Portland, a vibrant city on the west coast of the United States, has always been known for its rich food culture and diverse restaurants. Portland’s dining scene is full of global flavors, and many restaurants present unique flavors from all over the world, allowing you to experience exotic cuisine in this city. Whether you want to taste authentic Thai food or pursue Middle Eastern style, there are always some restaurants in Portland that can satisfy your taste buds.
1. Chesa: Enjoy Spanish style restaurant
Restaurant history and background
Chesa is a Spanish restaurant in downtown Portland, known for its authentic Spanish flavor and warm atmosphere. The name of the restaurant comes from the Spanish “Chesa”, which means a place for family gatherings, reflecting the importance of family and reunion in Spanish culture. The founder of Chesa studied in Spain for many years and was deeply influenced by Spanish food culture. He hopes to bring this passion to Portland and create a dining place where you can enjoy both food and family atmosphere.
Food Features and Taste
Chesa’s menu features traditional Spanish tapas, paired with a variety of Spanish main dishes such as paella and Spanish ham. The restaurant’s specialties include:
Paella: This dish is a Spanish classic with great color, aroma and flavor. The perfect combination of seafood, chicken, sausage and seafood broth, every bite has a strong seafood flavor, and the rice absorbs the rich broth, soft and full of layers.
Jamón Ibérico: This ham is made from traditional Spanish black pork, which is tender and a little sweet. It is cut as thin as paper, melts in the mouth and has a delicate taste.
Spanish Beef Stew (Estofado de Carne): This dish uses high-quality beef and a variety of spices to stew. The meat is tender, fragrant and rich in flavor.
Each dish reflects the long tradition of Spanish cuisine, with a rich taste and full of spicy flavor, bringing you a taste of the unique charm of Spain.
Personal experience
The restaurant is full of strong Spanish atmosphere. The wooden tables and chairs and warm lighting make the whole space warm and full of history. The waiter enthusiastically recommended several signature dishes. I tasted Spanish paella and Spanish ham. The rice grains of paella are soft, the freshness of seafood makes me feel the breath of the sea, and the delicate taste of ham makes me addicted. Overall, Chesa is not just a place to eat, it is more like an immersive Spanish cultural experience.
Restaurant location and reservation
Chesa is located in a quiet neighborhood in downtown Portland, with a great location surrounded by many art galleries and cultural venues. The restaurant is spacious and suitable for family gatherings or couples. You can make reservations through OpenTable or Resy. It is recommended to make reservations in advance, especially on weekend nights, when the restaurant is often very popular.
Cost
Chesa’s prices are mid-to-high-end. Appetizers such as Spanish ham cost about $15-25, while main dishes such as paella cost about $30. Overall, the average per capita consumption for a full meal is about $50.
2. Pambiche: Experience the passion and flavor of Cuba
Restaurant history and background
Pambiche is a restaurant with a strong Cuban flavor, located in the Northeast district of Portland. The restaurant was founded by a Cuban couple who hope to bring the unique flavor of Cuba to Portland so that people can enjoy authentic Cuban food in this city. Pambiche restaurant not only provides traditional Cuban dishes, but also reproduces the passion and vitality of Cuba through music, decoration and service.
Food characteristics and taste
Pambiche’s menu covers classic Cuban cuisine, focusing on seasoning and fresh ingredients. Some of the restaurant’s signature dishes include:
Cuban Sandwich: This traditional Cuban sandwich is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, full of the flavor of bacon, sauce and pickles. The meat in the sandwich is soft and fragrant, and the pickles bring a refreshing taste.
Ropa Vieja: This Cuban beef stew is made with beef and a variety of spices. The meat is tender and juicy, the soup is thick, and it exudes a strong aroma of spices. You can feel the rich Cuban home-style flavor with one bite.
Tostones: The golden fried corn tortillas are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Paired with garlic sauce, they have a rich taste and are suitable for appetizers.
Cuban cuisine is characterized by its strong seasoning and spices. Pambiche is undoubtedly the best endorsement of Cuban flavor.
Personal experience
The dining experience at Pambiche is very pleasant. The atmosphere of the restaurant is warm and full of rhythm. The background music is often lively Latin dance music, which makes people sway to the rhythm. I ordered a Ropa Vieja and Tostones, which tasted better than I expected, especially the beef stew, which was rich in flavor, tender and smooth, and fully integrated with the essence of spices.
Restaurant location and reservations
Pambiche is located in the Northeast district of Portland, not far from the city center. The restaurant design is colorful and gives people a vibrant feeling. You can reserve a seat through OpenTable, especially during peak hours on Friday and Saturday nights, it is wise to book in advance.
Cost
Pambiche is moderately priced, with entrees costing about $20-30. The overall per capita consumption is about $40, which is very cost-effective.
3. Kachka: Experience Russian style in Portland
Restaurants History and Background
Kachka is a restaurant that focuses on traditional Russian cuisine. Its name is taken from the Russian word for “family gathering”, which symbolizes hospitality and the warmth of home. The restaurant was founded by Russian Americans with the aim of bringing Russian food culture to Portland, especially those traditional Russian family recipes. Kachka not only focuses on authenticity in dining, but also strives to show the unique charm of Russia in the decoration style and restaurant atmosphere.
Food Features and Taste
Kachka’s menu is full of traditional Russian flavors, especially a lot of pickled foods and strong-flavored dishes. Signature dishes include:
Pelmeni: This dish is a traditional Russian delicacy. The skin of the dumplings is thin and tough, and the filling is usually pork or beef. It is delicious and can be eaten with sour cream for a richer taste.
Selyodka Pod Shuboy: This dish consists of pickled herring, potatoes, onions and carrots. The taste is moderately sour and salty. After taking a bite, you can feel the unique taste of pickled food.
Borscht: The thick borscht, bright in color, rich in taste, and intertwined with sourness and sweetness, is a classic representative of Russian cuisine.
Each dish at Kachka has a strong Russian flavor, delicious taste, and endless aftertaste.
Personal experience
The dining experience at Kachka is very special. The interior decoration of the restaurant is dominated by dark wood and traditional Russian elements, and the whole atmosphere is full of Russian family atmosphere. The waiters in the restaurant are also very friendly. When I asked about the menu, they patiently explained the background of each dish to me. Russian dumplings and Borscht are very delicious, especially the sweet and sour taste of Borscht, which gave me a deeper understanding of Russian cuisine.
Restaurant Location and Reservation
Kachka is located in the Southeast District of Portland, with convenient transportation. The environment of the restaurant is very suitable for couples or family gatherings. You can make a reservation through OpenTable.
Cost
Kachka’s prices are slightly higher, and the price of the main course is about $25-40. The overall per capita consumption is about $60, but it is definitely worth a try.
4. Things to note when visiting Portland restaurants
Book a table in advance
Many popular restaurants in Portland are often crowded, especially on weekends and holidays. Therefore, in order to avoid long waits, it is recommended to make reservations through the restaurant’s reservation platform, such as OpenTable or Resy, before visiting. It is wise to make reservations in advance, especially during dinner time or festivals.
Understand restaurant opening hours
Different restaurants have different opening hours. Some restaurants may not be open during lunch or only offer a specific menu during dinner. Check the restaurant’s opening hours and menu arrangements in advance to avoid missing out on delicious food due to inappropriate time.
Adapt to local tastes and dishes
Portland’s restaurants are characterized by innovation and diversity, and some dishes may taste different from traditional cuisine. For tourists who are not familiar with certain exotic flavors, you can first understand the basic flavors of the dishes and try to choose dishes that suit your taste.
Pay attention to the price range
Portland’s restaurants range from high-end to affordable, and consumers can choose different restaurants according to their budget. In some high-end restaurants, especially those that offer exquisite meals, the prices may be high. Knowing the price range of restaurants and choosing one based on your budget will help you enjoy your meal without breaking the bank.
Portland has a wide variety of exotic restaurants, and each restaurant is full of cultural characteristics and delicious fusion. From Spanish Tapas to Cuban Ropa Vieja to Russian Pelmeni, every meal is a cross-border food journey. If you are a food lover, Portland is undoubtedly a place worth your in-depth visit.
