Nori De Vega with her two basenjis, Anouk and Klaus
Image: Nori De Vega, Portland food influencer, with her basenji dogs Anouk and Klaus. Courtesy of Nori De Vega.
For anyone seeking an authentic taste of Portland’s culinary landscape, look no further than Nori De Vega’s Instagram feed, @nomnom_nori. Nori isn’t just capturing visually stunning food photography; she’s cultivating a community, championing local chefs, and using her platform to amplify important social messages. From enticing close-ups of egg rolls to artfully constructed sandwiches and beyond, her page is a celebration of Portland’s diverse food offerings. More than just beautiful images, Nori’s work highlights both established and emerging restaurants, hidden culinary gems, and beloved local favorites, making her page a go-to resource for anyone exploring the “Nori Food” scene – that is, Portland’s food scene through Nori’s informed and passionate perspective.
But @nomnom_nori offers depth beyond delicious visuals. Nori actively uses her platform to uplift local culinary talent. She’s recently showcased Erica Montgomery of Erica’s Soul Food and Gregory Gourdet of the highly anticipated Kann restaurant in her Instagram stories, demonstrating her commitment to supporting Portland’s chefs. Her advocacy extends to encouraging followers to support small businesses and raising awareness about critical issues facing Portland’s Black, BIPOC, and AAPI communities.
Nori’s dedication to community building extends offline as well. She co-founded Tikim, a Filipino supper club pop-up, connecting with fellow Portlanders who share her Filipino heritage. Her passion for authentic flavors is evident – even driving to Seattle to source specific Filipino hot dogs for her signature spaghetti. We sat down with Nori to discuss her journey in building a food-focused community, the friendships forged through Instagram, and, naturally, her top recommendations for dining in Portland.
Portland Monthly: How did your food-centric Instagram journey begin?
Nori De Vega: I’ve been on Instagram since its inception, but my dedicated food account started in the summer of 2019, really gaining momentum in 2020.
Eating out has always been a joy for me, and as my budget grew, I was able to explore Portland’s restaurants more extensively. I became the de facto restaurant guide for friends visiting Portland. Cooking at home is another passion, but showcasing Portland’s culinary scene, and my food experiences while traveling—my itineraries are always food-driven—became my focus. My meals are meticulously planned around culinary experiences.
What prompted you to increase your posting frequency in 2020?
A major motivator was the fear of restaurant closures. We had just bought a home in Montavilla right before the shutdown in March. Places like Lazy Susan, which opened quietly during the pandemic, were particularly concerning. I wanted to highlight what was still available, which restaurants were open, and who offered reliable delivery. More importantly, I wanted to create a platform to encourage support for local restaurants during such a precarious time. The situation remains challenging.
Could you share some of your favorite dining experiences from recent months?
Anything from Earl Ninsom’s restaurants tops my list. They constitute a significant portion of my dining budget! The Gado family, Oma’s, I frequent Magna quite a bit. Sunrice, Baon, Matta, Kim Jong Grillin, Bing Mi, and República are also favorites, especially when I’m on that side of the river.
Do you have a go-to dog-friendly spot?
The patio at Gado holds a special place in my heart. Rafaella, one of the managers, always makes our dogs feel incredibly welcome, even creating special treats for their birthdays. They are treated like VIPs. We also frequent the patios at Langbaan or Paadee. Generally, Portland restaurants are very welcoming to dogs.
How did you become a basenji enthusiast, and why this breed?
My basenji love began when we adopted Anouk nearly five years ago. Klaus joined us in August 2020. I have allergies to most animals, and my fiancé and I were determined to get a dog that was as hypoallergenic as possible. He researched and discovered basenjis. They lack an undercoat, shed minimally, and have short, straight hair instead of fur. They are also remarkably clean, almost cat-like in their grooming habits.
Interestingly, I don’t feature myself prominently on my Instagram. But people often recognize me because of my dogs, especially now with masks. They see the basenjis and say, ‘Oh, hey, Nori!’ My dogs have become quite recognizable figures in my “nori food” world.
Do you and your fiancé, Chad, have similar culinary preferences?
Absolutely. Neither of us are picky eaters. People often wonder how someone my size can eat so much! The secret is Chad. He’s six-foot-seven and happily finishes everything. He’s definitely the unsung hero behind my food adventures.
Were you already connected within the food industry before launching your Instagram page?
I’m a former bartender, so I’ve been involved in the service industry since moving to Portland nine years ago. However, the pandemic created unique circumstances. I formed deeper connections with people I might not have otherwise met without the isolation. Focusing on my Instagram and addressing issues like supporting independent restaurants and broader socioeconomic and social justice matters helped me forge meaningful relationships. I now feel a strong sense of community, not just within the food scene, but with like-minded friends.
What kind of connections have you cultivated?
Connections with small business owners, restaurant owners, and industry professionals. We found common ground in discussing the industry’s challenges and potential improvements.
I also connected with more people from similar backgrounds. Initially, like many newcomers, I perceived Portland as predominantly white. My food Instagram opened doors to meeting other Filipinos. I was surprised to discover such a vibrant Filipino community here. Chef Carlo’s Magna became a central meeting point for us. I’ve met numerous Filipinos and AAPI individuals. It’s been wonderful to experience greater diversity and feel more connected to the BIPOC community since starting my Instagram and focusing on “nori food” and the community around it.
Your posts often extend beyond food to social justice issues. What issues have you highlighted, and what has the response been?
Regarding racial inequality and violence against BIPOC and AAPI communities, the response has been largely positive. People feel empowered and want to engage in dialogue. It’s strengthened some relationships. However, it also created distance with some non-BIPOC friends who couldn’t relate or didn’t want to engage with these conversations. But some friends and I have had crucial, albeit uncomfortable, discussions.
Support for small businesses and independent restaurants resonates universally. The mixed reactions arise when addressing the inequitable attention given to BIPOC-owned businesses. Some are receptive and acknowledge the issue, while others resort to dismissive or aggressive comments, accusing me of “playing the race card.” But that won’t deter me. I welcome open dialogue, even disagreement. I’ve made it clear that if your interests are limited to superficial trends or solely “Instagrammable” content, my page might not be the right fit for you.
How did you meet your Tikim partners, Jane and Tricia?
I met my Tikim partners through Instagram. The pandemic context really eliminated small talk.
We had mutual connections, but Instagram facilitated our engagement through shared interests. Tricia and I connected through food, a love for Filipino cuisine, fashion, and social issues like Black Lives Matter and anti-Asian violence. Jane and Tricia connected similarly. Our shared passions, especially for Filipino food, fostered a strong bond, and Tikim emerged from that connection.
Has Tikim influenced your approach to your food Instagram?
Honestly, without my Instagram and the connections I made through it, Tikim’s rapid success might not have happened. We all have demanding day jobs and other commitments, but I had a built-in promotional platform. The community support was incredible, a reflection of the support I had shown them. It was amazing to witness – our first supper club sold out in just two and a half minutes.
And you received significant support from the food industry for your pop-up, correct?
Jane, Tricia, and I are all very proactive and tend to avoid asking for help. The outpouring of support from the food community was truly remarkable. Nan from Mestizo offered her space without me even asking. Luna from Chelo volunteered to cook on the line on her night off. Lisa from Heyday helped with event design and setup. Holly from Sibeiho and Jaclyn Nakashima from Bakers Against Racism managed front-of-house. People just kept showing up to contribute to our “nori food” vision and community event.
What are your future aspirations for your Instagram page?
Finding balance is key right now. I started a new job in October, so I aim to resume regular posting and continue growing my platform alongside Tikim, while emphasizing community advocacy. My hopes for my Instagram mirror my hopes for the food industry. We must strive to create a sustainable ecosystem for independent restaurants, bars, and cafes. My Instagram, and the “nori food” movement it represents, is dedicated to supporting that vision.
