Mum’s KitchenPortland Octopus

Mum’s Kitchen

One of the stops on my recent food cart tour was at this North Portland standout, right in the middle of the Boise/Eliot neighborhood. I’d been by it a few times and was anxious to try it out. Luckily, it more than lived up to my expectations.

Mum’s Kitchen serves South African Indian food. There is a very large Indian population in South Africa, where Mum is from, and their fusion of foods and spices create some seriously delicious dishes.

Mum has been cooking since the age of 6 and found culinary success in her native South Africa before making her way to Portland. For a complete bio, click here!

One of the things I really like about this place, aside from the great food, is how Mum runs the cart. Curious about a specific menu item? Or several? Mum will whip up a fresh sample for you to taste. Usually before you have a chance to even ask.

I was especially excited to see her Roti Rolls on the menu. Having just returned from Uganda I have been craving chapati, which is the Central/East African equivalent of roti. It’s basically unleavened flat-bread.
Mum kicks this traditional accompaniment up a notch by creating a delicious burrito with her roti. Stuffing it with curried vegetables, chicken or pork and cabbage. It comes in an order of 3, which is fine as you’ll undoubtedly eat it fairly quickly.

I also tried the sampler platter so I could taste a little bit of everything off the menu. This includes chicken curry, spicy garlic pork and cabbage, samp, chicken briyani, and an eggplant dish. Delicious! A lot of it is quite spicy too, which I really loved. If you’d like to take some of that wonderful spice with you, Mum actually packages and sells her spice mix. Nifty.

If you’re feeling lazy and wanting a good dinner without the hassle, Mum’s Kitchen is also available for carry-out. Just call ahead and they’ll have your order waiting for your arrival. This puts Mum’s on my take-out rotation, even though it’s a bit out of my way. Not only is it that good but it’s also reasonably priced.

Stop by Mum’s and sample your way into spice heaven!