Thai Street Food in Southeast Portland

Pok Pok was named Restaurant of the Year for 2007 in the Oregonian. And after tasting their food several times now, I am convinced that the Oregonian was spot on.

Forget the typical Thai food that you are used to eating. Erase the desire to order Pad Thai and peanut sauce. Here, you will find a wider selection of Thai “street food”, which includes such dishes as Hoi Thawt, a crispy broken crepe filled with mussels, eggs and bean sprouts; Khao Soi Kai, a mild Northern Thai curry that is warm and soothing; and Muu Paa Kham Waan, spicy boar collar meat served with chilled, salted mustard greens.

Then there are the addictions: Ike’s Vietnamese Fish Sauce Wings, sugary, spicy and full of depth and flavor; the House Roasted Peanuts, with lime and chile; and the amazing Limeade, warm, a little salty and tart.

I haven’t tried every dish on the menu, but every one that I have tried has been really spectacular. The service has been very fast and courteous each time I have eaten there and the wait for a table hasn’t been too bad.

If you are waiting for a table, you can order a drink to pass the time and maybe if you are brave, you should check out some of the drinking vinegars - truly unusually flavorful and refreshing.

But don’t take my word for it. Check out Pok Pok for yourself and discover why the Oregonian named it Restaurant of the Year.

Pok Pok and Whiskey Soda Lounge

3226 SE Division

Article By Elizabeth Fuss, Lizzy Dishes Portland