+ SWEET

⭐ Berlu: (Vietnamese) These gluten-free and dairy-free pastries are perfect for people who don't like their desserts too sweet! My personal favorites include their egg tart, banana/pandan crepe cake, and cha trung (savory pork/egg loaf with rice). I also highly recommend their weekend chicken & waffle collaboration with Hat Yai, only available via preorder. Mind-blowingly delicious!

⭐ Cloudforest Get your chocolate fix with the most decadent hot chocolate, complete with a torched marshmallow. I also love their ice cream - definitely try the cacao fruit sorbet!

⭐ Wailua Shave Ice: (Hawaiian) If you're looking for shave ice in Portland, you can find Hawaiian style shave ice here at Wailua Shave Ice, or Japanese style kakigori at popup Soen. Both are amazing, though you'll only find non-dairy options at Wailua. I always get Ube or Lava Flow but you really can't go wrong here.

⭐ 5 Flavor Cafe: As a lifelong boba expert, 5 Flavor really shines in the fruit tea department with refreshingly nuanced teas. In my opinion, it's the most balanced boba spot in town in terms of quality, consistency, sweetness, and boba texture. It's not new age boba (no cheese foam here), but I like supporting a small business instead of Ding Tea or Kung Fu Tea, and it's just as good, if not better, than most of the boba we currently have in Portland. Second favorite goes to Bubble & Tea!

⭐ Mikiko Mochi Donuts: Mochi donuts! Gluten and dairy-free. If you have a huge sweet tooth, I'd opt for these over Berlu. I love the amazingly chewy texture of these donuts and fun, inventive flavors. Faves: pandan, calamansi, black sesame.

⭐ Behind the Museum Cafe: (Japanese) This is a magical, quiet little spot with the cutest not-too-sweet Japanese desserts and matcha soft serve. Ideal place for a relaxing afternoon snack/date after strolling around the city.

+ SAVORY

⭐ Alberta Street Market: (Wings) Dry fried chicken, and possibly one of the best in town, considering it's our family's place (lol). But you'll have to try it to believe it. Also, fun fact: we made a cameo in Amine's music video!

⭐ Always Spring (Korean) As an extremely experienced Korean food eater, I will say that there's not many options for good authentic Korean food in Portland but I'm so glad the one we do have is realllyyyy good. If you want fancy Korean fusion, head to Han Oak or Toki, but the true classics can be found here. I don't have a favorite dish to recommend because it's all good! Follow your cravings when you go and you'll be more than satisfied.

⭐Pho Oregon (Vietnamese) Best pho... not much else to say. Make the drive, it's worth it!! Honorable mentions: Tan Tan Cafe, Mekha Restaurant

⭐ Pambiche: (Cuban) Hands down of my favorite restaurants in Portland, and a must-eat when my friends visit Portland!! This is a small spot, so get here early to avoid long wait times.

⭐ Obon Shokudo: (Japanese) Comforting, no frills home-style Japanese food. You'll hardly notice this place is vegan- I usually order the combo with buddha's hand & green garlic w/chickpea miso onigiri. And the kenchinjiru (soup) is the perfect gingery, hot soup for a rainy day. Speaking of onigiri, the curry onigiri from Kazy's OH!NIGIRI is a close second!

⭐ Bhuna: (Indian): You may be steered towards Bollywood Theater in Portland, but Bhuna is a true locals spot blessed with less traffic (AKA no wait time) and reallyyyy good food. I always get the Chettinad Chicken - totally recommend ordering a few items and sharing.

⭐ Nong's Khao Man Gai: (Thai) Even though this place is known primarily for its signature chicken & rice dish, my boyfriend & I almost always go for the pork & rice. The combination of the pickled mustard greens, succulent five spice pork belly, and egg on top of rice is absolutely unparalled in terms of comfort food (and flavor 💥).

⭐ Akadi (West African) Currently closed, but once they're open you KNOW I'll be first in line for their goat soup & fufu, plantains, and chicken!! If you like Korean food, their goat soup will be right up your alley. Highly, highly recommend.

Chicken & Guns (American) Get the half bird + guns with chimichurri and you'll be set. These are the most satisfyingly crispy potatoes ("guns") I've ever had, and will probably ever have. Since they're part of a part of a food cart pod, this is an easy and fun place to bring friends since everyone will be able to find something they like!

⭐ PaaDee: (Thai) Everyone likes to talk about Eem but not enough people talk about PaaDee. Absolutely get the kanom gui chai (chive pancakes), and ba mhee pitsanulok (soup). And don't sleep on the wings! This is one of my favorite spots to recommend people, because you can't go wrong with anything on their menu (seriously though, try the soup).

⭐ Mirisata: (Sri Lankan): This is the first, and maybe the only Sri Lankan restaurant in Portland and it's seriously amazing. I highly recommend their weekend rice & curry menu, which is comprised of several different curries on one plate like a tasting menu. The curries rotate every week! Add the meatball curry and pol roti, and you're set!!

Lardo (American) This is my go-to recommendation for tourists because it's so darn good and there's something for everyone. As a dairy-free eater, their Italian tuna melt salad sans cheese is heaven. Get this if you're low carb or gluten-free (or if you're a fan of nicoise salad)

⭐ Wajan: (Indonesian) Indonesian food has finally started to take off in Portland, and I can't recommend this place enough. The price point is accessible and the food is sooo good. My faves are the Nasi Campur and Bubur Ayam, but they also have great rotating specials that aren't on the menu.