Food Carts Portland

Location: 3441 N. Vancouver Avenue (corner of N. Vancouver and Fremont)

Description: Indian food cooked the South African way, with a home style touch cooked by a real “Mum” and daughter team. What’s that you say? South African Indian food? Who has ever heard of such a thing?

Well, millions of lucky South Africans that’s who, and now a few luckily Portlanders as well.

South African Indian food highlights the vast nuances and regionalisms of Indian cuisine overall, and illustrates how cultures and immigration patterns adapt and adopt foods from all over the world. With a sizable Indian population in South Africa, this particular regional cuisine combines things like Indian curry seasonings with indigenous African dishes, as well as European influences. The results are delightful.

A little sample of Mum's Cuisine

Mum’s is doing something a bit different than other Indian carts around town, but some familiar favorites do appear. The potato and pea stuffed Samosas at Mum’s are small crispy triangles, rice Briyani dishes are nicely seasoned and fresh, and the Mulligatawny soup is a classic warming Anglo-Indian favorite. Yet,  even the curries are spiced just a little differently at Mum’s than at other Indian carts around town, or even restaurants for that matter.

Then there is Samp. “It’s an African dish”, the nice owner (Mum herself) explained. I Googled Samp, and I researched it in one of my many food reference books, and I researched some more. Besides this article, I could only find the most basic of information on this African dish, and no background information at all on the South African/Indian version. No matter, the Samp at Mum’s tastes wonderful and that’s all that matters, really. Described on the Mum’s menu as, “Corn Kernels (Mealies), Pinto Beans and Curried Chicken Braised and Simmered together,” it’s really more like a wonderful bright curry with hominy corn and not what Americans might considered “corn kernels.” It is however $8.50 per order, which might turn some bargain cart eaters off, but do give it a chance. The portion is huge – enough to easily feed two. This isn’t your standard greasy bomb “curry in a hurry” cart food either. Food here is made with a lighter and fresher touch.

A dish of Samp

This cart is also very accommodating, and is both vegetarian and vegan friendly. The owners are always more than happy to answer any questions about their food, make special requests when feasible and they love to provide samples to first timers.

The Roti rolls are another menu item that I truly hope becomes a Portland favorite. It’s really the equivalent of an Indian Burrito. Curried vegetables, chicken, or spicy garlic pork and cabbage come rolled (3 to an order), in Roti flatbread. Filling, and easy to transport and eat on the go.

That said, there are a few things I wish this cart had to make the dining experience better. First off, although the cart is located under a large covered area there is only a small patio bench for seating. This makes balancing a large container of semi-liquid Samp or curry on one’s lap a feat of human dexterity in eating. Tables and chairs are definitely needed here and would work well under the large covered awning. I’d also like to see a combo plate. I know, I know every other Indian place has one and Mum’s is doing something different. But I want to sample all the good things at once!  Even a Briyani/Vegetable curry or Samp combo would be a perfect beans, rice, corn and vegetable meal in proteins, textures and tastes.

pea and potato stuffed Samosas, and what's left of my Roti rolls

Otherwise, this cart is a very nice addition to the Portland cart scene, and especially good for those who commute through North and NE Portland. Open early in the mid-morning until 6:30 PM Tuesday through Sunday, this  cart would make a nice place to pick up dinner on the way home from work. Portland needs more dinner carts! I look forward to seeing how Mum’s progresses over the next few months and what other menu items they come up with.

Sample Menu:

Appetizer

6 Potato Samoosas (their spelling)-Triangular Pastries filled with Mildly Spiced Potato & Peas… $4.00

Meat and Poultry Dishes

Chicken Curry – Indian Curried Chicken with Potato, served over Steamed Rice with a Pickled Carrot Salad …$7.00

Spicy Garlic Pork & Cabbage– Tender Curried Pork braised with Sweet Cabbage, served over Steamed Rice…$7.00

Chicken Briyani – A traditional rice dish served with a Pickled Carrot Salad. Available on Friday and Saturday only…$8.50

Samp – A traditional South African Favorite. Corn Kernels (Mealies), Pinto Beans and Curried Chicken Braised and Simmered together…$8.50

Vegan Offerings

Vegetable Briyani – A Vegan Rice Dish with Spiced Vegetables served with Dahl and Pickled Carrot Salad…$8.00

Curried Vegetables with Steamed Rice, served with Dahl a Pickled Carrot Salad…7.00

Roti Rolls filled with your choice of Chicken Curry, Pork and Cabbage, or vegetable curry…3 for $6.00

Soups….$4.00

Hours: Tuesday through Friday 7:00am – 6:30pm

Saturday & Sunday 10:00am – 6:30pm

Phone: (360) 281 9414

Email: Unknown

Website: http://mumskitchen.vpweb.com

Location: 3441 N. Vancouver Avenue (corner of N. Vancouver and Fremont)