Pok Pok
Thai cuisine
3226 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97202
OUR SCORE
Accolades
• James Beard Award for Best Chef Northwest - Andy Ricker (2011)
• Restaurant and Chef Award Semifinalist - James Beard Foundation (2009, 2010)
• One of America’s Best New Restaurants - Bon Appétit (2008)
• Best Restaurant in Portland - Oregonian (2014)
• Best Thai Restaurant in Portland - Portland Monthly (multiple years)
• Featured on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” (2010)
• Featured on "The Best Thing I Ever Ate" - Food Network
• Travel + Leisure’s 50 Best New U.S. Restaurants (2007)
• Eater PDX’s Restaurant of the Year (2007)
• Included in the Eater 38 Essential Portland Restaurants (multiple years)
Restaurant Summary
Located in the vibrant heart of Portland, Pok Pok stands as a culinary beacon for those seeking an authentic taste of Thailand's vast street food culture. This acclaimed restaurant, with its relaxed yet lively atmosphere, invites diners to embark on a gastronomic journey infused with the bold flavors and traditional cooking methods of Southeast Asia.
As guests step into Pok Pok, they're greeted by the aromatic symphony of lemongrass, garlic, and chili, hinting at the feast to come. The menu, a tapestry of Thai delicacies, features dishes that have garnered a passionate following. The restaurant is famed for its Kai Yang, succulent charcoal-roasted game hen marinated in a blend of Thai spices, served alongside a punchy papaya salad that perfectly balances sweet, sour, and spicy notes.
Another centerpiece of the Pok Pok experience is the Khao Soi Kai – a comforting Northern Thai curry noodle soup with a rich coconut cream broth, brimming with tender chicken, and topped with crispy noodles. It's a dish that harmoniously melds texture and taste, delivering an unforgettable mouthful with each spoonful.
For those with a penchant for heat, the Neua Naam Tok does not disappoint. This spicy Northeastern Thai salad combines grilled beef with a chorus of mint, onions, and roasted rice powder, all dressed in a lime-chili dressing that dances on the palate.
Pok Pok's commitment to authenticity extends to their refreshing beverages as well. The Tamarind Whiskey Sour, made with house-made tamarind syrup, whiskey, and lime, provides a tangy complement to the spicy dishes.
Dining at Pok Pok is more than just a meal; it's an exploration of Thailand's rich culinary landscape, curated with care and served with the warmth of traditional hospitality. This gem of Portland is a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge their senses in an exotic and flavorful escape.
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