Pinoy Grab & Go

In the vibrant culinary landscape of Portland, Oregon, a Filipino food cart has been making waves and capturing the hearts (and appetites) of locals and visitors alike. Baon Kainan, a celebrated establishment, stands at the forefront of what its owners proudly call “next generation Filipino cuisine.” If you find yourself yearning for traditional Filipino flavors reinterpreted with innovative twists and presented in unexpectedly delightful ways, then this is an essential foodie destination that promises an unforgettable experience.

One of the most profoundly beautiful and endlessly fascinating aspects of Filipino cuisine is the rich tapestry of variations found within its beloved dishes. This culinary diversity is not merely regional; it’s intensely personal. Every “tita” (aunt) and “lola” (grandmother) across the archipelago, and indeed throughout the global Filipino diaspora, takes immense pride in their unique, signature rendition of classics like lumpia, menudo, and afritada. These dishes, passed down through generations, evolve with each family’s touch, creating a culinary heritage that is both deeply rooted and wonderfully adaptable. This deeply personal approach extends particularly to the national dish, with nearly as many distinct ways of preparing Filipino adobo as there are islands in the Philippines.

It is precisely this spirit of respectful innovation that makes Baon Kainan so compelling. Owners Ethan and Geri Leung have boldly, yet respectfully, declared that their cooking is “not your tita’s cooking.” This statement isn’t a dismissal of tradition but an invitation to explore familiar flavors through a fresh, contemporary lens. It signals a culinary journey where the soul of Filipino comfort food meets modern gastronomic creativity.

And their cooking? It is, without exaggeration, truly outstanding. Their innovative approach and undeniable talent quickly garnered significant recognition, including being named one of the Best New Food Carts of 2021 by The Oregonian. Join us as we take a closer look at the remarkable dishes that have earned Baon Kainan its well-deserved acclaim, transforming traditional Filipino fare into a new culinary experience for Portland’s diverse palates.

Table of contents

• Filipino Food Cart in Portland: A Culinary Gem
• The Food: A Menu of Modern Filipino Delights
• Kare Kare Fries: An Unforgettable Fusion
• Tosilog: A Breakfast Staple, Reimagined
• Palabok: A Symphony of Noodles and Flavors
• Chicken Adobo: A New Interpretation of a Classic
• Tofu “Bistek” Bowl: A Flavorful Vegan Alternative
• Don’t forget dessert! Ube Bibingka and More
• Food Truck FAQs: Planning Your Visit
• Baon Kainan Filipino Food Cart: Visit Information
• More Filipino food in Portland: Explore the Scene
• Where to stay nearby: Accommodations for Foodie Travelers
• Filipino recipes: Bring the Flavors Home

Filipino Food Cart in Portland: A Culinary Gem

Portland, Oregon, is renowned globally for its thriving and innovative food cart scene, a vibrant ecosystem where culinary dreams take tangible form on wheels. Amidst this bustling environment, Baon Kainan has emerged as a shining example of excellence, initially establishing its roots in a bustling pod at Northeast 43rd and Prescott in Northeast Portland, sharing space with other beloved carts like Matta PDX.

In a strategic move to better serve its growing clientele and enhance accessibility, Baon Kainan recently relocated to Northeast 8th and Couch. This new address brings the cart a little closer to the heart of downtown Portland and the picturesque Willamette River, which gracefully divides the city’s eastside from its central business district. This relocation signifies not just a change of scenery, but a step towards integrating even more seamlessly into Portland’s dynamic urban fabric, making it an even more convenient stop for those exploring the city’s culinary treasures.

What truly sets Baon Kainan apart in a city known for its eclectic and sometimes overly theatrical food carts is its refreshing simplicity. Unlike some establishments that rely on flashy, hard-to-read fonts, blaring music, or oversized photos to grab attention, Baon Kainan embraces an understated elegance. The cart itself is tastefully designed, allowing the true star of the show – the food – to speak for itself. This philosophy reflects the owners’ confidence in their craft, creating an inviting atmosphere where the focus remains squarely on the exceptional quality and innovative flavors of their next-generation Filipino cuisine. It’s a testament to the idea that genuine culinary artistry needs no extravagant frills to captivate and delight.

The Food: A Menu of Modern Filipino Delights

The culinary journey at Baon Kainan is ever-evolving, with a dynamic menu that thoughtfully shifts between weekday evenings and the bustling weekend services. This approach allows the chefs, Ethan and Geri Leung, to showcase a broader range of their creative interpretations of Filipino classics, ensuring that each visit offers something new and exciting while maintaining the beloved staples.

During our most recent visit to Baon Kainan, we celebrated a special birthday lunch. Accompanied by my parents, we embarked on a delightful mission: to sample nearly every tempting item available on the Saturday lunch menu. It was a feast designed to truly appreciate the depth and breadth of their culinary prowess, bringing home a diverse array of dishes that transformed a simple meal into a memorable celebration of flavor and family.

Below, you’ll find a detailed exploration of those remarkable dishes. While some items may be exclusive to specific days, many of these mouth-watering creations are regularly featured and available throughout the week, including Sundays. Each dish tells a story, blending the comforting familiarity of Filipino heritage with the bold innovation that defines Baon Kainan’s unique culinary vision, making every bite a discovery.

Kare Kare Fries: An Unforgettable Fusion

Kare Kare Fries ($13) – Kicking off our culinary adventure with these fries is almost mandatory, and for good reason: they were absolutely AMAZING!! This dish is a stroke of genius, seamlessly blending traditional Filipino comfort with an unexpectedly delightful modern twist.

At its heart, Kare Kare is a cherished Filipino peanut stew, historically known for its rich, savory base often prepared with tender oxtail and a medley of vegetables. Baon Kainan’s ingenious rendition takes this beloved classic and elevates it to new heights. Here, the deeply flavored, slow-braised beef, infused with the characteristic sweet and savory notes of a robust peanut sauce, is generously piled on a bed of perfectly crispy French fries. It’s a combination that defies expectations and truly excels.

While some might be tempted to draw comparisons to poutine, let me assure you, this dish stands in a league of its own. As a proud Filipino, I admit to a delightful bias, but the superiority of these Kare Kare Fries is undeniable. Unlike poutine, which often leaves fries soggy under a heavy, dense gravy, Baon Kainan’s approach maintains the fries’ integrity. The delicate, yet rich, peanut sauce is absorbed by the crispy fries in a way that enhances rather than compromises their texture. The addition of crunchy peanuts and other textural elements creates a glorious, perfectly balanced dish that offers an intricate dance of flavors and mouthfeels with every bite.

Perhaps the most miraculous aspect of these fries was their resilience. Even after a 30-minute drive home, a journey that typically spells doom for any fried potato, these Kare Kare Fries retained their delightful crispness. This feat alone earns Baon Kainan gold stars for culinary magic and an unwavering commitment to quality. It’s a dish that not only satisfies a craving but also leaves a lasting impression, proving that some culinary innovations are simply meant to be.

Tosilog: A Breakfast Staple, Reimagined

Tosilog ($13) – For many Filipinos, the “silog” meal holds a special place in their hearts, representing the quintessential comfort breakfast. Tosilog, in particular, always transports me back to the cherished mornings when my Lola Epyon would lovingly prepare this dish. The Tosilog at Baon Kainan not only met but exceeded these nostalgic expectations, delivering a truly authentic and incredibly satisfying experience.

This classic combination begins with a generous serving of perfectly seasoned garlic rice, its aromatic fragrance a testament to traditional Filipino cooking. This flavorful base is then crowned with two beautifully fried eggs, their yolks often still runny, ready to blend into the rice. The star of the dish, however, is the succulent pork belly tocino—sweet, savory, and caramelized to perfection. Each piece of tocino is cooked until tender with delightfully crispy edges, offering a wonderful textural contrast. Freshly diced tomatoes and onions are added, providing a burst of acidity and freshness that perfectly cuts through the richness of the pork and eggs, balancing the entire plate.

The pork belly, in particular, was cooked with exceptional skill, achieving that ideal balance of tenderness and slight crispness that defines truly great tocino. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Its harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and tangy notes makes it incredibly versatile. I could easily enjoy this robust and comforting dish for breakfast, a hearty lunch, or even a satisfying dinner. It’s a timeless classic, masterfully executed, that connects diners to the rich culinary heritage of the Philippines.

Palabok: A Symphony of Noodles and Flavors

Palabok ($14) – My appreciation for Baon Kainan’s Palabok runs deep; it’s a dish that showcases a meticulous balance of flavors and textures, making it an absolute standout. The foundation of this exquisite noodle dish is a bed of delicate rice noodles, reminiscent of the popular Pancit Bihon noodles, providing a satisfyingly chewy base that readily absorbs the rich flavors poured over it.

What truly elevates Baon Kainan’s Palabok is its signature sauce: a luxurious, house-made concoction crafted from a robust shrimp stock, infused with the vibrant, earthy hues of annatto, and enriched with savory ground pork. This sauce is a masterpiece of depth and complexity, clinging beautifully to every strand of noodle and delivering an explosion of umami with each mouthful. The dish is then masterfully finished with a generous scattering of fresh shrimp, adding a sweet, oceanic note, alongside crispy pork chicharrones that provide a delightful crunch. A sprinkle of bright green onions offers a refreshing counterpoint, while fried garlic contributes an irresistible aromatic intensity and another layer of texture.

Indeed, every bite of this Palabok is nothing short of a symphony in the mouth. The soft, yielding noodles, the creamy, flavorful sauce, the crispness of the chicharrones, the tenderness of the shrimp, and the sharp bite of green onions all play off each other in perfect harmony. This intricate interplay of tastes and textures demonstrates a masterful command of Filipino culinary traditions, reinterpreted with a finesse that makes Baon Kainan’s Palabok a truly unforgettable experience.

Chicken Adobo: A New Interpretation of a Classic

Chicken Adobo ($12) – When the owners of Baon Kainan declared their cooking was “not your tita’s cooking,” they might have been subtly hinting at their unique take on Adobo. This dish, more than any other, sparks passionate debates among Filipinos about whose version is the most “authentic” or tastes the absolute best. Adobo is not just a dish; it’s a culinary institution, a national treasure, and a deeply personal reflection of family heritage.

The beauty of Filipino Adobo lies precisely in its myriad variations. From region to region, and indeed from household to household, the balance of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, peppercorns, and bay leaf shifts, creating distinctly different flavor profiles. Some prefer it saucier, some drier; some with more tang, others sweeter. If you’re curious to explore this fascinating diversity, I’ve delved into many popular versions in my Instant Pot Chicken Adobo recipe post, highlighting the subtle nuances that make each one special.

The Adobo served at Baon Kainan is notably distinct from any I (or even my traditionally-minded parents) had ever encountered. Yet, the verdict was unanimous: it was absolutely delicious. And ultimately, that’s what truly matters in cuisine, folks – taste. Their version features a light and almost delicate tamarind and vinegar sauce, which offers a bright, nuanced tang that’s a refreshing departure from the bolder, saltier profiles often found in traditional Adobo. The chicken itself is lightly grilled, adding a subtle smoky char and tenderness that complements the sauce beautifully. It’s an elegant, refined interpretation of a beloved classic, proving that innovation can coexist harmoniously with tradition, offering a new perspective on a dish deeply ingrained in Filipino culture.

Tofu “Bistek” Bowl: A Flavorful Vegan Alternative

Tofu “Bistek” Bowl ($12) – For our valued vegan friends and those seeking plant-based options, Baon Kainan thoughtfully offers the Tofu “Bistek” Bowl. This dish is their innovative and delicious vegan interpretation of the classic Filipino Bistek, which traditionally features thinly sliced beef steak marinated in soy sauce and calamansi juice, then pan-fried and topped with sautéed onions. It’s commendable to see a food cart embracing inclusivity without compromising on flavor or culinary integrity.

I personally have a deep fondness for tofu, especially when it’s expertly prepared – and there’s truly nothing quite like perfectly deep-fried tofu. The Tofu “Bistek” Bowl aims to deliver the savory, citrusy essence of Bistek using this versatile plant-based protein. While it provided interesting flavors and textures, out of all the exceptional dishes we sampled during our visit, this particular offering was my least favorite. I found it to be a little on the dry side for my personal taste, lacking some of the characteristic succulence that one might expect from a “steak” dish, even a vegan one.

However, it’s important to note that culinary preferences are subjective, and what might be slightly dry for one palate could be perfectly appealing to another. The dish still boasted a thoughtful combination of elements, delivering those signature Bistek flavors with a tangy, umami-rich profile, complemented by soft, flavorful tofu and tender, caramelized onions. For those committed to a vegan diet or simply looking for a lighter, plant-forward option, the Tofu “Bistek” Bowl remains a commendable choice on Baon Kainan’s diverse menu, representing their commitment to offering modern Filipino cuisine for everyone.

Don’t forget dessert! Ube Bibingka and More

Ube Bibingka ($4) – No Filipino meal is truly complete without a delightful ending, and Baon Kainan’s Ube Bibingka offers just that. My Filipino father, a connoisseur of traditional desserts, would humorously insist that this isn’t exactly what he’d call “bibingka” in its classic form. Traditional Bibingka is typically a baked rice cake, often cooked in clay pots lined with banana leaves over coals, giving it a distinctive smoky flavor and texture. However, he wholeheartedly agreed with me that this particular creation is a very fine tasting ube dessert in its own right, a testament to its deliciousness despite its modern interpretation.

This Ube Bibingka stands out not only for its vibrant purple hue, characteristic of the beloved ube (purple yam) that lends it a unique, subtly sweet, and earthy flavor, but also for its thoughtful construction. It’s a remarkably moist and soft cake, featuring a wonderfully chewy texture that makes each bite incredibly satisfying. Adding another layer of enjoyment, this dessert is also gluten-free, making it accessible to a wider range of diners without compromising on taste or quality.

The cake is generously topped with delicate coconut crumbles, which introduce a delightful textural contrast to the soft, yielding interior. These crumbles provide a subtle crispness and a hint of tropical sweetness, enhancing the overall experience. What I particularly appreciate about this dessert is its balanced sweetness; it’s rich in flavor without being overwhelmingly sugary, allowing the natural essence of the ube to truly shine through. It’s a beautifully crafted dessert that honors the spirit of Filipino sweets while carving out its own delicious identity, perfect for concluding a meal of next-generation Filipino cuisine.

Baon Kainan Filipino Food Cart: Visit Information

Baon Kainan stands as an exceptional and essential destination for anyone in Portland, Oregon, craving authentic yet innovatively presented Filipino cuisine. The dedication to quality is evident in every dish: the food is meticulously prepared, utilizing high-quality ingredients, beautifully presented, and consistently delicious. Even though I haven’t personally experienced their new, more centrally located spot yet, the anticipation to explore it is immense! I highly recommend making a point to visit this culinary gem and discover the delights of next-generation Filipino food for yourself.

You too should check them out and experience their acclaimed dishes:

Location:
807 NE Couch St
Portland, Oregon

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

For the most current menu updates, special announcements, and detailed information about Baon Kainan, please visit their official website: Baon Kainan.

More Filipino food in Portland: Explore the Scene

Portland’s Filipino food scene is vibrant and growing. If you’re looking to explore more culinary delights beyond Baon Kainan, consider these other fantastic establishments:

• Magna Kusina
• Hunny Beez
• St Barbra Pinoy Bakery

Where to stay nearby: Accommodations for Foodie Travelers

Planning a trip to Portland to explore its renowned food scene, including Baon Kainan? Consider staying at these conveniently located hotels to enhance your culinary adventure:

• Canopy by Hilton Portland (Pearl District)
• The Duniway Hotel (downtown Portland)

Filipino recipes: Bring the Flavors Home

Feeling inspired by Baon Kainan’s incredible dishes to recreate some Filipino magic in your own kitchen? These recipes are perfect for beginning your journey into home-cooked Filipino cuisine:

• Instant Pot Filipino Chicken Adobo
• Filipino Beef Caldereta
• Lumpia
• Pancit Bihon
• Pandesal