11 Best Food Trucks You Have To Try In Portland, Oregon
Portland’s food truck scene is legendary, with hundreds of mobile eateries serving up mouthwatering dishes from every corner of the globe.
I’ve spent countless lunch breaks hunting down the tastiest meals on wheels throughout the Rose City.
From Korean fusion to authentic Mexican street food, these rolling restaurants offer some of the most innovative and delicious food in town – often at prices that won’t break the bank.
1. Koi Fusion – Where Korean Meets Mexican
My first bite of Koi Fusion’s bulgogi beef taco was a revelation! The tender, marinated beef paired with kimchi and spicy sauce created a flavor explosion I still dream about. Owner Bo Kwon started with just one truck back in 2009 and has since created a mini-empire of Korean-Mexican goodness. Their signature dish combines two of my favorite cuisines in perfect harmony.
The Korean BBQ burritos come wrapped in a warm tortilla stuffed with your choice of protein, kimchi fried rice, and all the fixings. Pro tip: don’t skip the KFC (Korean Fried Chicken) sliders with their addictive gochujang glaze. You’ll find their bright blue trucks at various locations around Portland, but I regularly stalk their Broadway location for my weekly fix.
2. Cocina Mexico Lindo – Authentic Flavors Of Oaxaca
Hidden among the sea of downtown food carts, Cocina Mexico Lindo serves the most authentic Mexican food I’ve tasted outside of Oaxaca. Maria, the smiling woman behind the counter, prepares everything from scratch using family recipes passed down through generations.
The handmade corn tortillas alone are worth the visit – pillowy soft with that perfect chew. Their mole negro takes three days to prepare, with over 20 ingredients creating layers of complexity that dance on your tongue. Last summer, I brought my Mexican-food-skeptic uncle here, and now he drives 30 minutes weekly just for their tacos al pastor. Skip the usual burrito and try their tlayudas – massive tortillas topped with beans, Oaxacan cheese, and your choice of meat.
3. Up N Smoke BBQ Pit – Texas-Style Smoky Goodness
Smoke signals led me to this Texas-style BBQ truck on a rainy Portland afternoon. The moment owner Jeremiah lifted the smoker lid, I knew I’d found something special. The intoxicating aroma of hickory-smoked brisket made my mouth water before I’d even placed my order. Jeremiah wakes at 3 AM daily to tend his smokers, resulting in meat so tender it practically melts.
The brisket sports that coveted pink smoke ring and pulls apart effortlessly. Their homemade BBQ sauce strikes the perfect balance between tangy, sweet, and spicy without overwhelming the meat’s natural flavors. Don’t overlook the sides – the jalapeño mac and cheese changed my life, and the collard greens simmered with smoked turkey necks might make you weep with joy.
4. ASH Woodfired – Pizza Perfection On Wheels
A converted vintage trailer housing a 900-degree wood-fired oven? Only in Portland! ASH Woodfired has somehow mastered the art of Neapolitan pizza from a vehicle smaller than my bathroom. The first time I watched them slide a pizza into that blazing inferno, I was mesmerized. Their dough ferments for 72 hours, creating an airy, chewy crust with those perfect leopard-spotted char marks.
The margherita showcases their commitment to simplicity – San Marzano tomatoes, fresh basil, and clouds of buffalo mozzarella that stretch for days. I’ve been known to order their seasonal special twice in one sitting, especially when they feature foraged mushrooms and truffle oil. The line can get long, but trust me – watching your pizza cook in 90 seconds flat is part of the entertainment.
5. Hummus Hummus – Middle Eastern Street Food Reimagined
Chickpeas have never tasted so good! Hummus Hummus converted me from a casual hummus consumer to a full-blown addict. Owner Rashid greets everyone like family, often remembering regular customers’ orders before they speak. The secret to their velvety hummus lies in the tahini they import directly from Lebanon.
Each bowl comes topped with your choice of additions – I’m partial to the lamb shawarma with pine nuts and pomegranate seeds. Their falafel deserves special mention – crispy exteriors giving way to herb-flecked, fluffy interiors that put all other versions to shame. For the indecisive eater (me every time), the mezze platter offers a sampling of everything good: hummus, baba ganoush, tabbouleh, and warm pita bread baked in their custom oven.
6. Cafe De Crepe – French Street Food With Northwest Flair
The sizzle of batter hitting a hot griddle lured me to Cafe de Crepe one foggy morning. Pierre, a transplant from Brittany, has been spinning these paper-thin French pancakes for Portlanders for over a decade. Watching him spread the batter with his special wooden rake is mesmerizing – pure culinary theater! Their savory buckwheat galettes maintain that essential crisp edge while cradling fillings like smoked salmon, crème fraîche, and locally foraged mushrooms.
Sweet options showcase Oregon’s bounty – my personal weakness is the Marion berry crepe with lavender-infused whipped cream. Last month, I brought my visiting parents here, and my dad declared it better than the crepes he’d had in Paris. Bonus points for their house-made salted caramel sauce that I may or may not have purchased by the jar.
7. Mole Mole Mexican Cuisine – The Sauce Boss Of Portland
Finding Mole Mole was like discovering buried treasure. Tucked away in a pod of food carts in Southeast Portland, this unassuming truck specializes in regional moles from across Mexico. Chef Carmen learned these recipes from her grandmother in Puebla, and the love shows in every bite. The signature seven moles sampler changed my understanding of this complex sauce forever.
From the chocolate-tinged mole poblano to the bright green pepita-based mole verde, each offers a completely different experience. My personal favorite is their fiery red mole coloradito served over tender chicken with handmade tortillas for sopping up every last drop. Come hungry and order the chile relleno – a roasted poblano stuffed with queso fresco, battered, fried, and smothered in your choice of mole.
8. Matt’s BBQ Tacos – The Breakfast Taco Revolution
Matt’s BBQ Tacos single-handedly cured my homesickness for Austin, Texas. The moment I bit into their brisket breakfast taco, wrapped in a fresh flour tortilla with scrambled eggs and salsa, I was transported back to Hill Country. The flour tortillas alone deserve their own fan club – pillowy, slightly chewy, with those beautiful brown spots from the griddle.
Their smoked meats take these tacos to the next level. The brisket gets a 12-hour smoke bath before being chopped and tucked into those heavenly tortillas. I’ve stood in line for 30 minutes in pouring rain just for their migas taco – a magical combination of eggs, tortilla chips, cheese, and pico de gallo. Pro tip: they sell out regularly, so arrive early and don’t sleep on the green chile pork taco.
9. Bake On The Run – Caribbean Comfort Food Paradise
Steel drums might as well be playing when you approach Bake On The Run. This vibrant yellow truck brings authentic Trinidadian flavors to rainy Portland, and my taste buds couldn’t be happier. Owner Maureen’s accent is as thick as her curry, and she’ll likely call you “darling” while handing over your food.
The doubles – two pieces of fried flatbread stuffed with curried chickpeas – are a handheld flavor bomb that I crave weekly. Their jerk chicken strikes that perfect balance of spice, smoke, and allspice that makes authentic Caribbean food so irresistible. I once brought six coworkers here for lunch, and now our office has a standing Friday order. Save room for the coconut bread pudding that Maureen only makes on Wednesdays – it’s worth rearranging your schedule for.
10. Yoshi’s Sushi – The Freshest Catch On Wheels
Sushi from a truck? I was skeptical too until I tried Yoshi’s. Chef Yoshi worked at high-end sushi restaurants for 15 years before opening his mobile operation, bringing impeccable knife skills and sourcing standards to the food cart scene. The tiny kitchen somehow produces some of the freshest fish creations in Portland. Their signature Dragon Roll combines perfectly vinegared rice with unagi, avocado, and cucumber, topped with thin slices of lemon that add bright acidity. For the adventurous, the daily special often features whatever looked best at the fish market that morning. Last week’s albacore belly nigiri with a touch of yuzu kosho nearly made me cry. Don’t miss their chirashi bowl – a stunning arrangement of sashimi over seasoned rice that tastes as good as it looks on Instagram.
11. Iolani’s Plate Lunch – Hawaiian Comfort Food Bliss
Aloha spirit flows freely at Iolani’s, where the portions are generous and the welcome even warmer. After surfing in Hawaii years ago, I’ve been chasing that perfect plate lunch ever since. My search ended at this unassuming truck painted with palm trees and island scenes. Their kalua pork spends hours in a modified smoker, resulting in tender strands of meat with just the right amount of smoke.
The classic plate lunch comes with two scoops of rice and mac salad so creamy it should be illegal. I’ve brought Hawaiian friends here who swear it tastes like home, which is perhaps the highest compliment possible. For the ultimate indulgence, order the loco moco – a hamburger patty topped with a fried egg and smothered in rich brown gravy. Your arteries might protest, but your soul will thank you.