Oregon, and especially Portland, is a mecca for food lovers, and its Thai food scene is among the best in the nation.
Pioneered by legendary chefs, the state is home to restaurants that focus on hyper-regional, authentic, and uncompromising Thai flavors.
From famous food carts to innovative dining rooms, Oregon offers a graduate-level course in Thai cuisine.
Here are five Thai restaurants in Oregon that deliver a world-class experience.
1. Nong’s Khao Man Gai (Portland)
Nong’s built an empire on a single dish: Khao Man Gai, or Thai chicken and rice.
This iconic food cart, now with brick-and-mortar locations, serves perfectly poached chicken with fragrant rice and a phenomenal soybean-ginger sauce.
It is a testament to the power of doing one thing flawlessly.
2. Hat Yai (Portland)
Hat Yai focuses on the distinct cuisine of Southern Thailand.
They are famous for their incredible fried chicken, which is crispy, juicy, and served with sticky rice and curry sauce.
The entire menu is a transportive experience, full of bold, spicy, and savory flavors.
3. PaaDee (Portland)
PaaDee means “to bring good things” and it consistently delivers on that promise.
This restaurant specializes in the soulful, rustic comfort food of the Isan region of northeast Thailand.
Dishes are meant to be shared and eaten with sticky rice, offering a communal and authentic meal.
4. Langbaan (Portland)
Hidden behind PaaDee, Langbaan offers one of the most coveted reservations in Portland.
This is a tasting-menu-only experience that takes diners on a journey through different regions of Thailand.
It is an intimate, educational, and utterly delicious exploration of the depth and complexity of Thai cuisine.
5. E-san Thai Cuisine (Portland)
Another temple to Isan cuisine, E-san is a local favorite for its authenticity and fiery flavors.
They are known for their incredible papaya salads, larb, and grilled meats.
This is the place to go when you crave the funky, spicy, and sour notes that define regional Thai food.
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