clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile
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

View as Map
Khao man gai from Nong’s Khao Man Gai
| Katie Acheff/Eater Portland

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.

Read More
Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Mama Leone’s Soup at Elephants Delicatessen

Copy Link

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.

Chicken, Sweet Potatoes, and Bone Broth at Mama Bird

Copy Link

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.

Masoor Dal at Bhuna

Copy Link

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.

Fresh Prince of Brazil at Moberi

Copy Link

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.

Pozole at La Cocina Restaurant

Copy Link

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.

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.

Kenchinjiru at Obon Shokudo

Copy Link

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.

The Congee-Bao Meal at Bao Bao

Copy Link

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.

Miso Ramen at Kinboshi Ramen

Copy Link

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.

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

Copy Link

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.

Salt Bagel with Butter at Henry Higgins Boiled Bagels

Copy Link

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.

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.

Pho or Mi Quang at Phở MeKha Restaurant

Copy Link

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.

Kimchi Jjigae at Chungdam Korean Fusion

Copy Link

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.

Wonton Soup or Congee at Master Kong

Copy Link

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.

Birria en Caldo at Birrieria PDX Division

Copy Link

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.

Mama Leone’s Soup at Elephants Delicatessen

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.

Chicken, Sweet Potatoes, and Bone Broth at Mama Bird

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.

Masoor Dal at Bhuna

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.

Fresh Prince of Brazil at Moberi

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.

Pozole at La Cocina Restaurant

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.

Work from Home Juice at the Celery

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.

Kenchinjiru at Obon Shokudo

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.

The Congee-Bao Meal at Bao Bao

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.

Miso Ramen at Kinboshi Ramen

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.

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

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.

Salt Bagel with Butter at Henry Higgins Boiled Bagels

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.

Dumpling Soup or Ba Mhee Tom Yum at Khao Moo Dang

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.

Pho or Mi Quang at Phở MeKha Restaurant

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.

Kimchi Jjigae at Chungdam Korean Fusion

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.

Wonton Soup or Congee at Master Kong

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.

Related Maps

Birria en Caldo at Birrieria PDX Division

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.

Related Maps