If you look at any list of places in Portland you have to eat, undoubtedly Pok Pok is featured somewhere on the list. It has been featured on a number of Food Network shows, including Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives, as well as by The Economist, Travel Channel, NPR, Bon Appetit, the New York Times, and many more. It’s always busy and is well reviewed, and for good reason!
Pok Pok is located on SE Division Street, which is a very Portland feeling neighborhood. There are many restaurants, shops, bars, and houses in this growing area. Like many Portland establishments, Po Pok began as a food cart that quickly grew into the phenomenon it is today. This place has been on my radar since I arrived in Portland, so I was grateful for an excuse to go when some friends from home happened to be passing through. The exterior almost looks like it is a shack carved out of a hill. The entrance and much of the front half of the restaurant are semi-open air. It has a chill, beachy vibe to it! We were lucky enough to get right in (5:45 on a Tuesday), however, that is not the norm. Expect to wait awhile, and be pleasantly surprised if you don't have to! They do not accept reservations for parties less than six.
The menu is big and confusing if you're not familiar with Thai food, but our server was helpful in answering questions and making recommendations. Family style dining is recommended here, and I think that's best. As a group we were able to try the Vietnamese fish sauce wings, the Kai Tunn (chicken with a variety of herbs and spices and a sour chile dipping sauce), Kaeng Hang Leh (pork belly and pork shoulder curry), sticky rice, and sweet corn with a Thai flair (spices and coconut milk). We also ordered drinks, including the Salted Plum Vodka Collins (salty sweet lemonade with muddled salted plums) and the Pok Pok Bloody Mary (a spicy, lime-ier version of the original). Everything was excellent! The meat was tender, and the sauces had so much flavor. The wings (which they're famous for) were my favorite as they had the perfect amount of salty, thick sauce and were unique. Everyone was full at the end, but not overstuffed. If, however, you were still hungry, you could always order another entree to share! Price wise Pok Pok was a little more than your average Asian cuisine, but I felt it was absolutely worth it.
Like virtually everyone else, I highly recommend Pok Pok!
Like virtually everyone else, I highly recommend Pok Pok!
ASHLYN WHITE
Ashlyn is an Iowa native currently living in Portland, OR. She's attending law school in Portland in the fall and is becoming a Portlander one day at a time. Look for her monthly Portland round-ups here on YM and keep up with her adventures on her blog here! |