Elevated South East Asian street food with an ambiance that is hard to beat, Pok Pok [3226 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97202] is a popular choice in Portland, Oregon.
The restaurant is open air with heating lamps to keep you warm on a chillier night, nibbling on some complimentary chili peanuts will add some heat as well. The signature dish is Ike’s Vietnamese fish sauce wings and oh my goodness – tangy, salty, sweet, crispy, garlicky, goodness!!!
I just wish we each ordered a plate instead of sharing them. We also sampled the Cha Ca La Vong catfish which was delicate, melt in your mouth, lightly fried in tumeric oil. It came paired with bold herbs and crunchy nuts on a bed of rice vermicelli.
Lastly we tried the Yam Khai Dao, a salad with so many different flavors and textures.
The menu said it was aroy maak (delicious) and it certainly was! This was a trip within a trip, but if you can’t make it out to Portland there are additional locations in LA and NYC.
Good to know for next time I’m in Portland!
We lived in Portland when Pok Pok first opened and when we could have gone there pretty much anytime we wanted, with no waiting or lines. By the time we caught on, it had become famous and busy. So we started visiting the Whiskey Lounge, which is across the street from Pok Pok (and part of its empire) and serves Thai drinking food. Very good!