Portland, Oregon’s Signature Dishes You Have To Try At Least Once
Portland, Oregon isn’t just quirky—it’s deliciously daring.
This foodie haven has turned dining into an art form, where creative chefs and food cart geniuses serve dishes that surprise as much as they satisfy.
From maple-bacon doughnuts and buttermilk biscuits to smoky BBQ and experimental ice cream, Portland’s flavors tell the story of a city that loves to push culinary boundaries while keeping things wonderfully local.
Voodoo Doughnut
Walking into Voodoo Doughnut feels like stepping into a sugary fever dream. The pink boxes are iconic, but what’s inside is even better—doughnuts topped with everything from cereal to bacon. I once tried the Bacon Maple Bar at 2 a.m., and honestly, my life changed.
Sure, tourists flock here, but locals know the magic is real. The Voodoo Doll doughnut, complete with a pretzel stick through its heart, is Instagram gold. Don’t sleep on the Portland Cream either—it’s filled with bavarian cream and topped with chocolate.
Yes, you’ll wait in line. Yes, it’s worth every single minute. Grab a box, share with friends, or don’t—we won’t judge your doughnut hoarding habits.
Nong’s Khao Man Gai
One dish. That’s it. Nong’s Khao Man Gai serves poached chicken over rice with a tangy sauce, and somehow it’s become a Portland legend.
Nong Poonsukwattana started with a single food cart, and now she’s got multiple locations because people can’t get enough. The chicken is tender, the rice is cooked in chicken broth, and that sauce? It’s garlicky, spicy, and absolutely addictive. I’ve tried recreating it at home and failed miserably.
What makes this dish so special is its simplicity. There are no fancy tricks or complicated techniques—just quality ingredients prepared perfectly. Add a side of chicken soup, and you’ve got yourself a meal that’ll warm your soul on a rainy Portland day.
Salt & Straw Ice Cream
Forget boring vanilla and chocolate—Salt & Straw pushes ice cream into wild, wonderful territory. We’re talking flavors like Pear & Blue Cheese, Honey Lavender, and Thanksgiving Turkey (yes, really). Founded by cousins Kim and Tyler Malek, this scoop shop has become a Portland institution.
My personal favorite? The Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons. It’s sweet, salty, and dangerously addictive. They rotate flavors monthly, so there’s always something new to try. Pro tip: go during off-hours to avoid the massive lines.
They source local ingredients and aren’t afraid to experiment. Even if a flavor sounds bizarre, trust the process. You might just discover your new obsession in a waffle cone.
Pok Pok Wings
Chef Andy Ricker brought Northern Thai cuisine to Portland, and these wings are the crown jewel. Coated in a sticky, sweet-savory fish sauce glaze, they’re fried until crispy and served with fresh herbs and pickled vegetables.
I’ll be honest—I’ve eaten these wings so many times I’ve lost count. They’re sweet, funky, and utterly crave-worthy. The key is the Vietnamese-style fish sauce marinade that caramelizes during cooking. Each bite delivers crunch, flavor, and just enough heat to keep things interesting.
While Pok Pok’s original location has closed, you can still find these legendary wings at their other spots. Order extra napkins because things will get messy, and you won’t care one bit.
Lardo Sandwiches
Lardo takes sandwiches seriously—like, really seriously. Their signature Pork Meatball Banh Mi and the Dirty Fries have achieved cult status among Portland foodies.
What sets Lardo apart is their commitment to house-made everything. The pork belly is cured in-house, the sauces are crafted from scratch, and even the bread comes from local bakeries. My go-to order is the Korean Pork Shoulder with kimchi and gochujang aioli. It’s messy, spicy, and absolutely glorious.
The name “Lardo” refers to Italian cured pork fat, which tells you everything about their philosophy. They’re not here for light, dainty lunches—they’re serving indulgent, flavor-packed masterpieces. Bring your appetite and maybe some stretchy pants.
Pine State Biscuits
Southerners might argue about authenticity, but Pine State Biscuits shuts down all debates with one bite. Their Reggie Deluxe—a buttermilk biscuit loaded with fried chicken, bacon, cheese, and gravy—is breakfast perfection.
Started by three friends from North Carolina, Pine State brought genuine Southern comfort food to the Pacific Northwest. The biscuits are flaky, buttery, and ridiculously fluffy. I once made the mistake of ordering just one, and I’ve regretted that decision ever since.
They also serve the McIsley, a spicy fried chicken biscuit with jalapeños and honey. Weekend brunch lines can be long, but the staff keeps things moving. Fair warning: you’ll need a serious nap after this meal.
Screen Door Chicken & Waffles
Screen Door serves Southern soul food that’ll make you want to write poetry. Their Chicken & Waffles dish features perfectly fried chicken atop a crispy-edged waffle, finished with a drizzle of maple syrup.
What makes this version special is the attention to detail. The chicken is brined overnight for maximum juiciness, and the waffle has just enough crunch to stand up to the syrup. Sweet meets savory in the most beautiful way possible.
Expect a wait, especially on weekends—Screen Door is wildly popular for good reason. While you’re there, don’t skip the Praline Bacon. Yes, bacon coated in brown sugar and pecans. Portland doesn’t mess around when it comes to breakfast innovation and deliciousness.
Blue Star Donuts
Blue Star takes the opposite approach from Voodoo—these are fancy, French-style brioche doughnuts made with local, seasonal ingredients. Think Blueberry Bourbon Basil or Meyer Lemon & Key Lime Curd.
The dough is richer and more cake-like than typical doughnuts, thanks to whole eggs and European butter. Each bite feels luxurious, like you’re eating a pastry from a Parisian bakery. My weakness is the Passionfruit Cocoa Nib—tart, sweet, and perfectly balanced.
They change flavors with the seasons, so you’ll find pumpkin spice in fall and fresh berry options in summer. These aren’t grab-and-go doughnuts; they’re meant to be savored with good coffee. Treat yourself to something special here.
Portland Food Cart Pods
Portland’s food cart scene is legendary, with pods scattered throughout the city offering everything from Korean BBQ to vegan comfort food. These aren’t your average street vendors—many are run by professionally trained chefs testing concepts.
My favorite discovery was a tiny Thai cart serving boat noodles that rivaled anything I’ve eaten in Bangkok. The beauty of food cart pods is variety; your group can order from different carts and eat together. Plus, prices are usually way more affordable than sit-down restaurants.
Check out the Cartopia pod on Hawthorne or the Alder Street pod downtown. Rain or shine, Portlanders are out here supporting small businesses and eating incredibly well. Grab something adventurous and enjoy the communal vibe.
Stumptown Coffee
Before third-wave coffee became trendy everywhere, Stumptown was pioneering direct-trade relationships and small-batch roasting in Portland. Their Hair Bender blend is smooth, complex, and dangerously easy to drink.
I’m not exaggerating when I say Stumptown changed my relationship with coffee. Before visiting Portland, I thought coffee was just caffeine delivery. Now I actually taste notes of chocolate, berries, and caramel. The baristas here take their craft seriously without being pretentious about it.
You’ll find Stumptown cafes throughout the city, plus their cold brew in grocery stores nationwide. But there’s something special about sipping it in Portland, where it all started. Pair it with a pastry and watch the rain—pure Portland perfection.
Apizza Scholls
New Yorkers might throw shade, but Apizza Scholls makes pizza that can hold its own against any East Coast contender. The crust is perfectly charred with a chewy interior, and they don’t skimp on quality toppings.
Owner Brian Spangler is obsessive about ingredients—the flour, the tomatoes, even the water matters. You can taste that dedication in every slice. The Margherita is simple perfection, while the Apizza Amore with pancetta and roasted peppers brings the heat. Cash only, so hit the ATM first.
Be prepared to wait because they don’t take reservations and the place is tiny. But watching the pizza makers work while you wait is entertainment enough. This is pizza worth planning your evening around.
Podnah’s Pit BBQ
Authentic Texas-style barbecue in the Pacific Northwest? Podnah’s makes it happen with slow-smoked brisket that’ll make you forget you’re thousands of miles from Austin.
Pitmaster Rodney Muirhead spent years perfecting his craft, and it shows. The brisket has that beautiful smoke ring and melts in your mouth. Don’t skip the house-made sausages or the burnt ends if they’re available. The sides hold their own too—the collard greens and mac and cheese are legit.
They smoke everything over oak wood, and the smell alone is worth the visit. Get there early because when they sell out, they’re done for the day. Real barbecue takes time, and Podnah’s refuses to compromise quality for quantity.