Food carts are magical places. I don’t know why I don’t go to them more often! (I am chiding myself right now…) It’s a taste of true culture in the heart of downtown Portland. We have two major areas with tons of carts spread out like a beckoning picnic blanket. It’s not like this city has few food options, but the food cart culture here is such an added bonus; it is like having three cherries on top instead of just one.

I thought I’d tell you about a few that I’ve visited recently: The #1 Bento Korean BBQ and Savor. The Korean BBQ place was fantastic! Simply out of this world. It is run by a Korean family with not much English under their belts yet and their food made me forget where I was for a moment. They have traditional dishes like Bi-bim-bop and kimchee on their menu along with more traditional things like chicken and beef. I got the grilled tofu with a side of kimchee and paper-rice noodles. It was a good choice. They also have a tiny seating area which is nice, shaded under some trees and blocked off from street traffic by a big bush, it is cozy! Only a few feet away is one of the Korean women making lunches by the breeze in the doorway of her cart.

Today, I visited Savor with a friend. It is one of her favorite carts with a great selection of fantastic homemade sandwhiches and soups. I got a lovely little caprese sandwhich on a ciabatta roll and she got an amazing BLT. We were both pretty happy with our meals. I just wanted to share this food cart extravaganza with you, may there be many more! And if you find yourself here in Portland (or live here) give (especially the Korean BBQ place, 10th and Alder SW) these places a try, you won’t regret your cart experience!