EAT | POK POK (Portland, US)

Pok Pok is an ode to Northern Thailand street food by US chef Andy Ricker. Opening in 2005, it's the stuff of legends and cemented Division Streets row of restaurants.

No matter how early you head to Pok Pok, you'll still be last in line. Worth the wait and not just so you can tick it off your Portland eats list. Go for the wings and ask the wait staff to talk you through the menu. Head across the road to Whiskey Soda Lounge whilst you wait (see below).  

I absolutely love this Munchies episode 'Farang', meaning foreigner, on how Ricker took a 25 year obsession and spun it into the Pok Pok empire. Enjoy!

Must Order - Ike’s Vietnamese Fish Sauce Wings | Half dozen fresh whole natural chicken wings marinated in fish sauce and sugar, deep fried, tossed in caramelised Vietnamese fish sauce and garlic and served with Cu Cai (pickled vegetables.) 

Yam Samun Phrai | Chiang Mai version of a Thai herbal salad with white turmeric, carrot, parsnip, betel leaf, basil, lime leaf, lemongrass, sawtooth, fried shallots, cashews, peanuts, sesame seeds, dry shrimp, ground pork and Thai chillies in a mild coconut milk dressing.

A Chiang Mai classic - Kaeng Hang Leh | Northern Thai sweet pork belly and pork shoulder curry with ginger, palm sugar, turmeric, tamarind, Burmese curry powder and pickled garlic. 

Don't forget to order a drinking vinegar. Perth peeps - You can get your fix at Long Chim or find a bottle at 2nd Ave IGA.

Pok Pok
3226 SE Division Street
Portland, OR 97202
503 232 1387
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Scoring a table at Pok Pok straight away is unlikely, wait nearby at Whiskey Soda Lounge  and order yourself some a soda and Plaa Meuk Ping. 

Plaa Meuk Ping - Charcoal toasted dried cuttlefish, run through the squid press to tenderise

Whiskey Soda Lounge
3131 SE Division Street
Portland, OR 97202
503 232 0102
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EAT | BANGKOK JUMP STREET (PERTH, WA)

When it comes to eating on the festival circuit Bangkok Jump Street always delivers! Dao and Jane are the friendly duo behind this Thai street food pop up. The pad thai is always a hit and I love trying new dishes at every event. Definitely scope them out if you can! 

THAI CORNER (Seminyak, Bali)

Hungry in Bali? Rule number 1:  if the restaurant is not full of people, it is best not to eat there.

I am glad that we rode past Thai Corner last night, a little shack on Jalan Petitenget bustling with happy faces.  Whilst it was empty for lunch, our quest for rice noodles was made that bit easier.  Pad Thai with all the good stuff for about $3. 

Namh Thai

Possibly best described as next level Thai.  This is probably about my sixth visit and it only gets better.  The new renovation makes for a more intimate and relaxing dining experience. An elegant foyer, plenty of space to ooh and aahhh without your neighbours hearing too much.  It was the perfect place for a double date for my housemates belated birthday present.  I think $75 per head is really reasonable for the quality of food.  Hello happy tastebuds.   Happy birthday Lozzie! x

Galloping Horses little tasty duck jockeys riding pineapple and mandarin. Seared scallop curry on shell and crispy salmon flakes, julienned apple, herbs. Salt and spicy soft shell crab, grilled watermelon, herbs and lime dressing. Lime cured beef, roasted ground rice, Thai herbs.

Green curry of tiger prawns with apple eggplant, baby sweet corn, Thai basil. Caramelised crispy pork hock with a herb salad, chilli and lime dressing. Braised beef shin in aromatic spices with sweet potato and roasted peanuts. Thick red curry with roast duck, quail eggs and lychees.

Sticky rice with mango. Lime tart with coconut icecream. Banana sago. Mungbean dumplings.