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A dish of noodles, pork, chicken, and a mess of herbs, with a side of hot stock Nick Woo/EPDX

27 Iconic Portland Dishes and Drinks

Whether you’re visiting or just looking for the hits, find the city's most famous plates

by Brooke Jackson-Glidden and Mattie John Bamman Updated
5 comments / new
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by Brooke Jackson-Glidden and Mattie John Bamman Updated
5 comments / new
Nick Woo/EPDX

If restaurants have the ability to achieve something like cult status, it’s often as a result of one iconic dish that’s influenced the local culinary scene. Over the years, iconic plates have come and gone, but most are permanent fixtures. This map honors these stalwarts of Portland dining — those dishes that, were they to be removed from menus, would cause a citywide revolt.

From foie gras profiteroles to pizzas topped with tatsoi, the dishes that define Portland’s food scene celebrate some of the best parts of living here: Local produce, artistic honesty, and plain-old playfulness. They tell stories of the people who live here — The cultural capital of a relatively young state, Portland is a city of immigrants and expats, bringing culinary traditions from Vietnam, Norway, and everywhere in between. Our food tells stories from around the world in a language of local ingredients, with humor, honesty, and remarkable creativity. Below, find the dishes that define us.

Note: Health experts consider dining out to be a high-risk activity for the unvaccinated; it may pose a risk for the vaccinated, especially in areas with substantial COVID transmission.

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Note: Restaurants on this map are listed geographically.
If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Fried Chicken Combo at Hat Yai

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Chef Akkapong Earl Ninsom is by all accounts crushing Thai food in Portland, and that includes fried chicken. Hat Yai's star dish, the fried chicken leg quarter, Malayu-style curry, and roti combo, provides the best of all worlds: crispy chicken and pan-fried bread with rich and spicy curry for dipping. And note: dipping should be mandatory.

1605 NE Killingsworth St., Portland, OR 97211
(503) 764-9701
(503) 764-9701

Also featured in:

Expatriate Nachos at Expatriate

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It would be hard to name a more distinctive plate of Portland nachos than the version at Expatriate: Wonton chips arrive in a gooey Thai chile cheese sauce, with lemongrass-scented beef and makrut lime and tomato salsa. They have that nice balance of smart twists with all the messy, unfussy charm of bar nachos — Portland bar food in a nutshell.

5424 NE 30th Ave, Portland, OR 97211
(503) 867-5309
(503) 867-5309

Also featured in:

Mozzarella Shots at Gabbiano's

Copy Link

This dish is a very young contender for this map, but in its short tenure, the mozzarella shots at Gabbiano’s have become the stuff of legend. The team at this Killingsworth Italian restaurant fill shot glass molds with mozzarella, frying them and filling them with hot marinara. The result: A super crispy-crunchy mozzarella ring with the perfect marinara-to-cheese ratio.

5411 NE 30th Ave, Portland, OR 97211
(503) 719-4373
(503) 719-4373

Also featured in:

Seasonal Vegetable Pizzas at Lovely's Fifty Fifty

Copy Link

This is a bit of a cop-out, considering the pizzas change at Lovely’s Fifty-Fifty from week to week. However, Lovely’s distinctive char, use of fresh and raw vegetables, and thick sourdough crust made with Oregon grain flours give it a look that is unique to the Mississippi Pizzeria — even when the toppings change. Sticklers can consider the restaurant’s simple fresh mozzarella pie, paired with dried oregano, to be its true flagship.

4039 N Mississippi Ave, Portland, OR 97217
(503) 281-4060
(503) 281-4060

Also featured in:

White Curry With Brisket Burnt Ends at Eem

Copy Link

When this hardcore collaboration between Akkapong Earl Ninsom (Hat Yai, Langbaan), Matt Vicedomini (Matt’s BBQ), Eric Nelson (Shipwreck), and Colin Yoshimoto (formerly Poke Mon) opened on North Williams, the brisket burnt end curry became the fan favorite quickly, a perfect encapsulation of the restaurant’s schtick: Chunks of smoked fatty brisket bathe in Golden Mountain, white vinegar, and sugar before landing in a mild, subtly spiced white curry. The combination makes for a sweet, aromatic-heavy dish ideally paired with any of the restaurant’s maximalist cocktails (or mocktails).

3808 North Williams Avenue st, 127, Portland, OR 97227
(971) 295-1645
(971) 295-1645

Also featured in:

Aebleskivers at Broder Nord

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This Scandinavian cafe has become a sensation throughout Portland, with locations on both sides of Burnside as well as a Hood River outpost. And of Broder’s several beloved dishes — lost eggs, Swedish meatballs — the restaurant’s aebleskivers, or Danish pancakes, are its top billing. Little spheres of soft dough come dusted with powdered sugar, with little ramekins of lemon curd and lingonberry jam.

3765 N Mississippi Ave, Portland, OR 97227
(503) 282-5555
(503) 282-5555

Also featured in:

Doughnuts and Chai at Pip's Original Doughnuts & Chai

Copy Link

Yes, tourists love to talk about Voodoo Doughnut and its outlandish fried creations, but Pip’s is a local favorite for piping hot, freshly fried doughnuts, simply adorned with a drizzle of honey or a coating of cinnamon sugar. Paired with a cup of house chai, it’s extremely hard to beat — especially on your birthday, when a dozen mini-doughnuts are free.

4759 NE Fremont St, Portland, OR 97213
(503) 206-8692
(503) 206-8692

Also featured in:

Teriyaki Chicken at Du's Grill

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Name-dropped by the rapper Aminé and once called the “best Korean teriyaki in the known universe,” a plate of char-blistered, juicy fried chicken drenched in sweet teriyaki, served with a scoop of rice and a poppyseed-dressed salad, is a rite of passage for those who grew up in Portland. The menu has a few other options — yakisoba, a tofu bowl — but when you’re at Du’s, you’re in it for the chicken.

5365 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97213
(503) 284-1773
(503) 284-1773

The Adam at Bing Mi Food Cart

Copy Link

Really, any of the loaded jianbing at this Northwest Portland cart could hit this map, but the Adam may be its top performer: Ribbons of egg, wonton crackers, green onions, and its classic “bing sauce” are interspersed with pieces of Chinese sausage and bacon, in a hearty handheld crepe. It’s worth strolling through Nob Hill, jianbing in hand, on a nice day.

1845 NW 23rd Pl, Portland, OR 97210
(971) 940-4396
(971) 940-4396

Also featured in:

Miang Som and Kanom Krok at Langbaan

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This supper club within Northwest Portland’s Phuket Cafe changes its menu monthly, but a few snacks never seem to leave the menu: the miang som, a betel leaf filled with jewels of cara cara orange and shrimp, as well as the kanom krok, a sweet Hokkaido scallop dressed with coconut cream in a crispy rice cup. Both are perfect little bites, frequently discussed and treasured, when people talk about their meals at one of the city’s finest tasting menu spots.

1818 NW 23rd Pl, Portland, OR 97210
(971) 344-2564
(971) 344-2564

Also featured in:

Fried Chicken Melt at Jojo

Copy Link

While the original cart is temporarily closed, this legendary fried chicken sandwich destination known for its Instagram has opened a full-on restaurant in the Pearl District, serving its likely most-photographed sandwich: a fried chicken melt, with crispy-fried thighs smashed between shokupan with coleslaw, ranch, and both cheddar and American. There are plenty of fantastic sandwiches at Jojo — the spicy chicken comes to mind — but when it comes to something distinctly emblematic of the brand, a cross-section of this gorgeous sandwich (and a side of massive jojos) is hard to top.

902 NW 13th Ave, Portland, OR 97209
(971) 331-4284
(971) 331-4284

Also featured in:

Pandan Breakfast Sandwich at Matta

Copy Link

It’s odd to think that the pandan breakfast sandwich at Matta wasn’t on the menu when the cart opened, considering its meteoric rise into Portland breakfast sandwich royalty. A toasted pandan bun arrives stuffed with a smashed pork patty, American cheese, a curry-spiced hash brown, and a fried egg, yolk dripping and mixing with the sandwich’s tasty “dac biet” sauce. It’s best paired with cà phê, featuring Matta’s house roast.

807 NE Couch St, Portland, OR 97232
(971) 258-2849
(971) 258-2849

Also featured in:

The Lebronald Palmer at Deadstock Coffee Roasters

Copy Link

Portland’s a coffee town, there’s no doubt about it, but when it comes to coffee drinks you could really only find in Portland, it’s hard to beat the Lebronald Palmer at this sleek Old Town coffee shop. Owner Ian Williams blends the coffee he roasts himself with sweet tea and lemonade for a drink you think would clash; instead, it’s one of the more creative — and tasty — cold coffee drinks in Portland.

408 NW Couch St Suite 408, Portland, OR 97209
(971) 220-8727
(971) 220-8727

Also featured in:

Onion Rings at Ringside Steakhouse

Copy Link

Ringside Steakhouse’s onion rings are the things of local legend. Renowned local gourmand James Beard called the onion rings the finest he had ever eaten in the United States: wide, lightly battered rings served with a gravy boat of thousand island. For a luxe upgrade, the rings are particularly tasty when dunked in a side of house bearnaise.

2165 W Burnside St, Portland, OR 97210
(503) 223-1513
(503) 223-1513

Also featured in:

Pastrami Zombie at Sammich PDX

Copy Link

Some may argue that Sammich’s Italian Beef is its signature sandwich, but only one sandwich on the menu inspired its own offshoot food cart. Sammich’s answer to a reuben, the Pastrami Zombie takes the Burnside restaurant’s house-brined, smoked, and steamed pastrami, pairing it with Swiss and Russian dressing. But instead of the customary sauerkraut, Sammich stacks its sandwich high with a super thinly shaved cabbage slaw, which provides a nice, fresh crunch. Pros know to throw on some of the shop’s house giardiniera for an added kick.

2137 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214
(503) 477-4393
(503) 477-4393

Also featured in:

More in Maps

Foie Gras Profiteroles at Le Pigeon

Copy Link

Some might lobby for the beef cheek bourguignon at Gabriel Rucker's Burnside bistro, but this savory-leaning dessert, on the menu from the very beginning, is a better representation of the what has made the restaurant famous: It's playful, experimental, rich, and mind-blowing.

738 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214

Maple bacon bar at Voodoo Doughnuts

Copy Link

Whether you're a Voodoo lover or a Voodoo hater, you must admit that few Portland eats are quite as iconic as the maple bacon bar. We'd argue it kicked off the nationwide bacon craze and turned pink boxes into the most popular Portland souvenir.

22 SW 2nd Ave, Portland, OR 97204

Nong's Khao Man Gai

Copy Link

From a food cart, an obsession is born. Nong Poonsukwattana started out making one thing meticulously, and in the process she turned a Thai comfort food staple into Portland’s comfort food staple. Since then, her famous khao man gai has spawned two permanent restaurants, a bottled sauce, and deep, visceral craving among everyone who tries it.

609 SE Ankeny St C, Portland, OR 97214
(503) 740-2907
(503) 740-2907

Also featured in:

Fried Brie at Scotch Lodge

Copy Link

This sleek, sultry, subterranean Scotch bar serves a wickedly delicious snack that lands somewhere between a mozzarella stick and baked brie — sticks of brie rolled in pumpernickel crumbs, fried, and served with verjus and pistachios. It has that special, quintessentially Portland quality of being culinarily ingenious, a little ridiculous, and super tasty.

215 SE 9th Ave Ste 102, Portland, OR 97214
(503) 208-2039
(503) 208-2039

Also featured in:

Spanish Coffee at Huber's

Copy Link

Portland’s famous Spanish coffee service is one of those bucket-list experiences for both locals and tourists. The drink is prepared tableside, during which overproof rum is set on fire in a sugar-rimmed glass before it’s topped with coffee liqueur, coffee, and a little whipped cream. It’s all served in Portland’s oldest restaurant.

411 SW 3rd Ave, Portland, OR 97204
(503) 228-5686
(503) 228-5686

Also featured in:

Charcuterie plate at Olympia Provisions

Copy Link

House-made charcuterie is ubiquitous on Portland menus, thanks in part to the astronomic rise of Olympia Provisions and its USDA-certified curing facility, which is now distributing its sopressatas, chorizos, and saucissons nationwide. At its flagship Southeast Portland restaurant, the charcuterie board could feature a wide range of products, from mortadella to salami to head cheese terrine, depending on the chef's whims of the day.

107 SE Washington St, Portland, OR 97214
View this post on Instagram

feed me charcuterie boards all day, every day

A post shared by Jenny Hong (@jennyhongg) on

Herring Under a Fur Coat at Kachka

Copy Link

Pretty much out of the gate, Kachka became an icon for kicking off the Portland Russian food revolution. And this terrine, sort of Ruskie-style seven-layer-dip, is responsible for turning a city onto, of all things, pickled herring.

720 SE Grand Ave, Portland, OR 97214
(503) 235-0059
(503) 235-0059

Bánh Bò Nướng at Berlu Bakery

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Ever since Berlu started its bakery pop-up on the weekends, crowds have swarmed the restaurant for its bánh bò nướng, a slice of bright green, springy cake with a satisfyingly chewy texture. It’s enough of a sensation that you can now buy birthday cards and socks featuring the tapioca flour cake. Be forewarned: It’s only available on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

605 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR 97214

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Game Hen at Oma's Hideaway

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There would be riots in the streets if Oma’s Hideaway removed this super succulent, charcoal-roasted game hen from its menu, served with a coconut sambal. It takes some of the fun of chef Thomas Pisha-Duffly’s culinary background — incorporating Chinese, Malaysian, American, and Indonesian culinary techniques and flavors — and blends it into one deceptively simple dish, served with a jammy coconut sambal and a light cabbage salad for brightness.

3131 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97202
(971) 754-4923
(971) 754-4923

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Chicken and Jojos at Reel M Inn

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Eating fried chicken and thick-cut potato jojos is a sacred ritual in Portland, whether you’re getting them at Sadie Mae’s, Jojo, or Alberta Market. But often, when Portlanders talk about chicken and jojos, one name comes to mind: Reel M Inn, also known as the Reel, is a true Portland institution, standing in one form or another for 50 years. Sure, big-deal chefs and writers have praised the colorful dive for years, but it’s also treasured by locals, who happily spend an evening playing pool, knocking back shots of whiskey, and dunking crispy hunks of potato and chicken into ranch and Frank’s hot sauce.

2430 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97202
(503) 231-3880
(503) 231-3880

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Cao Lau at Rose VL Deli

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The soups change daily at this cheery Vietnamese soup spot, but on Saturdays, the deli crafts a somewhat dry noodle dish that’s almost impossible to find in American restaurants. Thick noodles sit in a bath of aromatic, sweet broth — they should sit for another two minutes once they arrive at the table — before they’re tossed with peanuts, pork, crackers, and an assortment of herbs and greens; the side of core-warming stock is for you to sip separately. Its intricate, careful construction and depth has made it a Saturday tradition throughout Portland.

6424 SE Powell Blvd, Portland, OR 97206
(503) 206-4344
(503) 206-4344

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Smoked Salmon Tater Tots at Seasons & Regions Seafood Grill

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An oldie but a goodie, Seasons & Regions in Hillsdale has served its smoked salmon tots for years, a combination of two Pacific Northwestern standards. Cheesy potato croquettes of smoked salmon and onion, potato, and garlic get a crispy fry, served with a little mustard dill sauce to play off the flavor of the fish. It’s a casual enough starter to play off the no-fuss attitude of Portland dining, but creative enough to become a cult favorite among locals.

6660 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR 97219
(503) 244-6400
(503) 244-6400
A line of tater tots sit in a cream sauce with a pile of frizzled onions.
Smoked salmon tots at Seasons & Regions.
Christopher D. / TripAdvisor

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Fried Chicken Combo at Hat Yai

1605 NE Killingsworth St., Portland, OR 97211

Chef Akkapong Earl Ninsom is by all accounts crushing Thai food in Portland, and that includes fried chicken. Hat Yai's star dish, the fried chicken leg quarter, Malayu-style curry, and roti combo, provides the best of all worlds: crispy chicken and pan-fried bread with rich and spicy curry for dipping. And note: dipping should be mandatory.

1605 NE Killingsworth St., Portland, OR 97211
(503) 764-9701
(503) 764-9701

Expatriate Nachos at Expatriate

5424 NE 30th Ave, Portland, OR 97211

It would be hard to name a more distinctive plate of Portland nachos than the version at Expatriate: Wonton chips arrive in a gooey Thai chile cheese sauce, with lemongrass-scented beef and makrut lime and tomato salsa. They have that nice balance of smart twists with all the messy, unfussy charm of bar nachos — Portland bar food in a nutshell.

5424 NE 30th Ave, Portland, OR 97211
(503) 867-5309
(503) 867-5309

Mozzarella Shots at Gabbiano's

5411 NE 30th Ave, Portland, OR 97211

This dish is a very young contender for this map, but in its short tenure, the mozzarella shots at Gabbiano’s have become the stuff of legend. The team at this Killingsworth Italian restaurant fill shot glass molds with mozzarella, frying them and filling them with hot marinara. The result: A super crispy-crunchy mozzarella ring with the perfect marinara-to-cheese ratio.

5411 NE 30th Ave, Portland, OR 97211
(503) 719-4373
(503) 719-4373

Seasonal Vegetable Pizzas at Lovely's Fifty Fifty

4039 N Mississippi Ave, Portland, OR 97217

This is a bit of a cop-out, considering the pizzas change at Lovely’s Fifty-Fifty from week to week. However, Lovely’s distinctive char, use of fresh and raw vegetables, and thick sourdough crust made with Oregon grain flours give it a look that is unique to the Mississippi Pizzeria — even when the toppings change. Sticklers can consider the restaurant’s simple fresh mozzarella pie, paired with dried oregano, to be its true flagship.

4039 N Mississippi Ave, Portland, OR 97217
(503) 281-4060
(503) 281-4060

White Curry With Brisket Burnt Ends at Eem

3808 North Williams Avenue st, 127, Portland, OR 97227

When this hardcore collaboration between Akkapong Earl Ninsom (Hat Yai, Langbaan), Matt Vicedomini (Matt’s BBQ), Eric Nelson (Shipwreck), and Colin Yoshimoto (formerly Poke Mon) opened on North Williams, the brisket burnt end curry became the fan favorite quickly, a perfect encapsulation of the restaurant’s schtick: Chunks of smoked fatty brisket bathe in Golden Mountain, white vinegar, and sugar before landing in a mild, subtly spiced white curry. The combination makes for a sweet, aromatic-heavy dish ideally paired with any of the restaurant’s maximalist cocktails (or mocktails).

3808 North Williams Avenue st, 127, Portland, OR 97227
(971) 295-1645
(971) 295-1645

Aebleskivers at Broder Nord

3765 N Mississippi Ave, Portland, OR 97227

This Scandinavian cafe has become a sensation throughout Portland, with locations on both sides of Burnside as well as a Hood River outpost. And of Broder’s several beloved dishes — lost eggs, Swedish meatballs — the restaurant’s aebleskivers, or Danish pancakes, are its top billing. Little spheres of soft dough come dusted with powdered sugar, with little ramekins of lemon curd and lingonberry jam.

3765 N Mississippi Ave, Portland, OR 97227
(503) 282-5555
(503) 282-5555

Doughnuts and Chai at Pip's Original Doughnuts & Chai

4759 NE Fremont St, Portland, OR 97213

Yes, tourists love to talk about Voodoo Doughnut and its outlandish fried creations, but Pip’s is a local favorite for piping hot, freshly fried doughnuts, simply adorned with a drizzle of honey or a coating of cinnamon sugar. Paired with a cup of house chai, it’s extremely hard to beat — especially on your birthday, when a dozen mini-doughnuts are free.

4759 NE Fremont St, Portland, OR 97213
(503) 206-8692
(503) 206-8692

Teriyaki Chicken at Du's Grill

5365 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97213

Name-dropped by the rapper Aminé and once called the “best Korean teriyaki in the known universe,” a plate of char-blistered, juicy fried chicken drenched in sweet teriyaki, served with a scoop of rice and a poppyseed-dressed salad, is a rite of passage for those who grew up in Portland. The menu has a few other options — yakisoba, a tofu bowl — but when you’re at Du’s, you’re in it for the chicken.

5365 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97213
(503) 284-1773
(503) 284-1773

The Adam at Bing Mi Food Cart

1845 NW 23rd Pl, Portland, OR 97210

Really, any of the loaded jianbing at this Northwest Portland cart could hit this map, but the Adam may be its top performer: Ribbons of egg, wonton crackers, green onions, and its classic “bing sauce” are interspersed with pieces of Chinese sausage and bacon, in a hearty handheld crepe. It’s worth strolling through Nob Hill, jianbing in hand, on a nice day.

1845 NW 23rd Pl, Portland, OR 97210
(971) 940-4396
(971) 940-4396

Miang Som and Kanom Krok at Langbaan

1818 NW 23rd Pl, Portland, OR 97210

This supper club within Northwest Portland’s Phuket Cafe changes its menu monthly, but a few snacks never seem to leave the menu: the miang som, a betel leaf filled with jewels of cara cara orange and shrimp, as well as the kanom krok, a sweet Hokkaido scallop dressed with coconut cream in a crispy rice cup. Both are perfect little bites, frequently discussed and treasured, when people talk about their meals at one of the city’s finest tasting menu spots.

1818 NW 23rd Pl, Portland, OR 97210
(971) 344-2564
(971) 344-2564

Fried Chicken Melt at Jojo

902 NW 13th Ave, Portland, OR 97209

While the original cart is temporarily closed, this legendary fried chicken sandwich destination known for its Instagram has opened a full-on restaurant in the Pearl District, serving its likely most-photographed sandwich: a fried chicken melt, with crispy-fried thighs smashed between shokupan with coleslaw, ranch, and both cheddar and American. There are plenty of fantastic sandwiches at Jojo — the spicy chicken comes to mind — but when it comes to something distinctly emblematic of the brand, a cross-section of this gorgeous sandwich (and a side of massive jojos) is hard to top.

902 NW 13th Ave, Portland, OR 97209
(971) 331-4284
(971) 331-4284

Pandan Breakfast Sandwich at Matta

807 NE Couch St, Portland, OR 97232

It’s odd to think that the pandan breakfast sandwich at Matta wasn’t on the menu when the cart opened, considering its meteoric rise into Portland breakfast sandwich royalty. A toasted pandan bun arrives stuffed with a smashed pork patty, American cheese, a curry-spiced hash brown, and a fried egg, yolk dripping and mixing with the sandwich’s tasty “dac biet” sauce. It’s best paired with cà phê, featuring Matta’s house roast.

807 NE Couch St, Portland, OR 97232
(971) 258-2849
(971) 258-2849

The Lebronald Palmer at Deadstock Coffee Roasters

408 NW Couch St Suite 408, Portland, OR 97209

Portland’s a coffee town, there’s no doubt about it, but when it comes to coffee drinks you could really only find in Portland, it’s hard to beat the Lebronald Palmer at this sleek Old Town coffee shop. Owner Ian Williams blends the coffee he roasts himself with sweet tea and lemonade for a drink you think would clash; instead, it’s one of the more creative — and tasty — cold coffee drinks in Portland.

408 NW Couch St Suite 408, Portland, OR 97209
(971) 220-8727
(971) 220-8727

Onion Rings at Ringside Steakhouse

2165 W Burnside St, Portland, OR 97210

Ringside Steakhouse’s onion rings are the things of local legend. Renowned local gourmand James Beard called the onion rings the finest he had ever eaten in the United States: wide, lightly battered rings served with a gravy boat of thousand island. For a luxe upgrade, the rings are particularly tasty when dunked in a side of house bearnaise.

2165 W Burnside St, Portland, OR 97210
(503) 223-1513
(503) 223-1513

Pastrami Zombie at Sammich PDX

2137 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214

Some may argue that Sammich’s Italian Beef is its signature sandwich, but only one sandwich on the menu inspired its own offshoot food cart. Sammich’s answer to a reuben, the Pastrami Zombie takes the Burnside restaurant’s house-brined, smoked, and steamed pastrami, pairing it with Swiss and Russian dressing. But instead of the customary sauerkraut, Sammich stacks its sandwich high with a super thinly shaved cabbage slaw, which provides a nice, fresh crunch. Pros know to throw on some of the shop’s house giardiniera for an added kick.

2137 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214
(503) 477-4393
(503) 477-4393

Related Maps

Foie Gras Profiteroles at Le Pigeon

738 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214

Some might lobby for the beef cheek bourguignon at Gabriel Rucker's Burnside bistro, but this savory-leaning dessert, on the menu from the very beginning, is a better representation of the what has made the restaurant famous: It's playful, experimental, rich, and mind-blowing.

738 E Burnside St, Portland, OR 97214

Maple bacon bar at Voodoo Doughnuts

22 SW 2nd Ave, Portland, OR 97204

Whether you're a Voodoo lover or a Voodoo hater, you must admit that few Portland eats are quite as iconic as the maple bacon bar. We'd argue it kicked off the nationwide bacon craze and turned pink boxes into the most popular Portland souvenir.

22 SW 2nd Ave, Portland, OR 97204

Nong's Khao Man Gai

609 SE Ankeny St C, Portland, OR 97214

From a food cart, an obsession is born. Nong Poonsukwattana started out making one thing meticulously, and in the process she turned a Thai comfort food staple into Portland’s comfort food staple. Since then, her famous khao man gai has spawned two permanent restaurants, a bottled sauce, and deep, visceral craving among everyone who tries it.

609 SE Ankeny St C, Portland, OR 97214
(503) 740-2907
(503) 740-2907

Fried Brie at Scotch Lodge

215 SE 9th Ave Ste 102, Portland, OR 97214

This sleek, sultry, subterranean Scotch bar serves a wickedly delicious snack that lands somewhere between a mozzarella stick and baked brie — sticks of brie rolled in pumpernickel crumbs, fried, and served with verjus and pistachios. It has that special, quintessentially Portland quality of being culinarily ingenious, a little ridiculous, and super tasty.

215 SE 9th Ave Ste 102, Portland, OR 97214
(503) 208-2039
(503) 208-2039

Spanish Coffee at Huber's

411 SW 3rd Ave, Portland, OR 97204

Portland’s famous Spanish coffee service is one of those bucket-list experiences for both locals and tourists. The drink is prepared tableside, during which overproof rum is set on fire in a sugar-rimmed glass before it’s topped with coffee liqueur, coffee, and a little whipped cream. It’s all served in Portland’s oldest restaurant.

411 SW 3rd Ave, Portland, OR 97204
(503) 228-5686
(503) 228-5686

Charcuterie plate at Olympia Provisions

107 SE Washington St, Portland, OR 97214

House-made charcuterie is ubiquitous on Portland menus, thanks in part to the astronomic rise of Olympia Provisions and its USDA-certified curing facility, which is now distributing its sopressatas, chorizos, and saucissons nationwide. At its flagship Southeast Portland restaurant, the charcuterie board could feature a wide range of products, from mortadella to salami to head cheese terrine, depending on the chef's whims of the day.

107 SE Washington St, Portland, OR 97214
View this post on Instagram

feed me charcuterie boards all day, every day

A post shared by Jenny Hong (@jennyhongg) on

Herring Under a Fur Coat at Kachka

720 SE Grand Ave, Portland, OR 97214

Pretty much out of the gate, Kachka became an icon for kicking off the Portland Russian food revolution. And this terrine, sort of Ruskie-style seven-layer-dip, is responsible for turning a city onto, of all things, pickled herring.

720 SE Grand Ave, Portland, OR 97214
(503) 235-0059
(503) 235-0059

Bánh Bò Nướng at Berlu Bakery

605 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR 97214

Ever since Berlu started its bakery pop-up on the weekends, crowds have swarmed the restaurant for its bánh bò nướng, a slice of bright green, springy cake with a satisfyingly chewy texture. It’s enough of a sensation that you can now buy birthday cards and socks featuring the tapioca flour cake. Be forewarned: It’s only available on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

605 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR 97214

Game Hen at Oma's Hideaway

3131 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97202

There would be riots in the streets if Oma’s Hideaway removed this super succulent, charcoal-roasted game hen from its menu, served with a coconut sambal. It takes some of the fun of chef Thomas Pisha-Duffly’s culinary background — incorporating Chinese, Malaysian, American, and Indonesian culinary techniques and flavors — and blends it into one deceptively simple dish, served with a jammy coconut sambal and a light cabbage salad for brightness.

3131 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97202
(971) 754-4923
(971) 754-4923

Chicken and Jojos at Reel M Inn

2430 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97202

Eating fried chicken and thick-cut potato jojos is a sacred ritual in Portland, whether you’re getting them at Sadie Mae’s, Jojo, or Alberta Market. But often, when Portlanders talk about chicken and jojos, one name comes to mind: Reel M Inn, also known as the Reel, is a true Portland institution, standing in one form or another for 50 years. Sure, big-deal chefs and writers have praised the colorful dive for years, but it’s also treasured by locals, who happily spend an evening playing pool, knocking back shots of whiskey, and dunking crispy hunks of potato and chicken into ranch and Frank’s hot sauce.

2430 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97202
(503) 231-3880
(503) 231-3880

Cao Lau at Rose VL Deli

6424 SE Powell Blvd, Portland, OR 97206

The soups change daily at this cheery Vietnamese soup spot, but on Saturdays, the deli crafts a somewhat dry noodle dish that’s almost impossible to find in American restaurants. Thick noodles sit in a bath of aromatic, sweet broth — they should sit for another two minutes once they arrive at the table — before they’re tossed with peanuts, pork, crackers, and an assortment of herbs and greens; the side of core-warming stock is for you to sip separately. Its intricate, careful construction and depth has made it a Saturday tradition throughout Portland.

6424 SE Powell Blvd, Portland, OR 97206
(503) 206-4344
(503) 206-4344

Smoked Salmon Tater Tots at Seasons & Regions Seafood Grill

6660 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR 97219
A line of tater tots sit in a cream sauce with a pile of frizzled onions.
Smoked salmon tots at Seasons & Regions.
Christopher D. / TripAdvisor

An oldie but a goodie, Seasons & Regions in Hillsdale has served its smoked salmon tots for years, a combination of two Pacific Northwestern standards. Cheesy potato croquettes of smoked salmon and onion, potato, and garlic get a crispy fry, served with a little mustard dill sauce to play off the flavor of the fish. It’s a casual enough starter to play off the no-fuss attitude of Portland dining, but creative enough to become a cult favorite among locals.

6660 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR 97219
(503) 244-6400
(503) 244-6400
A line of tater tots sit in a cream sauce with a pile of frizzled onions.
Smoked salmon tots at Seasons & Regions.
Christopher D. / TripAdvisor

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