Portland, Oregon, has become a magnet for food enthusiasts nationwide, thanks to its vibrant and innovative culinary landscape. Portland chefs and restaurateurs have cultivated a diverse scene, offering everything from authentic cultural dishes to modern fusion creations. Whether you crave savory or sweet, simple or sophisticated, Portland’s food scene promises a delightful experience for every palate.
What distinguishes Portland from other cities is its rich tapestry of immigrants and expats, each contributing their unique culinary traditions. This blend not only fosters a vibrant environment of authentic cuisine but also inspires creative interpretations, as recipes evolve and merge with other culinary styles. Whether you’re a Portland resident in search of your next favorite eatery or a visitor eager to explore the city’s gastronomic delights, this guide highlights the iconic Portland foods you simply must try.
Iconic Portland Foods: A Must-Try List
Discover the delectable dishes and sweet treats that define Portland’s culinary identity with local food tours. Expert guides will lead you to hidden gems, esteemed eateries, and beloved local haunts. As you explore the city’s food scene, you’ll also gain insights into Portland’s history and culture. Food tours offer the perfect introduction to one of the U.S.’s premier foodie destinations.
Want to recreate Portland’s signature dishes in your own kitchen? Consider attending cooking classes to unlock the secrets behind the flavors that have put this Pacific Northwest city on the culinary map.
Top 15 Portland Foods You Need to Try
1. Doughnuts and Chai at Pip’s Original Doughnuts & Chai
Pip’s Original Doughnuts & Chai specializes in freshly made doughnuts and handcrafted chai tea lattes, including exciting chai flights. From classic cinnamon sugar to inventive candied bacon maple, Pip’s offers a rotating selection of seasonal doughnut flavors.
The Vibe
This cozy, neighborhood spot features colorful, painted walls and a welcoming atmosphere. It’s a great place to meet friends over chai or coffee. Be prepared for crowds on weekend mornings.
Why It’s Good
Cinnamon sugar doughnuts are a timeless favorite. Locals rave about the raw honey and sea salt doughnuts, especially when paired with a small-batch, house-made chai.
Pip’s Original Doughnuts and Chai | 4759 NE Fremont St., Portland, OR 97213 | $$
2. Fried Chicken at Hat Yai
Hat Yai, named after the Southern Thai city near the Malaysian border, draws inspiration from the street food vendors of Southern Thailand, known for their fried chicken, curry, and roti. Fresh roti is prepared daily, and the menu showcases flavorful variations of regional dishes.
The Vibe
A trendy, comfortable space with wooden accents and blue gingham tablecloths. Hat Yai is an excellent choice for a casual lunch or dinner with friends.
Why It’s Good
The Thai-influenced fried chicken is a flavorful standout. The fried chicken leg is served with curry and roti, adding a spicy kick to the dish. Dipping the chicken and roti into the curry provides an authentic taste of Southern Thailand.
Hat Yai | Multiple Locations | $$
3. Khao Man Gai at Nong’s Khao Man Gai
Khao Man Gai translates to “chicken and rice.” In Thailand, many restaurants focus on mastering a single dish. Nong’s Khao Man Gai follows this concept, perfecting the healthy and comforting dish with Nong’s signature sauce. While the menu remains concise, they’ve expanded to include other delicious options like khao kha muu (pork and rice).
The Vibe
Nong’s Khao Man Gai began as a food cart and gained such popularity that it expanded into a permanent location. This fast-casual restaurant is perfect for a weekday lunch or a weekend craving.
Why It’s Good
Nong’s Khao Man Gai has become a Portland staple for comfort food. This dish features poached chicken and rice with a soybean sauce flavored with garlic, ginger, and Thai chili for a touch of heat. This Southeast Asian specialty is a must-try Portland food.
Nong’s Khao Man Gai | Multiple Locations | $
4. Steam Burgers at Canard
The steam burger is the star at Canard, but the menu also includes outstanding small plates like sea urchin on Texas toast and foie gras dumplings with peanut sauce. Opened in 2018 by celebrated chefs Gabriel Rucker and Andrew Fortgang, Canard has firmly established itself in Portland’s food scene.
The Vibe
A hip French restaurant with a sleek design. Canard is generally casual but also a great option for a dinner date thanks to its cozy booths.
Why It’s Good
The steam burgers are infused with the classic flavors of French onion soup, creating a savory and juicy experience. This Portland food is simple yet satisfying and sure to become a craveable dish.
Canard | 734 E. Burnside St., Portland, OR 97214 | $$$
5. Insalata Nostrana at Nostrana
In Italian, nostrana means “local,” and Nostrana prides itself on a daily menu that reflects the offerings of nearby farmers. Committed to responsible sourcing, they feature their farmers and purveyors on the menu. The Insalata Nostrana is Italian-inspired, highlighting the best of the Pacific Northwest.
The Vibe
A cozy Italian restaurant with rustic wood finishes, Nostrana exudes a casual charm that makes it a great gathering spot. Whether you’re exploring things to do in Portland with out-of-town guests or want to introduce them to Portland’s cuisine, Nostrana is sure to impress.
Why It’s Good
Nostrana is often credited with popularizing the modern chicory Caesar salad. The Insalata Nostrana is an iconic Portland food, frequently imitated but never duplicated, featuring bitter chicory, savory rosemary and sage, and an acidic Parmesan cheese dressing that creates a perfect balance.
Nostrana | 1401 SE Morrison St. #101, Portland, OR 97214 | $$
6. Nachos at Expatriate
Expatriate offers a culinary adventure. While known as a cocktail lounge, the menu features inventive snacks that defy expectations of Portland food, such as hot and sour Indian-spiced fries or crab paste and corn noodles.
The Vibe
This hip lounge attracts people for a good night out. Cozy and eclectic, Expatriate serves upscale cocktails and bar food with an Asian twist.
Why It’s Good
The elevated nachos at Expatriate are a must-try. They’re made with wonton chips topped with Thai chili cheese, lemongrass beef, and lime tomato salsa. It’s the perfect dish to share while sipping drinks on a weekend night.
Expatriate | 5424 NE 30th Ave., Portland, OR 97211 | $$
7. Teriyaki Chicken at Du’s Grill
Du’s Grill is small but mighty. Beloved by locals, the teriyaki chicken offers a perfect balance of savory and sweet. The restaurant’s inviting atmosphere has solidified its status as a go-to spot for excellent Korean cuisine in Portland.
The Vibe
The space is mostly for takeout orders, but there is a small dining area for quick meals.
Why It’s Good
Du’s Grill lives up to the title “best Korean teriyaki in the known universe,” according to rapper Aminé. This Portland food features juicy chicken in a sweet teriyaki sauce, served with rice and a salad with poppy seed dressing. The simple flavors are memorable and leave you craving more.
Du’s Grill | 5365 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland, OR 97213 | $
8. Steamed Bao Burger at Toki
Toki is a contemporary Korean-American restaurant committed to innovation and quality. The dinner menu features a blend of traditional and modern fusion dishes, including the acclaimed Steamed Bao Burger and an array of flavored Korean fried chicken.
The Vibe
With eclectic contemporary finishes in an industrial-style space, Toki is an upscale casual spot suitable for a quick weekday meal or a weekend gathering with friends.
Why It’s Good
A unique burger is an iconic Portland food. The steamed bao burger is one of the most unique Portland foods you can try, featuring dry-aged beef, American cheese, and onion enclosed in bao dough and steamed to perfection for a crunchy exterior and juicy center.
Toki | 580 SW 12th Ave., Portland, OR 97205 | $$
9. Bone Marrow Clam Chowder at Ox
Ox draws inspiration from the wood-fired grilling traditions of Argentina and the culinary heritage of the Mediterranean. The restaurant’s name pays tribute to the ox, a hard-working animal that sustains the land. Among the meaty menu items, the bone marrow chowder stands out.
The Vibe
Hip yet casual, Ox features leather-clad booths and an extensive stone patio. There is a small bar and seating that allows you to watch the chefs in action. Ox is a great place for a weekend night out or a weeknight dinner.
Why It’s Good
Bone marrow has become a prominent ingredient in Portland cuisine. A modern twist on an old classic, this bone marrow clam chowder is a must-try Portland food. Made with jalapeños and smoked bone marrow, it lends a Latin flair to a traditional American dish.
Ox | 2225 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Portland, OR 97212 | $$$
10. Pizza at Lovely’s Fifty Fifty
Lovely’s Fifty Fifty is a family-owned establishment popular since its opening in 2010. They serve 100% organic produce exclusively from local Oregon farms, topping their famous pizzas with fresh greens, foraged flowers, wild mushrooms, and seasonal vegetables.
The Vibe
The brick facade and wood-clad ceiling contribute to the laid-back and comfortable atmosphere of Lovely’s Fifty Fifty. It’s a great place to bring friends or family for a wood-fired pizza night!
Why It’s Good
Each pizza is made from scratch by hand using local ingredients. This is the ideal place to satisfy your pizza craving. You can’t go wrong with any toppings here, but try a pie with the house-made fennel sausage or opt for the gold tomatoes two ways.
Lovely’s Fifty Fifty | 4039 N. Mississippi Ave., Portland, OR 97217 | $$
11. Fried Brie Sticks at Scotch Lodge
The food at Scotch Lodge ranges from thoughtfully crafted snacks to small plates and full-flavored mains, perfectly complementing the refined whiskey selection. Whether you’re a seasoned Scotch connoisseur or not, a visit to Scotch Lodge is a must for inventive Pacific Northwest cuisine.
The Vibe
Scotch Lodge is an elevated cocktail bar with a vintage flair. The extensive whiskey library is displayed on dark wood shelves, the bar top is luxurious white marble, and the booths are finished with dark green leather. This is the place to go for a night out with good drinks and conversation.
Why It’s Good
Elevated comfort food is the key to this Portland delight. Creamy sticks of brie rolled in pumpernickel crumbs and fried to a crunchy exterior and gooey interior are the perfect bite to enjoy while sipping a fancy cocktail.
Scotch Lodge | 215 SE Ninth Ave. #102, Portland, OR 97214 | $$$
12. Oregon Croissant at Ken’s Artisan Bakery
Ken Forkish is the chef behind Ken’s Artisan Bakery and the Oregon Croissant that captures the essence of the state. This delectable pastry is made using traditional French patisserie techniques and showcases locally sourced ingredients.
The Vibe
The aroma of fresh-baked bread and sweet treats envelops you as soon as you enter Ken’s Artisan Bakery. The bakery is casual, with tables where you can enjoy your food or work or read while you eat.
Why It’s Good
If you want to taste Portland cuisine in one bite, the Oregon Croissant is the way to go. This iconic Portland food uses Pacific Northwest flour and is filled with local marionberries and hazelnut cream. If you’re in town, this is a Portland food you simply can’t miss.
Ken’s Artisan Bakery | 338 NW 21st Ave., Portland, OR 97209 | $$
13. Brisket White Curry at Eem
Eem is a barbecue joint with a Thai twist, with the brisket white curry standing out in particular. A true fusion of flavors, this dish marries the succulence of American barbecue brisket with the refreshing and aromatic notes of Thai white curry, making a distinctive mark on the Portland food scene.
The Vibe
Comfortable and laid-back, Eem combines sleek, modern lines with cozy wood finishes.
Why It’s Good
The brisket burnt end white curry is a popular draw to Eem. It’s the brainchild of three of the area’s most acclaimed chefs, who also operate other popular restaurants in Portland. The combination of flavors makes this one of the best Portland foods. Fatty, savory brisket with spicy curry is a combination that your taste buds won’t soon forget.
Eem | 3808 N. Williams Avenue Ste. 127, Portland, OR 97227 | $$
14. Soft Serve at Cheese & Crack Snack Shop
Cheese & Crack Snack Shop is a nostalgia-driven lunch spot with elevated offerings of childhood favorites. In addition to renowned cheese plates, Cheese & Crack features flavorful sandwiches and comforting soups. Don’t miss their soft serve for a playful twist on classic ice cream.
The Vibe
It might seem strange to get soft-serve ice cream at a place called Cheese & Crack, but what’s more emblematic of the Portland food scene? This low-key cheese shop is perfect for a quick bite and ice cream on a casual day.
Why It’s Good
Yes, you can get a delicious cheese board here. However, the ice cream topped with a chocolate cowboy hat is considered one of the best Portland foods. Rich, silky ice cream with a chocolate ganache at the bottom of the cone is the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth in Portland.
Cheese & Crack | 22 SE 28th Ave., Portland, OR 97214 | $$
15. Totchos at Oaks Bottom Public House
As a self-proclaimed local neighborhood pub, Oaks Bottom Public House offers an extensive menu featuring traditional pub grub like ale-battered fish and chips, alongside more adventurous options such as bacon bleu cheese fries and the local favorite — Totchos.
The Vibe
A casual pub with wood-finished booths and wood accents, Oaks Bottom Public House is a laid-back gathering place for Portland food and good drinks.
Why It’s Good
Totchos originated in Oregon, so it’s safe to say that Oaks Bottom Public House is serving up a quintessential Portland food. The totchos are the perfect bar snack to enjoy with a beer — tater tots topped with cheddar and jack cheese, pickled jalapeños, red onion, scallions, tomatoes, and olives. Add a protein for an even more savory and decadent dish.
Oaks Bottom Public House | 1621 SE Bybee Blvd., Portland, OR 97202 | $$
Portland: A Food Lover’s Paradise
The distinctive Portland food scene has drawn visitors to the city for years. The unique appeal stems from the immigrant and expat population’s influence on cuisine, as well as the flavorful dishes curated by locals that keep diners returning. These must-try Portland foods are signatures of the culinary scene, loved by locals and craved by visitors. In Portland, you’re sure to discover your new favorite dish, and then some.
For even more ways to explore Portland, check out other experiences.
