Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Portland, Oregon, United States

Portland, United States, Portland, Food & Drink, Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them

Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Portland, Oregon, United States

1. Pastrami from Lechon Pedro

A heavenly pastrami sandwich made with locally-sourced meat, served at this popular food cart in downtown Portland.
  • Authenticity: Offers a traditional take on the dish, different from other delis in Portland.
  • Freshness: Uses fresh ingredients, ensuring an exceptional flavor.
  • Location: Conveniently located in a vibrant food cart pod, perfect for exploring the city.

2. Voodoo Doughnut's Maple Bacon Bar

A sweet and savory concoction of a doughnut covered in maple frosting and bacon bits, available at Voodoo Doughnut.
  • Uniqueness: One-of-a-kind fusion of sweet and savory flavors that cannot be found elsewhere.
  • Popularity: A Portland icon, often featured on travel shows and social media.
  • Flavor Profile: The perfect balance of sweet maple glaze, salty bacon, and the doughnut's soft texture.

3. Cobb Salad from Screen Door

A Southern-style Cobb salad with a twist, made with local and organic ingredients at this beloved brunch spot.
  • Quality Ingredients: Made with high-quality, fresh ingredients for an exceptional flavor.
  • Regional Influence: Combines Southern and Northwest flavors, unique to Screen Door's Cobb Salad.
  • Atmosphere: A charming, cozy atmosphere with friendly service that creates an enjoyable dining experience.

4. Philly Cheesesteak from Grassa

An upscale take on the classic Philly cheesesteak, with locally-sourced meats and artisanal cheeses at Grassa.
  • Quality Ingredients: Uses premium ingredients, elevating the traditional Philly cheesesteak.
  • Culinary Skill: Chef's expertise in technique and flavor pairing results in a unique version of this dish.
  • Upscale Dining Experience: Offers a refined dining experience, complete with exceptional service and ambiance.

5. Korean BBQ from Kim Jong Grillin'

Experience an authentic Korean BBQ at this food cart, where you can grill your own meat and veggies.
  • Interactive Experience: Allows customers to customize their meal by cooking it themselves.
  • Authenticity: Offers a genuine taste of Korean cuisine, different from other BBQ spots in Portland.
  • Location: Found in the famous pod at SE Hawthorne Blvd and 12th Ave, perfect for food cart exploring.

6. Tacos from Tacotarian

Vegan tacos with mouthwatering flavors and creative fillings at this popular eatery.
  • Vegan-Friendly: Caters to vegan and vegetarian diets, offering delicious options for plant-based eaters.
  • Creativity: Offers unique, innovative fillings that you won't find in traditional taco spots.
  • Fast Casual Dining: Quick service for when you want a delicious meal without the wait.

7. Fish Tacos from La Perla

Delicious fish tacos made with fresh, sustainable seafood at this casual eatery in Southeast Portland.
  • Sustainability: Uses environmentally-friendly seafood practices for a more responsible dining choice.
  • Location: Nestled in the heart of Southeast Portland's vibrant food scene.
  • Flavorful Sauces: Offers a variety of flavorful sauces to customize your taco experience.

8. Triple-Decker PB&J at Gracie's Apizza

A playful take on the classic PB&J sandwich, stacked high with peanut butter and jelly at Gracie's Apizza.
  • Creativity: An inventive twist on a childhood favorite.
  • Location: Located in the popular Kerns neighborhood, perfect for exploring nearby attractions.
  • Portion Size: A generous serving that will satisfy even the hungriest of customers.

9. Waffles from Waffle Window

Belgian-style waffles with a variety of toppings at this adorable food cart in Northwest Portland.
  • Quality Ingredients: Uses fresh, high-quality ingredients for exceptional flavor.
  • Creativity: Offers unique and tasty toppings to customize your waffle experience.
  • Location: Found in the bustling Pearl District, perfect for exploring Portland's art scene.

10. Lobster Roll from Lobstermobile

Fresh lobster rolls served from a food truck in downtown Portland.
  • Quality Ingredients: Uses fresh, sustainably-sourced lobster for an exceptional flavor.
  • Convenience: A food truck that brings the deliciousness to you.
  • Location: Often found in downtown Portland, perfect for a quick lunch or snack.

11. Fried Chicken at Screen Door

Crispy, delicious fried chicken served at this beloved brunch spot.
  • Quality Ingredients: Uses fresh, high-quality ingredients for exceptional flavor.
  • Cooking Technique: The perfect balance of crispy exterior and juicy interior.
  • Atmosphere: A charming, cozy atmosphere with friendly service that creates an enjoyable dining experience.

12. Pork Belly Bao from Nong's Khao Man Gai

Tender pork belly served in a soft bao at this Thai eatery.
  • Quality Ingredients: Uses fresh, high-quality ingredients for exceptional flavor.
  • Regional Influence: Combines Thai and Northwest flavors, unique to Nong's Khao Man Gai.
  • Portion Size: A generous serving that will fill you up without breaking the bank.

13. Pho at Pho Portland

Authentic Vietnamese pho served in a cozy, welcoming environment.
  • Authenticity: Offers an authentic taste of Vietnamese cuisine.
  • Quality Ingredients: Uses fresh, high-quality ingredients for exceptional flavor.
  • Atmosphere: A welcoming, relaxed atmosphere that makes you feel right at home.

14. Mac and Cheese from The Mac Shack

Delicious mac and cheese with unique flavor combinations at this food truck.
  • Creativity: Offers a variety of creative flavor combinations for the mac and cheese.
  • Convenience: A food truck that brings the deliciousness to you.
  • Quality Ingredients: Uses fresh, high-quality ingredients for exceptional flavor.

15. Breakfast Tacos from Taco Pedaler

Delicious breakfast tacos made with locally-sourced ingredients at this food cart.
  • Quality Ingredients: Uses fresh, high-quality ingredients for exceptional flavor.
  • Creativity: Offers unique and tasty fillings to customize your breakfast taco experience.
  • Convenience: A food cart that brings the deliciousness to you, perfect for early morning explorations.