The Pacific Northwest, with its majestic natural beauty and diverse culture, is not only a dream destination for travel enthusiasts but also a culinary paradise full of surprises. From the bountiful Pacific coast to the snow-capped Cascade Mountains, each locality here offers unique flavors, reflecting the richness of local produce and the unique cultural fusion. Join “Du lịch khắp thế gian” (Travel Around the World) to explore the signature dishes of the Pacific Northwest, so your journey is not just sightseeing but also an unforgettable taste adventure.
Discovering Seattle Cuisine: Fresh Seafood and Renowned Coffee
Seattle, the bustling port city of Washington State, is famous for its fresh seafood and rich coffee. Thanks to its special geographical location, Seattle is blessed with abundant seafood from the Pacific Ocean. Pike Place Market, one of the oldest public markets in the United States, is the culinary heart of Seattle, where you can find countless types of fresh seafood such as salmon, Dungeness crab, scallops, shrimp, and clams.
One of the must-try dishes when visiting Seattle is clam chowder, a creamy, smooth clam soup, rich in the flavor of the sea. Seattle clam chowder is often made with fresh clams, potatoes, onions, bacon, and fresh cream, creating a warm and nutritious dish, especially suitable for the cool days of the Northwest.
The bustling Pike Place Market in Seattle, where visitors can find fresh seafood and experience unique culinary culture.
Besides seafood, Seattle is also known as the coffee capital of the United States, the birthplace of the globally famous Starbucks brand. The first Starbucks coffee shop in the world is still operating at Pike Place Market, attracting crowds of tourists to enjoy the original coffee flavor and feel the historical atmosphere. In addition to Starbucks, Seattle also has countless independent coffee shops, each with its own style, from classic and cozy to modern and个性. Enjoying a hot cup of coffee while watching the vibrant life of the city is an indispensable experience when visiting Seattle.
To fully experience Seattle’s cuisine, don’t forget to visit Piroshky Piroshky, a famous bakery known for its salmon Piroshky. This pastry is a unique combination of Russian flavors and local Seattle ingredients, with a soft, fluffy crust filled with delicious, flavorful salmon. Piroshky Piroshky has been voted by Smithsonian magazine as one of the 20 must-visit food destinations in the United States, affirming the position of this pastry in the hearts of food lovers.
Portland Cuisine: Creativity and Diversity on Food Carts
Portland, the largest city in Oregon, is famous for its creativity and diversity in cuisine, especially its food cart culture. Portland is known as the food cart capital of the world, with hundreds of carts serving all kinds of dishes from around the world, from Thai, Mexican, Vietnamese to Middle Eastern, Ethiopian… Food carts in Portland are not only diverse in dishes but also rich in style, from simple, affordable carts to uniquely designed, eye-catching carts.
Portland’s food cart cuisine is an unmissable experience, not only for the diversity and deliciousness of the food but also for the vibrant, bustling, and friendly atmosphere. You can easily find food cart pods all over Portland, especially in the city center and areas near universities.
The majestic Multnomah Falls, a famous natural attraction near Portland, Oregon.
In addition to food carts, Portland is also famous for its creative restaurants, constantly searching and experimenting with new and unique dishes. Chefs in Portland often use fresh local ingredients, especially organic vegetables and naturally raised livestock and poultry. Portland is also one of the cities with the most developed coffee culture in the United States, with many local roasteries serving high-quality specialty coffee.
If you are a dessert lover, don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy Voodoo Doughnut, Portland’s famous donut with countless unique and creative flavors and shapes. Voodoo Doughnut has become a culinary icon of Portland, attracting crowds of tourists to queue up to buy donuts.
Signature Flavors of Oregon: Fruits, Wine, and Cheese
Oregon is not only famous for Portland but also a fertile land with many distinctive agricultural products. Oregon is known as the land of fruits, especially berries such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, cherries… Thanks to the mild climate and fertile soil, Oregon fruits have a delicious, sweet, and juicy flavor. You can enjoy fresh fruits at farms, farmers’ markets, or specialty stores throughout Oregon.
Oregon is also a famous wine-producing region of the United States, especially Pinot Noir wine. The Willamette Valley, located in northwestern Oregon, is the world’s leading Pinot Noir wine production center. Wineries in Oregon are often open to welcome visitors for tours and wine tasting, offering an exciting wine tourism experience.
The International Rose Test Garden in Portland, a romantic destination filled with fragrant flowers.
Besides fruits and wine, Oregon is also famous for artisanal cheese. Cheese makers in Oregon often use fresh milk from local farms and apply traditional processing methods to create delicious, unique cheeses. You can find Oregon cheese at farmers’ markets, specialty stores, or upscale restaurants.
Another signature food of Oregon is hazelnut. Oregon is the largest hazelnut-producing state in the United States, with hazelnut quality highly appreciated worldwide. Oregon hazelnuts are often used in desserts, pastries, chocolate, and savory dishes, bringing a delicious, nutty, and fatty flavor.
Pacific Northwest Culinary Journey: Connecting Culture and Experience
Exploring the cuisine of the Pacific Northwest is not just about enjoying delicious food but also an opportunity to learn about the culture, history, and people here. Pacific Northwest cuisine is a harmonious combination of fresh local ingredients, creative processing techniques, and diverse cultural fusion. Each dish carries its own story, reflecting local identity and the open, liberal spirit of the people of the Northwest.
From the fresh seafood of Seattle, the creativity of Portland’s cuisine to the signature flavors of Oregon’s agricultural products, the Pacific Northwest culinary journey promises to bring you unforgettable taste experiences. Take the time to explore local markets, enjoy street food, visit famous restaurants, and chat with passionate chefs to fully feel the unique culinary beauty of this land.
Pacific Northwest cuisine is not just food, but also a cultural bridge, an experience, and a journey to discover regional identity. Let your trip be more meaningful by enjoying and discovering the unique and distinctive flavors of this beautiful land.