Step onto the lively streets of Portland, Oregon and immerse yourself in a world of delectable cuisine. Here, food trucks reign supreme, offering a vibrant and one-of-a-kind taste of the city’s diverse palate.
With many options, ranging from savory breakfast bites to inventive dishes, prepare to embark on a mouthwatering adventure and uncover the true essence of Portland’s renowned food truck scene. Trust us, it’s an experience to be noticed.
- Kind Coffee
Step up to Kind Coffee in Sunnyside for a fast, fulfilling breakfast or a bold, black brew. This popular cart on Belmont Street has everything you need to kickstart your day, including mouthwatering breakfast sandwiches. Try their signature ginger-infused maple pork sausage topped with melted American cheese and a perfectly fried egg on a fluffy English muffin. You’ll get that New York City energy with a friendly and welcoming touch at Kind Coffee, making it the ideal stop for fueling up on the go, whether on a bustling weekday or a leisurely weekend.
- Birrieria La Plaza
Nestled in Centennial, Birrieria La Plaza has perfected the art of offering a concise yet exquisite menu. The shining star is their quesabirria tacos, showcasing flawlessly cooked and succulent beef using a traditional Jalisco family recipe. Slowly marinated in a blend of guajillo and pasilla chiles, the beef is tender and accompanied by a heavenly combination of cheese-drenched tortillas and a side of consomé for dipping and sipping. The Plaza Plate offers an array of mouthwatering choices, inviting you to find your perfect blend of crispy tortillas and melted cheese.
- Matta
Experience fast food like you’ve never tasted at Matta in Kerns, fueled by the dynamic duo of Richard and Sophia Le. Their Viet Kieu influences bring a refreshing twist to classic dishes, such as fish sauce cheeseburgers and coconut-glazed pandan doughnuts. Satisfy your cravings with a nostalgic twist by trying the Sunday-only pork patty and hashbrown breakfast sandwich on their homemade green pandan buns. Take advantage of this unique and delicious Vietnamese American comfort food experience.
- Kee’s #Loaded Kitchen
Before the doors open at Kee’s #Loaded Kitchen, Kiauna Nelson, the owner, has customers eagerly waiting in line – no matter the weather. Nelson’s reputation for incredible culinary skills, abundant portions, and a lively demeanour precedes her. The Loaded Everything plate is a fan favourite, featuring a sampling of all the protein options available on the constantly changing menu. With delectable fried “crackfish” catfish, succulent brisket, and wings that will leave you wanting more, coupled with delicious sides like the famous Mac ‘n’ Kees and impeccable potato salad, it’s no wonder that Kee’s #Loaded Kitchen is a must-try for a satisfying and flavoursome dining experience.
- Stretch the Noodle – Downtown
Stretch the Noodle, located in the heart of Downtown Portland, is a must-visit destination for any noodle lover. With its incredibly delicious handmade noodles, this food truck can easily attract long lines of hungry customers every weekday. From the fiery and satisfyingly wide biang biang noodles smothered in chile sauce and black vinegar to the delicate and perfectly folded dumplings filled with succulent pork, plump shrimp, and sweet corn, every bite is an explosion of flavour and authenticity. To avoid the inevitable queues, swing by during their opening or closing hours and indulge in the exquisite taste of Stretch the Noodle.
- Desi PDX
Looking for a taste experience that’s both gluten-free and vegan? Look no further than Desi PDX! This food cart specializes in Indian fare made with organic and local ingredients, resulting in flavorful creations like cardamom chai chicken and pakora waffles. As its name suggests, Desi, meaning “authentic” or “pure,” brings a truly genuine and satisfying taste of Indian cuisine right to the heart of Portland.
- Viking Soul Food
Elevating the food truck experience to new heights, Viking Soul Food operates out of an ultra-hip Airstream trailer. Megan Walhood and Jeremy Daniels have delighted customers for over eight years with their signature dish – Norwegian lefse stuffed with succulent meatballs and savoury gravy or topped with smoked salmon, dill, greens, and creamy creme fraiche. And for a genuinely Nordic culinary adventure, remember to try their seafood chowder and refreshing lingonberry iced tea.
- MF Tasty
Chef-owner Eric Gitenstein’s MF Tasty brings the vibrant flavours of Arizona to Portland and is a must-try for food lovers. Combining fresh PNW ingredients with bold Mexican-American spices, their menu boasts a rotating paella of the week and a decadent quesadilla with a blend of Oaxacan cheeses. With covered seating to escape the inevitable Portland rain, MF Tasty offers a cosy and flavorful dining experience.
- Pastrami Zombie
Experience the mouthwatering delights of Pastrami Zombie, where Chef Melissa McMillan masterfully prepares oversized sandwiches bursting with succulent pastrami. While the signature pastrami sandwich is a must-try, the menu also features a delectable poached albacore tuna sandwich with arugula and pickles on an authentic Italian bun. Visiting Pastrami Zombie will surely satisfy you, whether it’s the smoky, meaty flavours or the large portions.
- Burger Stevens
Meet the city’s new go-to spot for mouthwatering cheeseburgers, Burger Stevens. Don Salamone, owner and connoisseur of Michelin-starred restaurants, has brought his expertise to crafting the perfect, classic American cheeseburger. Sink your teeth into the flavorful blend of Creekstone ground beef, melted American cheese, and toasted Franz buns, all topped off with the signature “fancy sauce.” The demand for these tantalizing burgers was so high that a second location was opened, solidifying Burger Stevens as a staple in the community.
Conclusion
With bustling morning lines and constant expansions, it’s clear that food trucks are in high demand, and it’s no wonder why. These statistics are a testament to these mobile kitchens’ eager anticipation and lasting popularity, highlighting just how integral they are to shaping Portland’s culinary landscape. As we satisfy our cravings and indulge in the city’s top 10 food trucks, we can’t help but see them as more than just restaurants on wheels. These visionary establishments epitomise a vibrant and avant-garde food culture, perfectly embodying the spirit of Portland’s lively streets.
