Portland has embraced Thai cuisine with passion. The city's food-forward culture has welcomed both traditional Thai restaurants and innovative interpretations. Andy Ricker's Pok Pok put Portland on the map for Northern Thai street food, inspiring a wave of authentic Thai dining.
Thai Dishes to Know
Pad Thai
Rice noodles, tamarind, peanuts
Green Curry
Coconut milk, basil, spicy
Khao Soi
Northern curry noodles
Larb
Spicy meat salad
Som Tam
Green papaya salad
Tom Yum
Hot and sour soup
Top Portland Thai Spots
Pok Pok (Legacy)
Division • Northern Thai Street Food
Though the original closed, Pok Pok's influence lives on. Andy Ricker's wings recipe is still the gold standard. Look for pop-ups and related concepts.
Langbaan
Division • Upscale Thai
Hidden behind PaaDee, this chef's counter experience offers a multi-course Thai tasting menu. Reservations essential.
PaaDee
Division • Thai Home Cooking
Casual Thai home-style cooking from the Langbaan team. The khao soi and drinking food are excellent.
Nong's Khao Man Gai
Downtown • One Dish Wonder
Does one thing perfectly: khao man gai (Thai chicken and rice). Simple, clean, satisfying. Multiple locations.
Hat Yai
SE Portland • Southern Thai
From the Pok Pok family. Southern Thai fried chicken and Malaysian-influenced dishes. Different flavors than typical Thai.
Mee-Sen Thai Eatery
NE Portland • Neighborhood Classic
Reliable neighborhood Thai with generous portions. The curries are well-balanced and the pad thai is solid.
🏆 Our Picks
Best Overall: PaaDee - Authentic home cooking, great atmosphere
Best Experience: Langbaan - Tasting menu worth the splurge
Best Quick Bite: Nong's Khao Man Gai - Perfect chicken rice
Best Southern Thai: Hat Yai - Fried chicken heaven
Portland's Thai Food Cart Scene
Portland's food cart pods often feature excellent Thai options. Look for carts serving khao man gai, boat noodles, and street-style satay. The cart scene offers authentic, affordable Thai that rivals sit-down restaurants.