Kain Tayo

Location: SE 82nd and Brooklyn
Hours: Wed-Mon, 10:30am-10pm

The Story:

Let’s Eat! Kain Tayo! No need to translate. When you hear about a cart that is named after a welcoming phrase, you gotta go check it out.

Kain Tayo does indeed translate to Let’s Eat in Tagalog. When you visit a Filipino home, instead of being offered a drink, you are welcomed in with food. And similar to “how are ya?” they will proclaim Kain Tayo. The cart and menu is the work of PJ and Auginne Alphonso. I’ve only experienced a bit of Filipino cuisine in my days of eating, but know from looking at the diverse and extensive menu that the chef, PJ, is bringing us some authentic treats.

Sisig from Kain Tayo

Menus with pictures draw me in, especially when the types of offerings are foreign to me. If I had seen a list of items without the pictures, I would have probably ended up with something like chicken and rice. Instead, I opted for the delightful looking Sisig -  pork meat sauteed in soy sauce, vinegar, onion, lime and spices. At their recommendation, I added on rice to make it a full meal. I ordered by sight, but there was pause from the chef. A look. “Do you know what Sisig is?” Me, “nope.” Pig ear. Hmm. Sure, I’ll try anything once. And try I did. I enjoyed this dish as much as I would have not knowing that it was pig ear. Succulent, sweet, a bit spicy mixed with the acidity of the lime. I loved the chopped onion throughout that still retained a bit of crunch. As I say to most anyone new to street food, order something you have never had, it will turn out to be a fun and tasty adventure.

Kain Tayo is located on SE 82nd at Brooklyn, just north of Powell Blvd. The brightly painted cart can’t be missed. If you’re a late eater, you’re in luck – they stay open until 10pm. Drop on by and check out the great menu and enjoy some Filipino dishes. Let them know Food Carts Portland sent ya.

Sample Menu:

• Pork Adobo – $6.50
• Pancit Bihon – rice noodles sauteed in soy sauce and mixed vegetables – $7.50
• Kare-Kare – beef & vegetables in peanut sauce – $10
• Fried Tilapia – $7.50
• Laing – taro leaves in coconut milk – $7
• Lumpiang Shanghai – pork egg roll – $3 for 6 pieces
• Bopis – pork meat cooked in tomato base and spices – $7.50
• Lechon Kawali – deep fried pork belly with lechon sauce – $7.50
• Tocilog – sweet marinated pork with garlic fried rice and egg – $6
• Sisig – $7.50
• Pancit Palabok – rice noodles topped with boiled pork, chicharron, tinapa flakes, tofu, fried garlic and green onions – $9.40

Hours: Wed-Mon, 10:30am-10pm
Facebook: Kain Tayo

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