Baon Kainan: Modern Twists on Filipino Classics

Recognized as one of the Best New Food Carts of 2021 by The Oregonian, Baon Kainan is redefining Filipino cuisine with a modern and innovative approach. Owners Ethan and Geri Leung take pride in crafting “next-generation” Filipino food, putting their unique spin on traditional dishes.

Their Chicken Adobo ($12), a staple of Filipino cuisine, is a prime example of their innovative approach. Unlike the typically stewed versions, Baon Kainan’s adobo is lighter on the vinegar and tamarind, with a slightly grilled preparation. The result is a uniquely flavorful and satisfying dish.

Chicken Adobo

For a hearty and satisfying meal, try the Tosilog ($13), featuring garlic rice, fried eggs, and perfectly cooked pork belly. If you’re feeling adventurous, the Kare Kare Fries ($13) are a must-try. This innovative take on the traditional Filipino oxtail and peanut stew features braised beef served atop a bed of crispy fries, creating a delightful fusion of flavors and textures.

Kare Kare Fries

Don’t forget dessert! The Ube Bibingka ($4) is a soft, pillowy cake made with purple yams and topped with coconut crumbles, offering a delightful and naturally gluten-free treat.

Location: 807 NE Couch, Portland, Oregon

Hours: Monday, Thursday, and Friday 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM; Saturday and Sunday 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM; Closed Tuesday and Wednesday

Learn more at the Baon Kainan website.

Fork and Spoon: A Neighborhood Gem

Located in outer Northeast Portland, Fork and Spoon offers a delicious and authentic Filipino dining experience. This neighborhood gem is easily accessible with street parking available around the restaurant.

Their Snacks menu is a great place to start, offering a variety of flavorful options. The Pork or Chicken Lumpia is a steal at $6 for 9 pieces, and the Empanadas are a tasty and affordable choice at $4 each. For a quick and satisfying bite, try the Pandesal Sliders with Sisig & Fried Egg or Spam & Fried Egg for $5 each.

If you’re craving classic Filipino favorites, Fork and Spoon has you covered. Enjoy Pork or Chicken Adobo for $12, or indulge in Bistek or Sisig for $14 each. For a richer and more complex flavor profile, the Kare Kare is available for $16. Keep an eye out for their daily specials, such as the Sisig Canton mash-up, which features crispy sisig served with canton noodles and topped with a fried egg.

Noodle lovers will appreciate the Pancit Bihon or Pancit Canton, both priced at $12.

For the indecisive or those looking to sample a variety of dishes, the Combo Plate is the perfect choice. This plate includes Adobo, Pancit Bihon, Lumpia, and Rice for $19.50.

Fork and Spoon also caters to families with kids meals available between $6 and $6.50. The pork skewers are a particularly popular choice among younger diners.

Location: 10634 NE Sandy Blvd. Portland, OR 97220

Hours: Tues – Sat 11am – 7pm; Sun, Mon Closed

Learn more at the Fork and Spoon restaurant website or call 503-867-7716.

Hunny Beez Food Truck: Filipino Flavors with an American Twist

Located on the west side of Portland, Hunny Beez offers a unique fusion of American comfort food and Filipino flavors. With two food carts in Newberg and Aloha, Hunny Beez describes itself as American comfort food infused with Filipino flavors, and the menu is sure to impress.

If you’re in the mood for a burger with a kick, try the Stinger ($14), featuring sriracha mayo, jalapenos, and sriracha sauce. For a milder option, the Pineapple Kicker ($14) includes sweet chili mayo and grilled pineapple.

For the ultimate meat lover, the Build Your Own Meat Plate ($15) is a must. Choose from pulled pork, chicken, or the popular brisket and rib combo. Each plate comes with lumpia and a choice of sides, including rice, pancit, and mac salad.

Hunny Beez also offers a kid-friendly menu with options like kids pork lumpia, mac & cheese, and grilled cheese.

Location: 910 E 1st St, Newberg, Oregon

Hours: Daily 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Read more about Hunny Beez Food Truck in our full review.

Magna Kusina: Award-Winning Filipino Fine Dining

Nestled in the heart of the Clinton neighborhood in SE Portland, Magna Kusina stands out as one of the best Filipino restaurants in the city. Chef/Owner Carlo Lamagna opened the restaurant in 2019 after serving as head chef at Clyde Common. His culinary talent has garnered widespread recognition, including being named one of the Best New Chefs of 2021 by Food & Wine magazine. Furthermore, The Oregonian awarded Magna Kusina Restaurant of the Year in 2021.

From the moment you step inside, you’ll be treated like family. The friendly wait staff and a visit from Chef Lamagna himself create a welcoming and memorable dining experience. Even discerning palates, including those of 100% Filipino parents, will be impressed by the authenticity and quality of the food.

The Food at Magna Kusina

The food at Magna Kusina evokes a warm and cozy feeling. The Pancit Bihon ($17), a combination of thin rice noodles and house-made egg noodles mixed with veggies and topped with fried garlic, is a standout dish.

Pancit Bihon

Another must-try is the Sisig ($15), featuring crispy pork bits marinated in soy sauce and calamansi, a Filipino citrus juice. Topped with a fried egg, green onion, and chilis, this dish is the epitome of crispy comfort food.

Sisig

Dessert is not to be missed at Magna Kusina. The Biko ($9), a coconut sticky rice topped with Filipino shortbread, is a delightful treat. However, the seasonal Mango Pie ($9), featuring mango compote in a crisp puff pastry shell and freshly made ice cream, is an absolute showstopper.

Biko

Mango Pie

The final verdict from discerning Filipino elders? Two enthusiastic thumbs up!

Dine at Magna Kusina

Location: 2525 SE Clinton St, Portland, Oregon

Hours: Thursday – Sunday 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Learn more at the Magna Kusina website.

St. Barbra’s Pinoy Bakery: Sweet Treats and Savory Delights

Did you know that Portland is home to its very own Filipino bakery? St. Barbra’s Pinoy Bakery opened in 2015 in a cozy spot downtown, not far from Portland State University.

The unassuming exterior belies the delectable pastries and baked goods inside. Start with the ensymadas ($2.75). They typically offer different varieties of this sweet pastry. Choose from the traditional vanilla cream flavor or the ube ensymada, made with purple yams.

Other tempting treats include ube cheesecake, leche flan, Spanish sweet bread ($4 for 8), and the pillowy pandesal rolls.

St. Barbra’s also serves warm food, including pansit, adobo, and an assortment of breakfast burritos, all made to order. Pro tip: Call ahead to minimize your wait time.

Location: 2311 SW 6th Ave, Portland, Oregon

Hours: Wednesday & Thursday 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM; Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Saturday 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM; Sunday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM; CLOSED Monday and Tuesday

Read our full review of St. Barbra’s Pinoy Bakery on the blog.

Learn more at the St. Barbra Pinoy Bakery website.

More Filipino Restaurants in Portland

Looking for even more Filipino restaurants in Portland? Check out these options:

• Kubo
• Tambayan

Bring the Flavors Home: Filipino Recipes

If you’re inspired to cook delicious and authentic Filipino recipes at home, try some of these well-tested favorites:

• Instant Pot Chicken Adobo
• How to Make Filipino Lumpia
• Beef Caldereta
• Filipino Pork BBQ Skewers
• Slow Cooker Filipino Short Ribs Adobo

Enhance your meal with these side dishes:

• Pandesal recipe
• Instant Pot Garlic Rice

Complete your Filipino feast with these delightful desserts:

• Taisan (chiffon cake)
• Ube White Chocolate Chip Cookies