Oregon, a state celebrated for its majestic natural beauty, from the rugged Pacific coastline to lush forests and towering mountains, is also a burgeoning hub for arts and culture. Beyond world-class art galleries and museums, Oregon harbors unique culinary experiences where art and flavor intertwine, creating fascinating destinations for art enthusiasts. This article will guide you through Vietnamese restaurants in Oregon that are not only places to savor distinctive cuisine but also inspiring cultural and artistic spaces.
1. HaVL – Award-Winning Vietnamese Flavors in the Heart of Oregon
Nestled within an Oregon strip mall, HaVL eschews flashy exteriors, focusing instead on the quality of its dishes. This restaurant is a testament to how culinary art can reside in simplicity and refinement. Despite its understated decor, HaVL captivates diners with its rich pho, a dish that has earned the restaurant the prestigious James Beard Award for three consecutive years. This accolade is not just recognition of food quality but also a tribute to the art of traditional Vietnamese pho.
HaVL is also renowned for its diverse vermicelli noodle menu, which changes daily throughout the week, offering a rich culinary journey. Diners can enjoy bun cha oc (vermicelli with snail and fried tofu) on Thursdays, flavorful bun bo Hue (spicy beef noodle soup) on Saturdays, and distinctive mi Quang (Quang-style noodles) on Sundays. The meticulousness and dedication in preparing each dish at HaVL demonstrate a respect for Vietnamese cuisine, turning every meal here into a colorful exploration of culinary culture. For art lovers, HaVL is more than just a restaurant; it’s an authentic space to appreciate Vietnamese culinary art, where flavor and tradition converge.
2. Oc House – A World of Fresh Vietnamese Seafood
Oc House is an ideal destination for seafood aficionados and those eager to explore the diversity of Vietnamese seafood cuisine in Oregon. This restaurant presents an extensive menu featuring dishes made from fresh clams and snails, prepared in various styles from steamed and grilled to stir-fried, catering to all culinary preferences. The art of cuisine at Oc House lies not only in the fresh flavors of the seafood but also in the preparation and presentation of dishes, providing a complete dining experience for guests.
Beyond seafood, Oc House also serves many other enticing dishes such as frog legs, squid, balut (fertilized duck egg), and other Vietnamese specialties. The restaurant’s ambiance is designed to be cozy and friendly, creating a homely dining experience. The attentive and thoughtful staff also contribute to making dining at Oc House memorable. With late-night hours, Oc House is also perfect for those seeking a delicious and quality late-night dining spot in Oregon. Oc House is not just a seafood restaurant; it’s a Vietnamese culinary cultural space where art lovers can find the intersection of ocean flavors and the beauty of Vietnamese food culture.
3. Luc Lac – Blending Street Food and Cocktail Art
Luc Lac Vietnamese restaurant interior with bar area and customers
Luc Lac, a Vietnamese counter-service restaurant, is a unique and inventive destination in Oregon. Co-owned by Adam and Alan Ho, Luc Lac offers a modern Vietnamese street food experience where diners can enjoy familiar dishes like cha gio (spring rolls), pho, bun, banh mi, and enticing fresh spring rolls. Luc Lac’s highlight is the harmonious blend of street food and cocktail art. The eatery is not only famous for its delicious food but also known for its extensive drink menu, especially the most loved “Sassy Sour” cocktail.
Luc Lac is likened to “a cozy Vietnamese sandwich shop/cocktail bar,” creating a unique cultural fusion space. Over 10 years of operation, Luc Lac has received numerous prestigious culinary awards, affirming its position in the Oregon food scene. Awards like “Best Pho” and “Best Baguette” (Willamette Week 2015) and ranking 26th in “Portland’s best late-night eats” (Oregonian’s Michael Russell 2016) testify to Luc Lac’s quality and creativity. For art lovers, Luc Lac is not just a restaurant but a modern Vietnamese street food art experience, where flavor and innovation merge, offering fresh and exciting experiences.
4. Friendship Kitchen – Homely and Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine
Friendship Kitchen, located near the Albertina Kerr Center, is considered a local gem and an authentic part of Oregon city culture. This restaurant offers a warm, homely Vietnamese dining space where guests can enjoy familiar dishes like bun bo Hue, fried chicken wings, tofu in tomato sauce, and many other distinctive Vietnamese dishes. Friendship Kitchen is famous for its signature bun bo Hue, prepared using a family recipe, delivering an unforgettable, rich flavor.
A special feature of Friendship Kitchen is its diverse menu, including highly-rated vegetarian options. The restaurant also emphasizes takeout service, ideal for busy individuals wanting to enjoy Vietnamese cuisine at home or in the office. Friendship Kitchen is more than just a restaurant; it’s a part of the local community, a place where people can meet, socialize, and enjoy delicious food. For art lovers, Friendship Kitchen is a genuine, intimate Vietnamese culinary culture experience, where flavor and warmth blend, creating a feeling of dining at home.
5. Pho Hung – A Story of Overcoming Adversity and a Globally Recognized Pho Brand
Pho Hung is not just a famous pho restaurant chain in Oregon but also an inspiring business story. Founded in 1990 by Mr. Tien Kim Thanh, Pho Hung has overcome many hardships and challenges to become a beloved Vietnamese pho brand in the US and reach international recognition. Mr. Tien Kim Thanh’s entrepreneurial journey, from someone knowing nothing about business or cooking pho to building a successful restaurant chain, is a testament to perseverance, effort, and passion for Vietnamese cuisine.
Pho Hung is famous for its traditional pho, prepared using a family recipe, delivering a rich, distinctive flavor. Besides pho, the restaurant also serves many other Vietnamese dishes such as bun, cha gio, and familiar family-style meals. To date, Pho Hung has expanded its restaurant system not only in Oregon and Texas but also in Vietnam and some neighboring countries. Pho Hung is more than just a pho brand; it’s a symbol of success and rising above difficulties, an inspiration for those who love food and want to pursue their business passion. For art lovers, Pho Hung is a story of the art of business and the art of cooking pho, where traditional flavors and entrepreneurial spirit merge, creating a unique culinary brand.
6. Pho Van – A Journey from Oregon to China
Pho Van restaurant exterior in Portland, Oregon
Pho Van is a Vietnamese restaurant chain based in Portland, Oregon, with an impressive journey from local to international. Established in 1992 in Southeast Portland, Pho Van quickly expanded its restaurant system in Oregon and entered the Chinese market in 2012. Pho Van’s growth is not just a story of a successful food brand but also a journey of promoting Vietnamese culinary culture to the world.
Pho Van is renowned for its signature pho, prepared using a special recipe, offering a delicious, rich flavor. Alongside pho, the restaurant also serves many other appealing Vietnamese dishes such as grilled fish with scallion oil, green papaya salad, cha gio, banh xeo (crispy crepe), and light fresh spring rolls. Pho Van not only focuses on food quality but also cares about the restaurant space, creating a cozy, friendly atmosphere imbued with Vietnamese culture. For art lovers, Pho Van is a diverse Vietnamese culinary culture experience, where traditional flavors and international development merge, creating a unique and proud culinary brand.
7. Cuon – Vietnamese Street Food – Fresh and Nutritious Street Food
Cuon – Vietnamese Street Food offers a fresh and innovative Vietnamese street food experience in Oregon. This restaurant focuses on familiar street food dishes like mi (egg noodles), pho, bun, and fresh spring rolls, but prepared with high-quality and fresh ingredients. Cuon emphasizes using fresh greens and fresh meats and seafood, offering dishes that are not only delicious but also nutritious and healthy.
Cuon’s highlight is its creativity in food preparation and presentation. The fresh spring rolls at Cuon are not only diverse in fillings but also beautifully and attractively presented, showcasing the refinement of Vietnamese cuisine. The restaurant space is simply yet appealingly designed, creating a cozy and friendly ambiance. Cuon is an excellent choice for those wanting to enjoy high-quality, fresh, and nutritious Vietnamese street food in Oregon. For art lovers, Cuon is a modern Vietnamese street food art experience, where fresh flavors and creativity merge, offering unique and exciting culinary experiences.
8. An An – Unique Vietnamese Brunch and Artistic Space
An An is a prominent Vietnamese restaurant in Oregon, particularly known for its unique brunch menu and impressive artistic decor. An An delivers a novel Vietnamese dining experience, combining traditional dishes with a modern brunch style. The lettuce wraps at An An are much loved by diners, a refreshing and appealing appetizer. Additionally, the restaurant serves many other distinctive dishes such as spicy roasted chicken, kung pao shrimp, and other innovative breakfast and brunch creations.
An An’s special appeal is its artistically decorated restaurant space. Walls adorned with unique artworks create a dining environment that is not only delicious but also visually appealing and inspiring. An An is an ideal destination for those wanting to enjoy a unique Vietnamese brunch in an impressive artistic space in Oregon. For art lovers, An An is not just a restaurant but a culinary art gallery, where flavor and visual art merge, providing a unique multi-sensory dining experience.
9. Thom Portland – Promising New-Wave Vietnamese Cuisine
Dishes served at Thom Portland Vietnamese restaurant
Thom Portland, opened by brothers Jimmy and Johnny Le in August 2021, is a promising new-wave Vietnamese restaurant in Oregon. Despite only being in operation for a few years, Thom has quickly established itself in the Portland food scene and received much positive feedback from food critics. Michael Russell of The Oregonian called Thom “the second-wave Vietnamese restaurant Portland has been waiting for” and included the restaurant in his list of Portland’s best new restaurants.
Thom is famous for its traditional Vietnamese dishes prepared in a modern style, offering fresh and appealing flavors. The bun thit nuong (vermicelli noodles with grilled pork) at Thom is considered one of the “most memorable” dishes of the year. Thom not only focuses on food quality but also cares about the restaurant space, creating a cozy, modern atmosphere with a distinct style. For art lovers, Thom Portland is a new-wave Vietnamese culinary art experience, where traditional flavors and innovation merge, offering unique and inspiring dining experiences.
10. Bamboo House – Exploring Diverse Vietnamese Cuisine Beyond Pho
Bamboo House is a Vietnamese restaurant in Oregon offering a diverse, extensive menu that is not limited to traditional pho. While pho may not be the most prominent dish at Bamboo House, the restaurant is highly rated for other Vietnamese dishes like salt and pepper shrimp, wonton soup, bun rieu (crab noodle soup), banh mi, and Vietnamese coffee. Bamboo House is a worthwhile option for those wanting to explore the diversity of Vietnamese cuisine beyond familiar pho.
A special feature of Bamboo House is its quite beautiful food presentation, reflecting the care and refinement in Vietnamese cuisine. The restaurant also offers a cozy, friendly space, suitable for family or friend gatherings. Bamboo House is not just a restaurant but a space to explore diverse Vietnamese culinary culture, where traditional flavors and innovation merge, offering rich and exciting dining experiences. For art lovers, Bamboo House is a diverse Vietnamese culinary art experience, where they can discover different facets of Vietnamese cuisine and find fresh and unique flavors.
Oregon, with its harmonious blend of beautiful nature and vibrant arts and culture, is becoming an attractive destination for art lovers. And these unique Vietnamese restaurants, with their culinary creativity and distinctive cultural spaces, have contributed to enriching the culinary art scene in Oregon, offering memorable experiences for both tourists and locals. Come and explore these fascinating destinations to experience the wonderful intersection of art and cuisine in Oregon.