Discovering Dim Sum Delights at Boke Bowl: A Portland Brunch Review

Portland, a city renowned for its vibrant food scene, offers a plethora of brunch options that cater to every palate. Among the many culinary gems, Boke Bowl stands out, particularly its Westside location, which hosts a delectable Cantonese-style Dim Sum brunch every Saturday and Sunday. This unique brunch experience provides a delightful array of small plates served directly from tableside push carts, creating an interactive and engaging dining atmosphere. Whether you’re a dedicated vegan, seeking gluten-free options, or a hardcore carnivore, Boke Bowl’s Dim Sum brunch promises something to tantalize your taste buds.

Boke Bowl Dim Sum Brunch in Portland — The inviting ambiance of Boke Bowl sets the stage for a memorable Dim Sum experience.

Brunch is more than just a meal in Portland; it’s a weekend ritual, a social gathering, and a celebration of culinary creativity. Dim Sum, with its diverse selection of bite-sized dishes, perfectly complements this Portland brunch culture. Boke Bowl seamlessly blends these two elements, offering a brunch experience that is both authentic and innovative. The restaurant’s commitment to using high-quality ingredients and crafting flavorful dishes ensures a memorable dining experience for every guest.

A Culinary Journey Through Boke Bowl’s Dim Sum Brunch

Let’s dive straight into the star of the show – the food! Boke Bowl’s Dim Sum brunch boasts an impressive variety of Cantonese-style small plates, each meticulously prepared and bursting with flavor. The tableside push cart service adds an element of surprise and excitement, allowing you to sample a wide range of dishes without overwhelming your plate. From savory dumplings to sweet pastries, the culinary possibilities are endless.

Pork and Cabbage Pot Stickers at Boke Bowl — Pork and Cabbage Pot Stickers: A savory start to the Dim Sum feast.

Pork and Cabbage Pot Stickers: These perfectly pan-fried dumplings are a must-try. The juicy pork filling, combined with the crisp cabbage and delicate wrapper, creates a symphony of textures and flavors that will leave you craving more. The accompanying dipping sauce adds a touch of tanginess and spice, elevating the dish to another level. I personally could have devoured at least twenty of these delectable pot stickers!

Spicy Wings at Boke Bowl's Dim Sum Brunch — Spicy Wings: A fiery kick to the traditional Dim Sum experience.

Spicy Wings: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, Boke Bowl’s Spicy Wings are an excellent choice. These crispy wings are coated in a flavorful sauce that delivers a satisfying kick without being overwhelmingly spicy. The tender chicken and the well-balanced sauce make these wings a perfect appetizer or a standalone dish.

Har Gow (Shrimp and Pea Shoot Dumpling) at Boke Bowl — Har Gow: A traditional Cantonese dumpling filled with succulent shrimp and fresh pea shoots.

Har Gow (Shrimp and Pea Shoot Dumpling): A classic Cantonese dumpling, Boke Bowl’s Har Gow is a testament to the art of Dim Sum. The translucent wrapper encases a flavorful filling of shrimp and pea shoots, creating a delicate and satisfying bite. The shrimp is cooked to perfection, retaining its natural sweetness and succulent texture. These were an absolute favorite!

Tofu Skin Rolls with Vegetables at Boke Bowl — Tofu Skin Rolls: A vegetarian delight packed with flavorful mushrooms, spinach, and other vegetables.

Tofu Skin Rolls: These vegetarian-friendly rolls are packed with a medley of flavorful vegetables, including mushrooms, spinach, and other seasonal greens. The tofu skin provides a delicate and slightly chewy texture, while the vegetables offer a burst of freshness and earthy flavors. These rolls are a great option for vegetarians and anyone looking for a healthy and delicious Dim Sum option.

An Overview of Boke Bowl's Dim Sum Brunch Offerings — A colorful array of Dim Sum dishes awaits at Boke Bowl, including Bloody Marys, Sui Mai, Lotus Wraps, and Banana Leaf Sweet Rice.

The spread at Boke Bowl is truly impressive. The picture above showcases just a glimpse of the culinary delights that await. Don’t miss out on their insane(ly good) Bloody Marys – the perfect brunch accompaniment. Other highlights include the classic Sui Mai, flavorful Lotus Wraps, and the unique Banana Leaf Sweet Rice w/Honey and Jacobsen Sea Salt.

Gluten-Free Rice Noodles with Pork at Boke Bowl — Gluten-Free Rice Noodles: A delicious and accommodating option for those with dietary restrictions.

Gluten-Free Rice Noodles: Catering to dietary needs, Boke Bowl offers gluten-free rice noodles that are available with a variety of protein options, including pork, vegetables, and shrimp. The noodles are cooked to perfection, retaining their slightly chewy texture and absorbing the flavorful sauce. The pork version, pictured above, is particularly satisfying, with tender pieces of pork complementing the delicate noodles.

Shrimp Rice Noodles at Boke Bowl's Dim Sum Brunch — Shrimp Rice Noodles: A perfectly balanced dish with delicately seasoned shrimp and a flavorful sauce.

Shrimp Rice Noodles: These were definitely a standout dish! The shrimp rice noodles were cooked impeccably, the shrimp was seasoned with a light touch, and the sauce brought everything together in perfect harmony. It was truly a tastebud heaven experience.

Chinese Greens with Oyster Sauce at Boke Bowl — Chinese Greens: A simple yet satisfying dish with a flavorful oyster sauce.

Chinese Greens with Oyster Sauce: A simple yet satisfying dish, the Chinese Greens with Oyster Sauce offers a refreshing counterpoint to the richer Dim Sum offerings. The greens are cooked to a tender-crisp texture, and the oyster sauce adds a savory and umami-rich flavor that complements the vegetables perfectly.

Tapioca & Mung Bean Fritters with gochujang mayo at Boke Bowl — Tapioca & Mung Bean Fritters: Crispy fritters elevated with a spicy and flavorful gochujang mayo.

Tapioca & Mung Bean Fritters with gochujang mayo: These crispy fritters offer a unique textural experience, with a slightly chewy interior and a crunchy exterior. The gochujang mayo adds a spicy and creamy element that elevates the dish to another level. The combination of textures and flavors makes these fritters a truly memorable Dim Sum offering.

Black Bean 'Spare Ribs' (Vegan and Gluten-Free) at Boke Bowl — Black Bean “Spare Ribs”: A creative and delicious vegan and gluten-free alternative to traditional spare ribs.

Black Bean “Spare Ribs”: A clever and delicious vegan and gluten-free take on traditional spare ribs! These “ribs” are made from black beans and other plant-based ingredients, and they are coated in a flavorful sauce that mimics the taste and texture of traditional spare ribs. This innovative dish is a testament to Boke Bowl’s commitment to creating inclusive and satisfying dining experiences for all.

Sesame Balls with Red Bean Paste at Boke Bowl — Sesame Balls: A sweet and chewy treat filled with smooth red bean paste.

Sesame Balls with Red Bean Paste: These sweet and chewy treats are the perfect way to end your Dim Sum brunch on a high note. The sesame seeds add a nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch, while the red bean paste provides a smooth and subtly sweet filling. These sesame balls are a classic Dim Sum dessert that is sure to please.

Bee Local Honey Tart at Boke Bowl — Bee Local Honey Tart: A delectable dessert featuring locally sourced honey.

Bee Local Honey Tart: A must-try dessert! The Bee Local Honey tart is a testament to Boke Bowl’s commitment to using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. The honey adds a delicate sweetness and a complex flavor that is perfectly balanced by the buttery crust. Trust me, order two of these – you won’t regret it!

More Than Just Dim Sum: Discovering Boke Bowl’s Story

The Exterior of Boke Bowl — Boke Bowl started as a pop-up and has grown into a Portland culinary staple.

Boke Bowl’s story is a testament to the power of passion and dedication. Beginning as a monthly pop-up in 2010, Boke Bowl quickly gained a loyal following for its innovative and flavorful ramen. In 2011, they opened their first permanent location in Portland’s Eastside industrial district, solidifying their place in the city’s vibrant food scene. I remember my first visit to their Eastside location; I was immediately struck by the welcoming atmosphere and the helpful staff. And then I tasted their ramen – it was love at first bite!

Boke Bowl’s ramen is crafted with handmade noodles and slowly simmered dashis, resulting in a deeply flavorful and satisfying bowl. The restaurant’s menu also includes a variety of other dishes, catering to a wide range of dietary needs and preferences. Boke Bowl is an excellent choice for groups, as they offer options for carnivores, vegetarians, vegans, and those seeking gluten-free or dairy-free meals. There truly is something for everyone!

The Interior of Boke Bowl's Westside Location — The spacious and light-filled interior of Boke Bowl’s Westside location provides a welcoming dining environment.

The Westside location, which hosts the Dim Sum brunch, is larger and more light-filled than the original Eastside location. Situated at NW 18th and Northrup, it’s easily accessible via public transportation, and street parking is generally readily available. The Westside location’s spacious interior and bright atmosphere make it an ideal setting for a relaxed and enjoyable brunch experience.

Plan Your Visit to Boke Bowl

Ready to experience the Dim Sum delights of Boke Bowl? Here’s what you need to know:

WESTSIDE (Dim Sum Brunch is exclusively available at this location)
1200 NW 18th
Portland, OR

EASTSIDE

1028 NE Water Ave
Portland, OR

HOURS FOR BOTH LOCATIONS:

Monday – Sunday 11am – 9pm
503-719-5698
http://bokebowl.com

Boke Bowl offers a unique and unforgettable dining experience that captures the essence of Portland’s culinary creativity. Whether you’re a Dim Sum aficionado or a first-time explorer, Boke Bowl’s Westside brunch is a must-try for anyone seeking a delicious and engaging meal in Portland. From the savory dumplings to the sweet pastries, every dish is crafted with care and bursting with flavor. So gather your friends, head to Boke Bowl, and embark on a culinary adventure that will leave you wanting more!