Gado Gado focuses primarily on Indonesian cuisine while blending in elements of Chinese culinary traditions. Launched in June 2019 by chefs Thomas and Mariah Pisha-Duffly, the menu reflects their creativity that’s influenced by their backgrounds and travels. 

You’ve gotta try the Tea-Smoked Tofu Gado-Gado—it’s one of the best dishes on the menu! It comes with a colorful mix of fresh veggies and peanut sauce that tie everything together perfectly.

Another standout experience is  Rice Table. It’s a family-style feast where you can dig into a bunch of different dishes. It’s a great way to share with friends or family and get a taste of everything on the menu.

With all that, I just also have to mention that it can get a bit loud inside. If you’re looking for a quiet dining experience, this might not be the best spot for you.

Total portion was very generous, and the value was great

“It’s hard to describe what the rice table meal was like. In the best way, it’s an overwhelming barrage of flavors, each more fragrant and delicious than the last. There wasn’t a single thing I didn’t enjoy, the total portion was very generous, and the value was great. The atmosphere is casual and cool, it’s a place you could come for a celebratory dinner or just a weeknight outing. It’s one of the great meals I’ve had”

Mac Zafarana, Google review

Every dish was delicious

“The food is so so good, every dish was delicious. The clam and pork curry was incredible. Drinks were delicious and our server with a man bun was friendly and helpful. 10/10”

Natalie Moore, Google review

Hat Yai is a cozy Thai restaurant that fits about 36-38 guests, making for a really intimate dining spot. 

Run by chefs Earl Ninsom and Alan Akwai, the restaurant opened its first spot in early 2016. You can watch the chefs work their magic in the open kitchen, which adds a nice touch to the vibe.

They are especially known for their fried chicken. It’s a real standout—rice-battered and deep-fried to crispy perfection while staying juicy inside. It usually comes with sticky rice and a side of curry, making it a favorite for many. 

Just a heads up, though: it can get a little busy and understaffed, so you might experience some longer wait times.

The best Thai chicken ever I have in Oregon

“The best Thai chicken ever I have in Oregon! Their curry dipping sauce is really great too! Kinda like Japanese style. I come back to this place now and then… can’t find anywhere better than this one.”

Jay C., Google review

I recommend stopping by if you’re in the area

“You just order food at the counter, and they will serve it to you at the table. It’s nice to sit outside and enjoy the good weather, but it can be difficult to find parking. I like the Hat Yai fried chicken and Southern Thai ground pork. This is a popular local spot. I recommend stopping by if you’re in the area.”

Nook H., Google review

Since Lúc Lắc Vietnamese Kitchen opened in November 2011, co-owners Adam and Alan Ho have created a fun vibe that’s really caught on. The counter-ordering system adds a laid-back vibe, making it a great spot for a quick lunch or leisurely dinner. 

It feels like you’ve stepped onto a vibrant Asian film set with their decor here. There’s a cool mural of Chinese dragon heads on one wall and pink parasols hanging from the ceiling that adds a playful touch. 

They’re also known for having the “Best Pho” in Willamette Week’s readers’ poll back in 2015. Their pho has a rich beef broth with traditional flavors, offering a deep and savory taste. The spices contribute to its warm aroma and complexity. It’s definitely a must-try!

I can’t deny that their dishes are delicious, but some of the prices might be a bit steep for those on a tight budget.

Very Instagram worthy decor and a fantastic staff

“Sometimes the difference between good food and great food is the details. For example, one of the items I ordered was sugar cane shrimp. In most places, the  sugar cane is mostly a prop. It is usually dry and small and not worth chewing. Here, it is big and juicy and and you want to chew for a long time to extract every bit of cane juice before you spit it out. That combined with a very Instagram worthy decor and a fantastic staff make this one of the best hidden gems anywhere.”

Gary Ma, Google review

It’s a decent spot for a Vietnamese-inspired meal

“Luc Lac Vietnamese Kitchen is a bustling and successful Vietnamese-American restaurant, which is great to see. It does a wonderful job of introducing Vietnamese cuisine to a wider audience. However, as a Vietnamese, I noticed the flavors are quite different from the authentic dishes I know. The restaurant’s design feels more Chinese than Vietnamese, which was surprising. On the positive side, the staff are friendly, though the prices are on the higher side. Overall, it’s a decent spot for a Vietnamese-inspired meal, even if it strays from the original flavors.”

Hieu Duong, Google review

Whether you’re a ramen lover or just diving into Japanese food, Afuri Izakaya is sure to give you a meal you won’t forget. 

We really appreciate that they use fresh, locally sourced ingredients as they keep those authentic Japanese flavors shining through. 

Afuri Izakaya is all about that standout Yuzu Shio ramen. It’s got this light, delicate broth made from local chicken, and that yuzu gives it a nice citrusy kick. You can also load it up with tasty toppings like charcoal-grilled pork and seasonal veggies. 

Their bright interior and sleek design make it a great spot for hanging out with friends. If you sit at the bar, you get to watch all the kitchen action, which adds to the lively atmosphere.

The only downside I experienced was the long wait times. If they could sort that out, I’d probably want to eat there every day.

Each food was made with such care and attention to detail

“I had an amazing experience! The person at the entrance was very pleasant, the facilities were clean with lots of bar space and the waiter Adam was funny, helpful and attentive. I had the sushi, the mackerel, and dessert. Each item was made with such care and attention to detail. The quality of the sushi was top notch, and the portions were generous. Of note, the soy sauce was phenomenal! The cooked fish was flavorful with crunchy skin and super juicy and tender meat. It was topped with the best tomatoes I’ve ever had. The desserts were both cute and flavorful. The cocktails are great too. A must visit if you’re in Portland and like good quality sushi!”

Gabs Zee, Google review

Flavorful dishes and amazing ambiance

“Hot off the press – the duck Shoyu here is fire. The duck is very tender/fatty and the broth is incredibly flavorful. No other comments about this dish. The apps included chicken karaage which we always get at ramen shops and I’d say this karaage was top 5. The sushi roll was also legit. The ambience speaks for itself in the pics. 10/10. Oh, and I enjoyed the highball.”

Trung Phan, Google review

Named after a famous street in Bangkok known for its awesome eats, Khao San really tries to bring that vibrant vibe right to the Northwest.

They have a fun atmosphere filled with cool decor, like a custom Tuk Tuk booth that adds fun to the dining area. It’s like stepping into a piece of Thailand!

One of the standout dishes here is the Khao Soi. It’s a northern Thai curry noodle dish with a creamy broth and tender egg noodles topped with chicken and crispy noodles. It’s a must-try for anyone looking for real Thai flavors.

When you visit Khao San, you can expect not just tasty food but also a friendly vibe. They encourage sharing dishes family-style, which makes the whole dining experience feel more communal. 

That said, I did hear from some customers that there were some missing items in their takeout order. It might be worth double-checking your bag before you leave.

Can’t wait to dine here once again

“This was my final stop in Portland and it was the perfect meal to end my day. Jesse went above and beyond to make sure my experience here was incredible. Khao San has a very special person with him and all his interactions with everyone created such a welcoming and joyful atmosphere. Can’t wait to dine here once again when I return back to Portland.”

Jared Miranda, Google review

It’s a great spot and I highly recommend checking them out

“I’ve been past this place so many times but had never stopped in and that’s on me. We wandered in during happy hour and pretty much ordered the entire menu. I’m still new to Korean food so it was very refreshing. It’s a great spot and I highly recommend checking them out.”

Jason Lim, Google review