Portland, Oregon is a city known for its diverse food scene, and Vietnamese cuisine is no exception. With a growing population of Vietnamese immigrants and first-generation Vietnamese Americans, Portland boasts a wide variety of Vietnamese restaurants and food carts that offer delicious and authentic dishes.
From traditional pho to banh mi sandwiches and fresh spring rolls, Vietnamese food in Portland is a must-try for foodies and locals alike. Many Vietnamese restaurants in Portland pride themselves on using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients to create flavorful and healthy dishes that are both affordable and satisfying.
Whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite from a food cart or a sit-down meal at a restaurant, Portland has plenty of options for Vietnamese food. So why not explore the city’s vibrant food scene and try some of the best Vietnamese cuisine that Portland has to offer?
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Popular Vietnamese Dishes
Vietnamese cuisine is known for its fresh and flavorful dishes that are a blend of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors. Portland has a vibrant Vietnamese food scene, with many restaurants and food carts offering a wide range of dishes.
Pho and Its Varieties
Pho is perhaps the most famous Vietnamese dish, and for good reason. This hearty noodle soup is made with a rich beef broth, rice noodles, and a variety of herbs and spices. It’s typically served with thinly sliced beef, but can also be made with chicken or tofu for a vegetarian option. Some popular varieties of pho include:
- Beef Pho: Made with beef broth and thinly sliced beef.
- Chicken Pho: Made with chicken broth and shredded chicken.
- Bún Bò Huế: A spicy version of pho made with beef and pork.
Rice and Noodle Dishes
Vietnamese cuisine also includes a variety of rice and noodle dishes, such as:
- Fried Rice: A classic dish made with rice, eggs, and vegetables.
- Mì Quảng: A noodle dish from central Vietnam made with turmeric noodles, shrimp, pork, and herbs.
- Vermicelli Noodles: A light and refreshing dish made with thin rice noodles, vegetables, and your choice of meat or tofu.
Unique Vietnamese Delicacies
Vietnamese cuisine is also known for its unique delicacies, such as:
- Bánh Bèo: A steamed rice cake topped with dried shrimp and scallions.
- Bánh Mì: A Vietnamese sandwich made with a baguette, pickled vegetables, and your choice of meat or tofu.
- Tofu: A staple in Vietnamese cuisine, tofu is used in a variety of dishes and is a great vegetarian protein option.
These are just a few of the many popular Vietnamese dishes you can find in Portland. Whether you’re in the mood for pho, rice and noodle dishes, or unique delicacies, you’re sure to find something delicious.
9 Top Vietnamese Restaurants
If you’re looking for authentic Vietnamese food in Portland, you’re in luck. Portland has a vibrant Vietnamese community, and there are many restaurants and food carts that serve delicious Vietnamese dishes.
Here are some of the top Vietnamese restaurants in Portland.
Restaurants Serving Pho
Pho is a popular Vietnamese noodle soup that is typically made with beef broth and rice noodles. Here are some of the best places to get pho in Portland:
- Luc Lac Vietnamese Kitchen: This restaurant in downtown Portland is known for its delicious pho. They have a variety of pho options, including beef, chicken, and vegetarian.
- Pho Van: This restaurant has several locations in Portland and serves some of the best pho in the city. Their brisket pho is a must-try.
- Rose VL Deli: This family-owned deli in Southeast Portland serves delicious pho and other Vietnamese dishes. Their pho is made with a rich, flavorful broth and fresh ingredients.
Bakeries and Coffee Shops
Vietnamese bakeries and coffee shops are a great place to grab a quick bite or a cup of coffee. Here are some of the best in Portland:
- An Xuyen Bakery: This bakery in Southeast Portland serves delicious banh mi sandwiches and other Vietnamese pastries. Their coffee is also excellent.
- Portland Cà Phê: This coffee shop in Northeast Portland serves traditional Vietnamese coffee and other Vietnamese-inspired drinks and snacks.
- Bui Natural Tofu: This tofu shop in Southeast Portland also has a small bakery that serves delicious Vietnamese pastries, including banh mi sandwiches.
Restaurants with Unique Offerings
If you’re looking for something a little different, here are some Vietnamese restaurants in Portland that offer unique dishes:
- Friendship Kitchen: This restaurant in Southeast Portland serves Vietnamese-inspired dishes with a modern twist. Their menu includes items like pork belly bao buns and lemongrass chicken wings.
- Ha VL: This restaurant in Southeast Portland is known for its delicious, homemade Vietnamese soups. They have a rotating menu of soups that changes daily.
- Berlu: This restaurant in Northeast Portland serves modern Vietnamese dishes with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients. Their menu changes frequently, but some of their popular dishes include the beef tartare and the fried chicken sandwich.
Portland has a thriving Vietnamese food scene, and there are many restaurants and food carts that serve delicious Vietnamese dishes. Whether you’re in the mood for pho, banh mi, or something a little different, you’re sure to find something that satisfies your cravings.
Vietnamese Cuisine Influence
Influence on Portland’s Food Scene
Vietnamese cuisine has had a significant influence on Portland’s food scene. With a large Vietnamese population, Portland has plenty of authentic Vietnamese restaurants and food carts. Vietnamese cuisine emphasizes fresh ingredients, vibrant flavors, and a balance of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy.
Portland’s Vietnamese cuisine has expanded to include dishes like banh mi, pho, bun bo hue, and more. Vietnamese cuisine has also inspired Portland chefs to create new dishes that incorporate local ingredients and flavors.
Comparison with Other Asian Cuisines
Vietnamese cuisine is often compared to other Asian cuisines, such as Thai cuisine. While both cuisines use many of the same ingredients, Vietnamese cuisine tends to be less spicy and more focused on fresh herbs and vegetables. Thai cuisine, on the other hand, is known for its bold flavors and use of spicy chilies. Vietnamese cuisine also differs from Chinese cuisine in that it is less greasy and more reliant on fresh ingredients.
Multi-Course Tasting Menu
Portland’s Vietnamese cuisine has also influenced the city’s fine dining scene. Restaurants like Berlu offer a contemporary Vietnamese tasting menu that showcases the flavors of the Pacific Northwest. This multi-course tasting menu highlights the versatility and complexity of Vietnamese cuisine and is a great way to experience the cuisine in a new and exciting way.
Willamette Valley
Vietnamese cuisine in Portland also benefits from the local produce of the Willamette Valley. The region’s mild climate and fertile soil provide an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables that are used in many Vietnamese dishes.
This local produce adds a unique twist to traditional Vietnamese cuisine and is a testament to the fusion of cultures that Portland is known for.
Overall, Vietnamese cuisine has had a significant influence on Portland’s food scene. With its emphasis on fresh ingredients, vibrant flavors, and balance of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy, Vietnamese cuisine has become a staple in Portland’s culinary landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find the best Vietnamese food in Portland?
Portland has a wide variety of Vietnamese restaurants, each with their own unique flavors and dishes. Some of the best Vietnamese restaurants in Portland include Luc Lac, Lúa, and Pho Oregon. These restaurants are known for their delicious pho, banh mi, and other Vietnamese dishes.
What are some popular Vietnamese dishes in Portland?
Some popular Vietnamese dishes in Portland include pho, banh mi, spring rolls, and vermicelli bowls. These dishes are available at most Vietnamese restaurants in the area and are a great way to experience the flavors of Vietnam.
Are there any Vietnamese bakeries in Portland?
Yes, there are several Vietnamese bakeries in Portland. One of the most popular is An Xuyen Bakery, which is known for its delicious banh mi sandwiches and pastries. Another great option is Best Baguette, which offers a wide variety of baked goods and sandwiches.
What is the most popular Vietnamese dish in the Portland area?
Pho is arguably the most popular Vietnamese dish in the Portland area. This delicious noodle soup is made with a flavorful broth, rice noodles, and a variety of meats and vegetables. It’s a staple at most Vietnamese restaurants in the area and is a must-try for anyone visiting Portland.
Where can I find the best pho in Portland?
There are many great places to enjoy pho in Portland, but some of the best include Pho Oregon, Pho Dalat, and Pho An Sandy. Each of these restaurants offers a unique pho experience, with flavorful broths and a variety of meats and vegetables.
How many Vietnamese restaurants are there in Beaverton?
Beaverton has a growing Vietnamese community, and as a result, there are several Vietnamese restaurants in the area. While the exact number is difficult to determine, a quick search reveals that there are at least 10 Vietnamese restaurants in Beaverton. Some of the most popular include Pho Tango, Pho Nam, and Pho King.
