaurant features house-made egg noodles in various comforting dishes. The menu invites guests on a culinary journey inspired by Thailand’s bustling street food culture, serving up delicious bowls of broth with roasted duck and wontons.
Chick & Pig Thai, a humble cart in Woodstock, offers a unique experience with its BBQ and salad sets. Guests can savor grilled or fried meat skewers, beautifully complemented with rice and seasonal vegetables. Known for its smoky marinated pork skewers (moo ping), the cart also features a delightful Chick & Pig Sauce, which customers are encouraged to apply generously. With limited seating available, take-out is the preferred option at this popular spot.
Continuing the exploration of specialized Thai dining, Hat Yai presents a focused menu that highlights the distinctive flavors of Southern Thailand. Helmed by Chef Ninsom and Alan Akwai, the counter-service restaurant has attracted a loyal following since its opening. Patrons flock for staples like the signature fried chicken, tender and flavorful, served alongside roti and a rich, dipping curry sauce.
Langbaan offers a more upscale dining experience, showcasing a tasting menu that changes regularly, inspired by the various cultures and historical aspects of Thailand. After establishing a hidden dining location behind a bookcase at Paadee, executive chef Kitsanaruk Ketkuaviriyanont’s establishment now resides within Phuket Café, where it continues to impress food enthusiasts with its carefully curated courses. Each dinner begins with striking signature dishes, setting the stage for an extraordinary culinary journey.
For a cozy dining atmosphere, Mee Sen Thai Eatery on North Mississippi provides a warm gathering space. Whether on the patio during warm months or inside during the chillier seasons, diners can enjoy a range of Thai dishes, including the ever-popular tom yum soup or flavorful glass noodle salad (yum woo sen). The menu encapsulates a wide selection, ensuring there’s something for everyone, including the beloved khao soi.
A notable name in the Thai food scene, Nong’s Khao Man Gai specializes in Thai-Chinese chicken and rice dishes. From humble beginnings, Nong Poonsukwattana’s success story has blossomed into a thriving restaurant, consistently serving her famed khao man gai. Poached chicken paired with fragrant rice and a robust broth highlights the care taken in crafting each dish, though variations accommodating different dietary preferences abound as well.
Paadee serves as a continued testament to Ninsom’s culinary expertise. Located on the bustling 28th Avenue, this restaurant offers traditional Thai classics alongside unique regional dishes such as fermented pork sausage and specific noodle soup variations. Savory lunch sets make for a convenient option for those seeking a satisfying midday meal, perfectly combining flavor and balance.
Phaya Thai brings a slice of street food culture to Portland, offering a counter-service selection of ready-to-eat curries and stir-fries over rice. With an inviting atmosphere and healthy options, customers can select various toppings paired with their rice choice. Known for its gluten-free menu, Phaya Thai also features a stellar cocktail selection, enhancing the dining experience further.
Rukdiew Cafe captivates guests with its fun and playful approach. Dishes like pad thai topped with fried soft-shell crab and delightful mango paradise highlight the creative interpretations of traditional offerings. Guests can find khao soi executed masterfully here, embodying rich flavors with the addition of a crispy fried nest on top.
Last but not least, Som Tum Thai specializes in the bold and spicy flavors found in Northeastern Thailand’s Isan region. Known for its extensive variations of green papaya salad, this restaurant embraces the heat with dishes featuring raw shrimp and other explosively flavored options. Their signature set meal provides the perfect introduction for those eager to experience a range of flavors, ensuring a satisfying dining experience.
With this rich tapestry of Thai cuisine throughout the city, Portland’s dining scene thrives. Each restaurant and food cart brings forth its unique character and specialties, appealing to locals and visitors alike. Whether indulging in comforting noodle bowls, vibrant salads, or expertly crafted entrees, the experiences are both memorable and flavorful across Portland’s vibrant Thai food offerings.
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