Top Ten Thai Food

Pok Pok Restaurant [map it]
The Oregonian's Restaurant of the Year (Pok Pok won in 2007) is a very good list to follow, as long as you don't mind the newer, fair-weather crowds that follow. Pok Pok Restaurant got its start in a cart.  That cart is still apart of the restaurant, available for quick eats and take out. Kai yaang, charcoal-roasted game hen stuffed with lemon grass is their signature dish. Remember to make reservations or enjoy the soda whiskey lounge while you wait for your table.

Lemongrass Thai [map it]
Young in comparison to most Thai establishments in Portland, Lemongrass has so much to offer. Located off East Burnside in a beautiful, old Victorian house, Lemongrass takes the ambiance award. The restaurant is perfect for a nice date or meeting with friends. The service is impeccable and the food is unbelievable. Do note that 'hot' means hot on the menu. Lemongrass is often reviewed as the best Thai in Portland, I wouldn’t go that far but it did make the list first.

Siam Society [map it]
Come for the signature infused cocktails and stay for the signature infused cocktails. (Lychee-tini is all lychee with a splash of vodka). Over on Alberta, where there is an abundance of Thai food, Siam Society is inventive and full of style.  The swanky dining room and patio will make you want to spend the whole day here. The menu is a reach sometimes and rarely changes, but is recommended.

Typhoon [nw - sw]
I have a theory that in Portland, 50% of all coffee shops and Thai restaurants must have a play on words in their name (i.e. Beau Thai, Daily Grind, and Human Bean). Owner and Chef, Bo Kline offers creative specials and tasty standards at her two Portland locations. The Thai barbecue chicken is very tasty. It is half a chicken marinated in a sweet/spicy garlic lemongrass sauce. Typhoon can be a little pricey with spotty service, but is still worth the trip.

Saucebox Cafe & Bar [map it]
Happy hour hot spot comes first to mind when I think about Saucebox, which isn't fair, because the food menu is top notch and should not be second fiddle. Although, I would say the happy hour does allow you to sample many small plates from this wonderful, Asian fusion menu. Another very swanky setting; you feel transported far away from that dirty curve of SW 2nd Broadway.

Chopsticks [map it]
Not to be confused with Chopsticks Express I, II or II. As far as food goes on Hawthorne, there is an overwhelming selection. Chopsticks offers Asian fusion with an emphasis on Thai along with many vegetarian options.

Tara Thai and Laotian Cuisine [map it]
Near the quieter end of NW 23rd, Tara Thai will absolutely surprise you. The restaurant offers great service, is moderately price and a perfect getaway from the 'trendies' in the area. Their [Laotian] specialty is the khao poon nam kai, a spicy chicken soup with rice noodles, banana flowers, cabbage and herbs in coconut milk.

Sweet Basil Thai Cuisine [nw - ne]
Making decisions at Sweet Basil is the only downfall; every entree is delicious. Even the very unique and dense black rice will become one of your new favorites. The food does make up for the so-so setting, but is more than worth it.

Sawasdee Thai (food cart) [map it]
You’ll find this Thai cuisine in the sea of food carts in front of the Pittock building. There are a handful of quality cuisine shanties to choose from. For me, the question is if I can talk myself out of Sawasdee and try something new. The service is always friendly and fast. The food is lighter on the grease than most Thai joints and the portions are enormous. Even when I am full, I find it near impossible to stop eating. I highly recommend the house special which is a red curry/peanut sauce combo over carrots, cabbage and rice.

Baan-Thai Restaurant [map it]
The phrase 'authentic Thai food' is tossed around too often in Portland. However, Baan-Thai can actually hold that description high above its head. Usually packed with regulars and PSU students, this cozy little nook on the second floor is a perfect lunch or dinner spot for the amazing food, great service and moderate price. Do note that the meals are so authentic that there are no 'send backs.' If your food is too spicy, better just buck up and order another Thai iced tea.