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Benjamin Tepler
Benjamin Tepler is Portland Monthly magazine's associate editor. Read More
Portland’s Favorite Dishes
Tuck into the iconic dishes that helped make Portland a renowned haven for foodies.
Benjamin Tepler
Benjamin Tepler is Portland Monthly magazine's associate editor. Read More
Searching for the best ways to savor Portland’s most iconic dishes? Locals suggest taking it one bite at a time — especially when it’s at one of these favorite eateries.
Must-Try Dishes at Top Portland Spots
Nong’s Khao Man Gai
One of Portland’s favorites started out selling just one signature dish from a downtown food cart: khao man gai, a Thai street food staple that’s as simple as it is delicious. At the eponymous Nong’s Khao Man Gai, succulent poached chicken and rice come wrapped in butcher paper, along with a soybean sauce infused with concentrated garlic, ginger and Thai chili heat, paired with a simple, brothy soup. Owner Nong Poonsukwattana has since expanded to brick-and-mortar locations in Southeast Portland and Southwest Portland and has added even more Thai food specialties to her menus.
The Reggie Deluxe
From its humble farmers’ market origins to a full-blown biscuit empire, Pine State Biscuits has garnered a serious reputation for hefty North Carolina-style butter biscuits and creative fillings. The pièce de résistance: a towering sandwich stacked high with buttermilk-fried chicken, a fried egg, cheddar, bacon and sausage gravy. Dubbed a “hangover cure” by Esquire, this one’s worth the sometimes lengthy wait at the original Alberta Arts District location, or try it at other Pine State Biscuits locations around town, including spots in the Central Eastside, Northwest/Nob Hill and Northeast Portland.
Learn More About the Portland Food Scene
What food is Portland famous for?
What is the food culture like in Portland?
What are Portland’s top restaurants?
Bacon Maple Bar
A staple in the Portland dining scene, Voodoo Doughnut has been serving outrageous creations 24 hours a day for nearly a decade: Toppings have ranged from Cap’n Crunch cereal to a NyQuil glaze (an option quickly quashed by health officials). But the doughnut that launched a thousand bacon-themed spinoffs — the Bacon Maple Bar — celebrates the same happy marriage of pork and syrup found on the breakfast plate. As the ultimate sinful indulgence, it earned a big nod from the late Anthony Bourdain and inspired an eponymous ale from Oregon brewery Rogue. The shop now has two locations: the original in Old Town Chinatown and a second shop in Northeast Portland.
White Curry Brisket With Burnt Ends
This specialty from North Portland restaurant Eem is a mash-up of Thai-inspired Texas barbecue and tropical cocktail flavors. The fatty brisket in this dish is served on a white curry made with white vinegar and sugar and topped with burnt ends, scallion and roasted cauliflower. It’s no wonder that this highly creative dish is a hit. The team behind it has a long list of credentials, accolades and successful restaurants under their belts. Earl Ninsom, Eem co-owner, is the genius behind the Thai flavors. Co-owner Matt Vicedomini is the master of barbecue, while the third co-owner, Eric Nelson, is the powerhouse behind the drinks. Chef de cuisine Colin Yoshimoto brings it all together. The members of the group own several other renowned Portland restaurants and food ventures, including Matt’s BBQ, Hat Yai, Mee-Sen Thai, Phuket Cafe, Yaowarat and the 2024 James Beard Award-winning Langbaan, among others.
Fresh Clam Chowder With Smoked Marrow Bone
Argentinian-inspired restaurant OX often tops best-of lists in the Portland food scene. James Beard Award-winning chefs Gabrielle Quiñónez and Greg Denton are the masterminds behind the unique cuisine that includes beef tongue, heart and oxtail. True to its name, the fresh clam chowder is made with fresh in-shell clams in a broth spiced with jalapeños and topped with green onion. The bone marrow is smoked, topped with toasted garlic breadcrumbs and jalapeños, and served dipped into the chowder.
Portland Food Carts
Portland is one of the great street food cities — discover Stumptown's top food carts.
Food Cart Pods
Portland is one of the world’s great street food cities — explore international flavors and unique new food concepts (without the wait of a sit-down restaurant) at Portland’s many food cart pods.
Portland Indian Food Carts and Takeout
From comforting aloo gobi to softball-sized samosas, explore our non-comprehensive local’s guide to excellent Portland Indian food trucks and takeout.
Popular Food Carts
Portland has hundreds of food carts serving countless cuisines — eat your way through breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert at some of Portland’s award-winning, popular food carts.
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