Location:

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Hawthorne, always a destination spot for many Portlanders, is now a destination for food cart lovers. With Cartopia at SE 12th and Hawthorne redefining late night nosh, and the venerable Whole Bowl up around 40th, Hawthorne knows food. Now, a new pod has spring up in front of House of Vintage at SE 33rd. Namu, a cool hand-built cart with a rustic steel roof is one of those new carts serving up a tasty menu of Korean BBQ.

Owned and operated by Gary Evans and Clint Colbert, Namu offers up only a few items, but those items sate your BBQ appetite. The pulled pork, a hunk of love that had been marinating all day is served with cabbage and a superb homemade honey horseradish sauce on a toasted bun. The pork, sourced locally from Sweet Briar Farms was decadent and the entire sandwich melted in my mouth. I was supposed to bring it home to share, but it never made it off the lot. Other items on the menu include Korean short ribs -  rice served with peanut sauce, some ribs, cucumber salad, kimchee and sesame spinach. For $7, that is quite a meal.  They offer a veggie bowl which, from a review by Bar Pilot over at the Portland Monthly, is a “spicy, satisfying safari of flavors.” Gotta try that sometime.

Namu is just the start of the great carts opening at 33rd and Hawthorne. They are open daily to serve you up both lunch and dinner. Since they only have a few items, you know they focus their energy to make them the best they can. Drop on by Namu, say hi to Gary and Clint, check out their cool cart and let them know Food Carts Portland sent ya.

Sample Menu:

• Pulled Pork Sandwich: sweet horseradish sauce, pulled pork, cabbage and BBQ sauce on toasted bun – $5
• Korean Short Ribs: rice w/peanut sauce, ribs, kimchee, cucumber salad and sesame spinach – $7
• Veggie Bowl: rice, cucumber salade, sesame spinach, kimchee, drizzled with peanut sauce – $4

Hours: Daily, 11am-7pm
Phone: 503 828 4260

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Twist and Shout! That’s what I wanted to do after eating at the newest cart from SW 3rd and Washington. Yet another cart has squeezed into one of the open spots at the SW 3rd lot and they are serving up some tasty Korean food…with a twist.

Korean Twist opened in early May as the big kid on the block with a rather large trailer overshadowing all around. When I say large, let me put it this way – 3 people were walking around inside comfortably prepping and cooking our food. We luckily arrived on the second day before all of Portland had discovered this new gem. On the menu are Korean tacos, burritos, a rice bowl and even a kimchi quesadilla. While you can order à la carte, they have the menu setup as dishes, so you get a full meal.

That first visit (yes, we’ve been back,) I ordered the taco combo with bulgogi beef, spicy pork and spicy chicken as my 3 tacos. They do offer Korean marinated tofu if you prefer a vegetarian option. What I got was a large container with three good size tacos, a side of fried rice and a Korean style salad. Each taco came with a sprinkle of cheese, your choice of meat and more than a few sprigs of cilantro. The spicy pork and the spicy chicken were the two standouts in this meal as they both exhibited that sweet yet spicy flavor. I could even discern a little garlic from the chicken whereas the pork had the heat. All three tacos were wonderful and along with the rice and salad, this was a big meal. Maybe one to share when doing a food cart mashup.

Korean Twist joins the Korean/Mexican fusion scene along with Bulkogi, Koi Fusion and others. They are the only Korean taco cart on 3rd, so if that is your usual stomping grounds, you are in luck. Since that first visit, I have returned to see they have built up a following in just a week or so. Stop on by, enjoy a burrito or taco with Korean flair and let them know Food Carts Portland sent ya.

Sample Menu:

Meat and vegetarian choices:

• Bulgogi beef: sweet and tasty Korean marinated beef
• Spicy pork: sweet and spicy pork with Korean BBQ sauce
• Spicy Chicken: sweet and spicy marinated with garlic, onion and red pepper
• Tofu: marinated in spicy soy sauce with sesame and seaweed

Meals:

• Taco combo: 3 tacos with your choice of filling served with Korean salad and fried rice – $6
• Taco – $2
• Burrito: whole wheat tortilla filled with fried rice, choice of filling and cilantro – $5
• Rice Bowl: choice of meat or tofu served over rice with Korean style salad – $6
• Kimchi Quesadilla: Korean style spicy cabbage infused into cheesy Mexican melt – $5

Hours: Monday-Friday, Lunchtime
Contact: unknown

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The Story:

Eat a lot! That is the saying in every Korean home when you sit down to a meal. I love it! I think it should be my mom’s dinner statement since she always tries to get one of us to finish off everything left on the table….we usually do. I had the pleasure of meeting Timber and Ali, the owners of a new Korean snack cart named Yogio up at North Station. Timber and Ali were so welcoming and happy to see not just me, but every customer that walked by. That, my friends, is a success story in the making. When a cart owner engages with the crowd, the sky’s the limit.

Rock!

I spoke with Timber for a few minutes about the type of food they were offering at Yogio so I could better understand what I was eating. I have never had the pleasure of traveling to Asia, so food is my one connection. How can you beat that? Timber is from the midwest and cut her teeth in the kitchens of Chicago. After getting burned out as a head chef, she traveled to South Korea for a year to teach English and “eat her way through Asia.” She had always wanted to open a food cart and being in Korea narrowed down her passion for the type of food she wanted to serve. In Korea, Timber met some Korean moms who taught her different recipes and food tricks so Timber could learn to cook the Korean way. Her goal was to keep older culinary traditions alive which is pretty darn admirable.

On my first visit to the bright pink graffiti-ed cart, Timber and Ali treated me to a full plate of their dishes. I was able to try the Rock, Paper and Scissors. Each of these items were unique in their own special way. All vegetarian and all something I have never tried before. The Rock (to the left in the photo) is a twist on bibimbap with the bibimbap vegetables stuffed inside seasoned rice which is then seared off in sesame oil and wrapped in gochujang (Korean chili paste) and seaweed. The Paper (in the middle) are savory Korean pancakes normally served in bars which are sometimes stuffed with different fillings. The Scissors, or dokpoki (in the cup) is thick rice cake noodles simmered in a sweet and spicy sauce and are the mac ‘n cheese for kids of Korea. I enjoyed it all. The seared rice and the secret filling of the Rock was a highlight of the meal. The texture of the seared rice and savory insides made me want to go get a whole plate of them. I loved that each item stood on its own and could be ordered indivually. A home run.

Timber and Ali have something unique here we haven’t seen yet in Portland – Korean snacks. The North Station is becoming the cart pod to visit these days with a new cart showing up almost daily. I love their catch phrase “Eat a Lot!” and Yogio means “I am here.” Well, yes you are! I want to welcome them to my neighborhood and to Cartland. When you visit, say hi and tell them Food Carts Portland sent ya.

[Yogio graciously provided Food Carts Portland the food profiled here without charge. Thank you Yogio.]

Sample Menu:

• Rock: bibimbap veggies wrapped in seasonal rice seared off in sesame oil wrapped with gochijang and seaweed – $4
• Paper: traditional Korean savory pancake with fresh veggies served with a little crack sauce – $4
• Scissors: thick rice noodles in a sweet and spicy sauce – $4
• Nude Kimbap: seasoned rice wrapped in seaweed – $2

Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 11am-6pm
Phone: 479 236 1452
Twitter: @Yogiopdx Facebook: Yogio on Facebook
Website: http://yogio.weebly.com

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One of our oldest cart pods is seeing some new blood arrive this year. The pod at SW 5th between Stark and Oak has seen three new carts arrive since the holidays and Boolkogi Korean BBQ is the most recent addition. A bright yellow Step-Van that use to sell Brazilian food opened a few weeks ago and has had a crowd ever since.

Portland was first introduced to Korean style tacos by Koi Fusion, a mobile truck that took Portland’s cart scene to the next level in 2009 and is still going strong. Earlier in the year, we saw the opening of Bulkogi Korean just down from Boolkogi on SW 5th and Stark. What makes a Korean taco different from a traditional taco is the seasonings and preparation of the pork and beef. At Boolkogi, as with the others, they serve boolkogi beef (their spelling as I know others spell that differently,) spicy pork, spicy chicken and tofu in a corn tortilla with shredded cabbage, a little sprig of cilantro and a signature Korean sauce. All in all, a good taco with a flair.

Boolkogi Korean BBQ has been open now for two weeks and has been doing brisk business. I can only surmise that once Portland was introduced to the Korean taco, they now can’t get enough. They are competitively priced and you can try three tacos for $5 and get one of each to see what your favorite may be. Welcome to the streets Boolkogi! When you visit, let them know Food Carts Portland sent ya.

Sample Menu:

• Tacos: choice of boolkogi beef, spicy pork, spicy chicken or tofu – $2 or 3 for $5
• Rice bowls: choice of meat with rice – $6
• They also do pot-stickers, teriyaki chicken and beef and combination plates

Hours: Monday thorough Saturday, lunchtime
Phone: 503 810 8968

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The Story:

Portland was first introduced to the Korean taco by Koi Fusion in 2009. Now we have a new cart on SW 5th offering them up without you having to know where they will be from one day to the next. Welcome Bulkogi Korean BBQ.

Korean tacos are usually defined by how the meat is cooked (Korean style with different methods of preparation) and what other toppings are included. For most, the uniqueness is from the kimchi that is added as filler. Mix these two together with some spice and you have a truly unique taco experience.

At Bulkogi, I ordered and enjoyed a Korean Chicken and Korean Beef taco. On their menu, they don’t list kimchi per se, but do let you know you are getting a “healthy Korean salad topping” with your taco. The tacos were a good size, two would be sufficient for lunch. The meat was well prepared and flavorful, yet what I liked the most was the Korean salad topping. It was made with shredded cabbage, finely chopped red onion, some lettuce and cilantro. It was all held together with a light spicy sauce that, when paired with the cilantro, gave the entire taco a zing. I love cilantro, but know it can sometimes overwhelm a dish. While there was a lot of cilantro here, it didn’t overwhelm, but complemented the taco nicely. I enjoyed both tacos and look forward to returning in a few weeks after they get in their groove to see if they are any different.

Bulkogi Korean BBQ is in the space where Dreamer’s cafe use to be, using the old Dreamer’s cart. They have modified it significantly with a front attached to the cart to create the serving counter you see here. Bulkogi is a family business, so like with most every cart, you’re ordering from the owner and chef and chief dishwasher. Lately, I have begun to appreciate that aspect of the carts so much more and enjoy having small chats with them about their stories. Check out Bulkogi next time your down there and tell them Food Carts Portland sent ya.

Sample Menu:

All tacos come with Korean Salad topping

• Korean Chicken breast taco – $2
• Korean Beef – $2
• Korean Pork – $2
• Korean Tofu – $2

Hours: Lunchtime, weekdays
Contact: unknown

Koi Fusion has been a unique and fun addition to Portland’s Food Cart scene and we’re glad to see them succeed so well. I for one am excited to try what will be showcased at KoiFusion@1 – KFC – Korean Fried Chicken. Described as spicy, crunchy fried chicken in a tangy sauce – doesn’t that make your mouth water?

KoiFusion@1 is open now and are working out some of the minor kinks. They will be open 4pm-12am Tuesday through Saturday. Check them out at NW 13th and Lovejoy.

KoiFusion@1 and Studio 1
1300 NW Lovejoy
(503) 220-0080
www.koifusionpdx.com
@koifusionpdx on Twitter!

dosirak lunch cart

Location: SW 4th and Hall

Description:

A coworker and I needed something hearty for lunch and wanted to try something new. We saw the shiny yellow cart named dosirak and decided to give it a try. Talk about simple ordering. This cart offers up one dish and one dish only – marinated chicken over rice with a salad and some dumplings called mandoos. That’s it. The cart is aptly named – dosirak translates to lunchbox.

dosirak lunchbox

The “lunchbox” comes with a generous portion of sticky white rice covered with amazing marinated charbroiled chicken and a couple of mandoo (little dumplings.) The salad has a unique miso flavored dressing that is perfectly matched with the chicken. The lunch was great. A perfect portion with great tastes and wonderfully simple. I especially like the mandoo as they had a texture and flavor that melted in your mouth.

If you’re out looking for a new take on marinated chicken and rice, visit dosirak and tell them Food Carts Portland sent ya.

Menu:

• The Lunchbox: marinated chicken charbroiled to perfection; fresh green salad with miso dressing and mandoo (little dumplings – $6
• Mandoo (dumplings) – small order 6 pieces – $3; large order 10 pieces – $4

Contact: unknown
Website: unknown

Location: SW 4th and Burnside; SW 6th and College; PGE Park and all over the city

Description: Koi Fusion burst on the scene a month or so ago on Twitter. By the time they had their “soft opening,” there were lines 30 people deep. Now that is marketing. Koi Fusion’s ace in the hole is that they are food cart that is truly mobile. Koi Fusion does Korean tacos.

I was out last week on a foodcart binge and while we were taking in some Grilled Cheese Grill, I saw a tweet that Koi Fusion was open up by PGE Park for the Timbers game. No way was I going to miss out on the Korean tacos on this glutenous day. We headed out in the rain and braved predatory tow trucks to try them out. I had met Bo, the owner, about a month ago while wandering around the 10th and Alder carts. Bo is one of those individuals who exudes excitement about what they offer. I got a contact high just from talking to him. I actually feel bad that I hadn’t visited sooner. When we arrived, Bo shouted welcome from behind the counter to everyone walking by. With such a welcoming gesture. I knew it would be a good night.

We decided to try everything on the menu except for the burrito. On Thursday night, Koi Fusion was offering up Soul Sliders- traditional sliders made with their spicy pork. A plate of those and a mixed plate including beef bulgogi tacos, spicy chicken tacos and spicy pork tacos and we were set. When I think of tacos, my mind goes to the traditional tacos the Mexican carts offer – smaller in size, but full of carne or pastor and maybe some lettuce. Koi Fusion’s tacos are similar in that they aren’t full of extraneous stuff, but I would say they are a bit larger.  Bo’s mom is in there making the tortillas by hand. She has her own tip jar. Once you taste one of the tacos, you’ll know why. The sliders were great. The spicy pork isn’t spicy until the back end, kind of a creeper heat, but not overwhelming. There were bean spouts on the top which gave it a little crunch, mixing with the pork for an perfect taste. The tacos were the real treat. Hefty with either spicy pork or beef bulgogi on freshly made tortillas, you just can’t go wrong. They too are topped with a little slaw, some bean sprouts and fresh cilantro so you get numerous flavors while eating a single taco.

Koi Fusion moves around, so you you need to keep up with them on Twitter – @koifusionpdx. They announce any specials and location every day. Most recently they have been parked up by PSU and by PGE park for different events. I wouldn’t be surprised if they show up at some street fairs over the summer. Keep on the lookout.

Sample Menu:

• Beef Bulgogi taco – $1.50
• Spicy Chicken taco – $1.50
• Spicy Pork tco – $1.50
• Tofu taco – $1.50
• Burrito – $5

Hours: Lunchtime at SW 6th and College; evenings at PGE Park (follow Twitter stream for updates)

Contact: Twitter @Koifusionpdx or via their website KoiFusionpdx.com

Description: Oh Number 1 Bento, how you perplex me but still manage to draw me in. See, I know you are not Corn USA, as advertised on the side of your cart. I know you do not serve corn (updated: I guess they do sell corn afterall), nor are you located on Wilshire Blvd. in Los Angeles, California. I also happen to know that you aren’t really a bento stand. Oh how you tease and intrigue me!

You coy and coquettish little yellow cart. I would have never known you serve my favorite cuisine of all time, had I never bothered stopping by to look at your little menu.

Wait, is it what I think I see? Could it really be a CART THAT SERVES KOREAN FOOD? In downtown Portland? Hell yes. This makes Number 1 Bento the only Korean food cart in Portland.

Sure, Number 1 Bento is selling things like generic “teriyaki,” “fried dumplings” and “grilled chicken” served with short grain rice and a miso ginger dressed salad. But hold on there, because Number 1 Bento is also serving Kimchee, Kalbi Korean beef ribs and my absolute all time favorite of rice, beef, egg and vegetables: Bi Bim Bop. Praise the food cart gods and pass the hot sauce.

Kalbi Grilled Korean Beef Ribs

Korean favorite Bi Bim Bap

So what’s the deal? It seems they just opened and haven’t yet had a chance to paint over their cart or add a new sign. The nice woman behind the counter also told they will be adding more Korean specialties like Chap-Chae noodles, seasoned Bulgogi beef and even the Korean sushi known as Kimbap. Now, if they’d only wise up and serve Korean Fried Chicken, I’d be in heaven.

Prices seem very reasonable, and portions are HUGE. Keep an eye on this cart – it could turn out to be one of the better carts in downtown.

The Bi Bim Bap Bop with Kim Chee

Sample Menu:

(kimchee served upon request)

Bi-Bim-Bop, seasoned vegetables, beef, and fried egg on rice – $5.50

Kalbi grilled beef ribs, served with rice and salad -$6.50

Chicken Teriyaki with rice and salad – $5.50

Chicken potstickers with rice and salad – $5.50

Seasoned grilled chicken with rice and salad – $5.50

Hours: Lunch to about 6PM hours Mon-Sat

Phone: Unknown

Website: Unknown