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Two plates of khao man gai from Nong’s, with the side soup, rice, chicken, and ginger sauce.
Khao man gai from Nong’s Khao Man Gai
Katie Acheff/Eater Portland

16 Sick Day Delivery Standbys to Order in Portland

Soups, smoothies, and — of course — Nong’s Khao Man Gai

by Brooke Jackson-Glidden Updated
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Khao man gai from Nong’s Khao Man Gai
| Katie Acheff/Eater Portland
by Brooke Jackson-Glidden Updated

Whether it’s COVID-19, the flu, or just a bad cold, a lot of Portlanders are feeling ill right now. And when feeling ill, there are a few Portland dishes that have sustained us again and again: Nong’s super soup, mole amarillo from Tierra del Sol, a bowl of Mama Leone’s from Elephant’s.

If the last few years have taught us anything, it’s that we need to take illness more seriously: No more heading to the office with the sniffles, and certainly no more dining out with a cough. Sick days and quarantines call for no-contact delivery, and now, more restaurants than ever have started showing up on third-party apps.

Obviously, third-party apps have their own host of problems, both for drivers and for restaurants; however, if the option is “use an app” or “expose everyone at a restaurant to your germs,” the former is obviously preferable. So there are a few golden rules to keep in mind: Check the restaurant’s website first for in-house delivery options, tip well (both the driver and the restaurant, if an option), provide detailed delivery instructions so drivers can find you quickly, and ask for no-contact delivery, to protect your delivery driver. When possible, opt for local companies like CCC over the big boys, and if you know you’re going to be isolating for a while, order a few extra items, for leftovers.

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Mama Leone’s Soup at Elephants Delicatessen

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Mama Leone’s from Elephant’s is a Portland tradition. A creamy tomato-chicken soup loaded with spinach, celery, and onions, it’s hearty enough to stand alone as a meal. Devotees order it by the quart, perhaps alongside a pint of vitamin-packed tomato-orange soup. Order it via Caviar or DoorDash.

115 NW 22nd Ave, Portland, OR 97210
(503) 299-6304
(503) 299-6304

Also featured in:

Chicken, Sweet Potatoes, and Bone Broth at Mama Bird

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Those with sensitive stomachs will appreciate this Northwest Portland’s restaurant’s simple, flavorful grilled chicken, especially when paired with a few sides: The restaurant’s ginger-laden bone broth was born for sick days, whether you’re dealing with a stomach bug or a sort throat; the vitamin-A-rich sweet potatoes, charred to caramelized sweetness with a gently spiced vadouvan yogurt, are a smart addition both in terms of flavor and healing potential. Mama Bird appears on third-party apps like Uber Eats and DoorDash.

2145 NW Raleigh St, Portland, OR 97210
(503) 384-2064
(503) 384-2064

Also featured in:

Masoor Dal at Bhuna

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Ah, the culinary salve that is Bhuna’s masoor dal, a stewed lentil soup with plenty of ginger, garlic, and tomato. The gentle spice and creamy lentils are a life-saver, especially when dealing with a sore throat. The orders here are small, so it’s best to double-up; or, better yet, opt for the restaurant’s chana masala and eggplant-and-tomato, a trifecta of warm, gently spiced stewed veggies. Order it for delivery online.

704 NW 21st Ave, Portland, OR 97209
(971) 865-2176
(971) 865-2176

Also featured in:

Fresh Prince of Brazil at Moberi

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Sometimes, something sippable feels better than sitting down to a full meal when sick. The Fresh Prince of Brazil is one of Moberi’s most popular smoothies for a reason: It has all the vitamin A of acai and goji berries, the potassium of bananas, the vitamin C of strawberries, and the fiber of all four — plus, it tastes really delicious. For those looking for a little protein, the addition of peanut or almond butter makes it taste like drinking a peanut butter and jelly sandwich (in a good way). Moberi is available on DoorDash.

4220 N Mississippi Ave, Portland, OR 97217
(971) 271-7641
(971) 271-7641

Also featured in:

Pozole at La Cocina Restaurant

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This Williams Mexican restaurant is generally known for standards like enchiladas, but on a sick day, it’s all about a bowl of its pozole rojo, a hearty hominy soup with plenty of chiles, cabbage, and radishes. It’s available with chicken or pork, but on a sick day, the former is probably the best bet. It’s available for delivery on Postmates.

3901 N Williams Ave, Portland, OR 97227
(503) 278-5414
(503) 278-5414

Work from Home Juice at the Celery

Copy Link

Despite the name, this vitamin-packed green juice from North Williams juice bar the Celery is a smart choice on a sick day: The spinach and kale provide a nice dose of iron, which pairs well with the vitamin C boost of the lemon juice and bell pepper. Plus, the jalapeño can help get the nose running for those battling a seasonal cold. Those intimidated by the veggie-centric juice can opt for the Out of Office, with the vitamin C punch of orange, pineapple, and strawberry; those looking for something heartier can try one of the shop’s smoothies, often bolstered by house-made nut butters and milks. Order for delivery through the website.

4008 N Williams Ave, Portland, OR 97227
(503) 841-5166
(503) 841-5166

Kenchinjiru at Obon Shokudo

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Kenchinjiru seems like it was designed in a lab to make you feel better. This Japanese ginger-miso stew gets a hefty dose of seasonal root vegetables and greens, plus tofu, mushrooms, and a little kick of shichimi. The dish is vegan and gluten-free, and hits that ideal intersection of comforting and nutrient-packed. Order online for delivery through CCC.

720 SE Grand Ave, Portland, OR 97214
(503) 206-7967
(503) 206-7967

Also featured in:

The Congee-Bao Meal at Bao Bao

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Most of the menu at Bao Bao is flu-friendly, with a simple congee and wonton soup reinforcing the lineup of myriad bao options. The combo meal of congee and bao is a day’s worth of food for those with a light appetite when ill; the lightly sweet red bean bao, scallion-laden pork bao, and earthy chicken curry bao are all strong choices on the bun side of things. Those who aren’t into rice porridge can swap out the congee with wonton soup. Order directly from Bao Bao’s website.

545 NE Couch St, Portland, OR 97232
(503) 477-8911
(503) 477-8911

Also featured in:

Miso Ramen at Kinboshi Ramen

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This Southeast Ankeny ramen shop makes one of the city’s finest tonkotsu broths, but for those under the weather, a thick pork bone broth can sometimes feel a little heavy. However, the vegan miso — made with a savory soy milk — is light and comforting, especially when upgraded with extra vegetables. It’s available mild or spicy. Kinboshi appears on Grubhub.

609 SE Ankeny St A, Portland, OR 97214
(503) 894-9021
(503) 894-9021

Also featured in:

Super Soup or Khao Man Gai at Nong's Khao Man Gai

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It’s unlikely any dish is more treasured by sick Portlanders than Nong’s khao man gai. The chicken and rice is simple enough for stomach bugs, the broth soothing enough for sore throats, and a little hit of ginger and citrus in the sauce certainly couldn’t hurt. While the plain khao man gai is a classic for a reason, the restaurant’s super soup — a vat of the restaurant’s famous broth filled with chicken and rice — is good for those trying to replenish their liquids. At the very least, pros know to order an extra side of soup with their KMG. Nong’s is available on DoorDash, Postmates, Uber Eats, and Grubhub.

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

Also featured in:

Salt Bagel with Butter at Henry Higgins Boiled Bagels

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When dealing with a tumultuous stomach, opting for something bland is often a safe bet. However, no one wants to be stuck eating saltines and plain toast. Enter: the salt bagel, which lands in the prime spot between comforting and inoffensive. Henry Higgins offers single bagels with butter or Earth Balance for delivery, as well as full dozens for those looking to stock up. They’re available via CCC, Uber Eats, Postmates, DoorDash, and Grubhub.

1325 SE Tacoma St, Portland, OR 97202
(503) 284-1704
(503) 284-1704

Dumpling Soup or Ba Mhee Tom Yum at Khao Moo Dang

Copy Link

This Hawthorne Thai restaurant offers a number of soups, and really, any of them would work well when feeling sick. We have two suggestions, based on how you’re feeling: When looking for something mild and gentle, the restaurant’s dumpling soup with a pristine pork broth is the move. Those looking for something flavorful when dealing with a muted palate should opt for the ba mhee tom yum, an egg noodle soup in a sour-spicy broth, stacked high with pork loin and belly as well as wontons and bok choy. Khao Moo Dang offers delivery through its website.

3145 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214
(503) 206-6838
(503) 206-6838

Also featured in:

Pho or Mi Quang at Phở MeKha Restaurant

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Everyone has a go-to pho spot, and likely any one would do — however, Pho Mekha is a fun choice for those looking for guidance, with its extensive menu of other Vietnamese soups. The pho broth here is soulful, the roasted bones playing off of the toasty five spice in the broth, but those seeking something a little brighter may prefer mi quang, a tangle of turmeric noodles in an aromatic broth, joined by shrimp and a satisfyingly crunchy puffed rice cracker. It’s hard to go wrong here — hu tieu nam vang and bun bo hue are two other knockouts on the Pho Mekha menu. The restaurant is on DoorDash, Postmates, and Grubhub.

6846 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97213
(503) 719-4584
(503) 719-4584

Also featured in:

Kimchi Jjigae at Chungdam Korean Fusion

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Korean food, with its fermented veggies and welcome spice, offers a number of smart choices for those looking to feel better — bright-red soondubu jjigae, swirling with soft tofu; galbi tang, loaded with short rib; milky-white seolleongtang, rich in calcium. However, it’s hard to beat the punch of kimchi jjigae, a homey kimchi stew layered with pork and tofu; it has a touch of heat, a ton of vitamins (thank you, kimchi), and all the comfort-food vibes one could want. Chungdam appears on DoorDash, Uber Eats, Postmates, and Grubhub.

7901 SE Powell Blvd. Suite# A1, Portland, OR 97206
(503) 206-4515
(503) 206-4515

Also featured in:

Wonton Soup or Congee at Master Kong

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This sweet Chinese spot on Southeast Division has a menu full of sick day delicacies. The restaurant’s numerous varieties of congee accompanied by everything from salted pork ribs to stewed chicken. The restaurant’s wonton noodle soup is one of the city’s finest, with a broth packing serious depth without feeling heavy or too salty. And for those with a weak stomach, a mild steamed bun should do the trick. Master Kong is on Uber Eats, Postmates, and Grubhub.

8435 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97266
(971) 373-8248
(971) 373-8248

Also featured in:

More in Maps

Birria en Caldo at Birrieria PDX Division

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Birrieria PDX specializes in birria de res, braised beef often stuffed in cheesy tacos, quesadillas, and, in the case of this cart, crunch wraps. But when feeling under the weather, it’s best to stay simple: the birria en caldo is just a tub of the braised beef in its rich broth, with a side of rice and tortillas. Those looking for some sinus-clearing can add a side of the hot salsa, to pour over rice or directly in the soup (not that it needs it). Birrieria PDX is on DoorDash, Grubhub, and Uber Eats.

16544 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97236
(971) 336-6804
(971) 336-6804

Also featured in:

More in Maps

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Mama Leone’s Soup at Elephants Delicatessen

115 NW 22nd Ave, Portland, OR 97210

Mama Leone’s from Elephant’s is a Portland tradition. A creamy tomato-chicken soup loaded with spinach, celery, and onions, it’s hearty enough to stand alone as a meal. Devotees order it by the quart, perhaps alongside a pint of vitamin-packed tomato-orange soup. Order it via Caviar or DoorDash.

115 NW 22nd Ave, Portland, OR 97210
(503) 299-6304
(503) 299-6304

Chicken, Sweet Potatoes, and Bone Broth at Mama Bird

2145 NW Raleigh St, Portland, OR 97210

Those with sensitive stomachs will appreciate this Northwest Portland’s restaurant’s simple, flavorful grilled chicken, especially when paired with a few sides: The restaurant’s ginger-laden bone broth was born for sick days, whether you’re dealing with a stomach bug or a sort throat; the vitamin-A-rich sweet potatoes, charred to caramelized sweetness with a gently spiced vadouvan yogurt, are a smart addition both in terms of flavor and healing potential. Mama Bird appears on third-party apps like Uber Eats and DoorDash.

2145 NW Raleigh St, Portland, OR 97210
(503) 384-2064
(503) 384-2064

Masoor Dal at Bhuna

704 NW 21st Ave, Portland, OR 97209

Ah, the culinary salve that is Bhuna’s masoor dal, a stewed lentil soup with plenty of ginger, garlic, and tomato. The gentle spice and creamy lentils are a life-saver, especially when dealing with a sore throat. The orders here are small, so it’s best to double-up; or, better yet, opt for the restaurant’s chana masala and eggplant-and-tomato, a trifecta of warm, gently spiced stewed veggies. Order it for delivery online.

704 NW 21st Ave, Portland, OR 97209
(971) 865-2176
(971) 865-2176

Fresh Prince of Brazil at Moberi

4220 N Mississippi Ave, Portland, OR 97217

Sometimes, something sippable feels better than sitting down to a full meal when sick. The Fresh Prince of Brazil is one of Moberi’s most popular smoothies for a reason: It has all the vitamin A of acai and goji berries, the potassium of bananas, the vitamin C of strawberries, and the fiber of all four — plus, it tastes really delicious. For those looking for a little protein, the addition of peanut or almond butter makes it taste like drinking a peanut butter and jelly sandwich (in a good way). Moberi is available on DoorDash.

4220 N Mississippi Ave, Portland, OR 97217
(971) 271-7641
(971) 271-7641

Pozole at La Cocina Restaurant

3901 N Williams Ave, Portland, OR 97227

This Williams Mexican restaurant is generally known for standards like enchiladas, but on a sick day, it’s all about a bowl of its pozole rojo, a hearty hominy soup with plenty of chiles, cabbage, and radishes. It’s available with chicken or pork, but on a sick day, the former is probably the best bet. It’s available for delivery on Postmates.

3901 N Williams Ave, Portland, OR 97227
(503) 278-5414
(503) 278-5414

Work from Home Juice at the Celery

4008 N Williams Ave, Portland, OR 97227

Despite the name, this vitamin-packed green juice from North Williams juice bar the Celery is a smart choice on a sick day: The spinach and kale provide a nice dose of iron, which pairs well with the vitamin C boost of the lemon juice and bell pepper. Plus, the jalapeño can help get the nose running for those battling a seasonal cold. Those intimidated by the veggie-centric juice can opt for the Out of Office, with the vitamin C punch of orange, pineapple, and strawberry; those looking for something heartier can try one of the shop’s smoothies, often bolstered by house-made nut butters and milks. Order for delivery through the website.

4008 N Williams Ave, Portland, OR 97227
(503) 841-5166
(503) 841-5166

Kenchinjiru at Obon Shokudo

720 SE Grand Ave, Portland, OR 97214

Kenchinjiru seems like it was designed in a lab to make you feel better. This Japanese ginger-miso stew gets a hefty dose of seasonal root vegetables and greens, plus tofu, mushrooms, and a little kick of shichimi. The dish is vegan and gluten-free, and hits that ideal intersection of comforting and nutrient-packed. Order online for delivery through CCC.

720 SE Grand Ave, Portland, OR 97214
(503) 206-7967
(503) 206-7967

The Congee-Bao Meal at Bao Bao

545 NE Couch St, Portland, OR 97232

Most of the menu at Bao Bao is flu-friendly, with a simple congee and wonton soup reinforcing the lineup of myriad bao options. The combo meal of congee and bao is a day’s worth of food for those with a light appetite when ill; the lightly sweet red bean bao, scallion-laden pork bao, and earthy chicken curry bao are all strong choices on the bun side of things. Those who aren’t into rice porridge can swap out the congee with wonton soup. Order directly from Bao Bao’s website.

545 NE Couch St, Portland, OR 97232
(503) 477-8911
(503) 477-8911

Miso Ramen at Kinboshi Ramen

609 SE Ankeny St A, Portland, OR 97214

This Southeast Ankeny ramen shop makes one of the city’s finest tonkotsu broths, but for those under the weather, a thick pork bone broth can sometimes feel a little heavy. However, the vegan miso — made with a savory soy milk — is light and comforting, especially when upgraded with extra vegetables. It’s available mild or spicy. Kinboshi appears on Grubhub.

609 SE Ankeny St A, Portland, OR 97214
(503) 894-9021
(503) 894-9021

Super Soup or Khao Man Gai at Nong's Khao Man Gai

609 SE Ankeny St C, Portland, OR 97214

It’s unlikely any dish is more treasured by sick Portlanders than Nong’s khao man gai. The chicken and rice is simple enough for stomach bugs, the broth soothing enough for sore throats, and a little hit of ginger and citrus in the sauce certainly couldn’t hurt. While the plain khao man gai is a classic for a reason, the restaurant’s super soup — a vat of the restaurant’s famous broth filled with chicken and rice — is good for those trying to replenish their liquids. At the very least, pros know to order an extra side of soup with their KMG. Nong’s is available on DoorDash, Postmates, Uber Eats, and Grubhub.

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

Salt Bagel with Butter at Henry Higgins Boiled Bagels

1325 SE Tacoma St, Portland, OR 97202

When dealing with a tumultuous stomach, opting for something bland is often a safe bet. However, no one wants to be stuck eating saltines and plain toast. Enter: the salt bagel, which lands in the prime spot between comforting and inoffensive. Henry Higgins offers single bagels with butter or Earth Balance for delivery, as well as full dozens for those looking to stock up. They’re available via CCC, Uber Eats, Postmates, DoorDash, and Grubhub.

1325 SE Tacoma St, Portland, OR 97202
(503) 284-1704
(503) 284-1704

Dumpling Soup or Ba Mhee Tom Yum at Khao Moo Dang

3145 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214

This Hawthorne Thai restaurant offers a number of soups, and really, any of them would work well when feeling sick. We have two suggestions, based on how you’re feeling: When looking for something mild and gentle, the restaurant’s dumpling soup with a pristine pork broth is the move. Those looking for something flavorful when dealing with a muted palate should opt for the ba mhee tom yum, an egg noodle soup in a sour-spicy broth, stacked high with pork loin and belly as well as wontons and bok choy. Khao Moo Dang offers delivery through its website.

3145 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214
(503) 206-6838
(503) 206-6838

Pho or Mi Quang at Phở MeKha Restaurant

6846 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97213

Everyone has a go-to pho spot, and likely any one would do — however, Pho Mekha is a fun choice for those looking for guidance, with its extensive menu of other Vietnamese soups. The pho broth here is soulful, the roasted bones playing off of the toasty five spice in the broth, but those seeking something a little brighter may prefer mi quang, a tangle of turmeric noodles in an aromatic broth, joined by shrimp and a satisfyingly crunchy puffed rice cracker. It’s hard to go wrong here — hu tieu nam vang and bun bo hue are two other knockouts on the Pho Mekha menu. The restaurant is on DoorDash, Postmates, and Grubhub.

6846 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland, OR 97213
(503) 719-4584
(503) 719-4584

Kimchi Jjigae at Chungdam Korean Fusion

7901 SE Powell Blvd. Suite# A1, Portland, OR 97206

Korean food, with its fermented veggies and welcome spice, offers a number of smart choices for those looking to feel better — bright-red soondubu jjigae, swirling with soft tofu; galbi tang, loaded with short rib; milky-white seolleongtang, rich in calcium. However, it’s hard to beat the punch of kimchi jjigae, a homey kimchi stew layered with pork and tofu; it has a touch of heat, a ton of vitamins (thank you, kimchi), and all the comfort-food vibes one could want. Chungdam appears on DoorDash, Uber Eats, Postmates, and Grubhub.

7901 SE Powell Blvd. Suite# A1, Portland, OR 97206
(503) 206-4515
(503) 206-4515

Wonton Soup or Congee at Master Kong

8435 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97266

This sweet Chinese spot on Southeast Division has a menu full of sick day delicacies. The restaurant’s numerous varieties of congee accompanied by everything from salted pork ribs to stewed chicken. The restaurant’s wonton noodle soup is one of the city’s finest, with a broth packing serious depth without feeling heavy or too salty. And for those with a weak stomach, a mild steamed bun should do the trick. Master Kong is on Uber Eats, Postmates, and Grubhub.

8435 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97266
(971) 373-8248
(971) 373-8248

Related Maps

Birria en Caldo at Birrieria PDX Division

16544 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97236

Birrieria PDX specializes in birria de res, braised beef often stuffed in cheesy tacos, quesadillas, and, in the case of this cart, crunch wraps. But when feeling under the weather, it’s best to stay simple: the birria en caldo is just a tub of the braised beef in its rich broth, with a side of rice and tortillas. Those looking for some sinus-clearing can add a side of the hot salsa, to pour over rice or directly in the soup (not that it needs it). Birrieria PDX is on DoorDash, Grubhub, and Uber Eats.

16544 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97236
(971) 336-6804
(971) 336-6804

Related Maps