Thai

One of the most exciting Thai restaurants in Portland [1] is not the fanciest. In fact, Pok Pok Thai (3226 SE Division St., 503/232-1387, 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m. Mon.–Fri., 5–10 p.m. Sat.–Sun., $9–14) started out with just outdoor seating and a kitchen that was more a shed than a restaurant (there’s now indoor seating in the Whiskey Soda Lounge).

Nonetheless, the Thai food produced here—specializing in the cuisine of the Chiang Mai region—is incredible. The roast game hen with dipping sauces is delicious, and muu sateh, charcoal-grilled pork loin skewers marinated in coconut milk and turmeric and served with cucumber relish, tastes exactly like freshly prepared Thai street food.