Food Carts Portland

Location: SW 9th and Alder
The Story:
You may know Valhalla Sandwiches from when they were in SE Portland down behind Dollar Scholar in 2009. In the past six months, they have done some moving about and even acquired a new cart. Now located at SW 9th and Alder, Valhalla Sandwich Co. is a great new addition [...]

Location: SW 9th and Alder
The Story:
There has been a bit of shuffling around at the cart pod on SW 9th and Alder. Last fall, DNA Thai closed, but the cart was quickly repainted and reopened as a Thai Wings cart. I didn’t get a chance to visit before they moved and renamed, yet I see [...]

Location: SW 9th and Alder
Description:
Spella Cafe is considered one of the best espresso carts in the city. Spella has been noted in numerous publications for the quality of their roast and artisanship of the preparation. I have been to Spella many times over the past few years – mostly to enjoy a quick doppio [...]

Location: SW 9th and Alder (on Alder)
Description:
Sometimes, even during spring and summer, I want a nice warm soup. It has something to do with that feeling of your whole body warming up from the inside out. Add spice to the soup and I’m in heaven. In downtown, I have made an attempt to seek [...]

Location: SW Alder between 9th and 1oth

Description: Coney Island Hot Dogs!
Hot dogs are such a varied regional food. And trust me, people get a bit passionate and territorial about how a “proper” dog should be made and what kind of condiments should be served with it.  There’s Chicago style with its multiple condiments and distinctive [...]

Location: SW 9th and Alder
Description: Sawasdee is one of the oldest, and one of the most popular Thai carts on the scene, simply because they are so good. Fresh ingredients, big portions and a deft touch give them balanced and satisfying offerings. Where some Thai carts go a bit overboard with the soy and grease, [...]

Location: SW Alder and 9th  (between 9th and 10th)
Description: Maybe it’s the weather, but I’ve been on a beef pho soup kick lately by “researching” different dishes throughout the Portland metro area, including the wonderful Lavang Restaurant in Lake Oswego [near my former work and in a non-descript shopping center] and most recently Pho Dalat, [...]

Location: SW 9th and Alder Parking Lot
Description: Did you know Peru is thought of as having a distinctive, well regarded and of course delicious street food culture? I had no idea until I ate at Choza’s and tried it myself.
Choza’s makes wonderful rice and noodle plates with distinctive Peruvian tastes and techniques. And, as per [...]

***Recommended***
Location: Several Locations – SW 9th and Alder, 4409 SE Hawthorne, 1100 NW Glisan, and the Mo-Bowl (mobile) van.
Description: Sometimes simple things are the best things. Although I love food cart food as much as anyone else, let’s be honest, cart food can sometimes be a little bit on the heavy and greasy side. Sometimes [...]

***Highly Recommended***
Location: SW 9th and Alder Parking Lot
Description: Japanese food about as authentic as you might encounter in the countless food stalls found all over Japan. If all you know about Japanese food is teriyaki and sushi, get ready for a whole new world here. Japanese street food is some of the best and [...]