Portland, Oregon | Kinn Kao Northern Thai Kitchen

📍 Kinn Kao Northern Thai Kitchen - 3131 NE Broadway, Portland, OR 97232 🌟🌟 Tasty and recommended (soups contain MSG*) Most of the time, it’s a nod of approval. This is a restaurant with real substance—overall delicious but lacking standout wow moments. With an extensive menu, it’s often hard to achieve true refinement across all dishes. 【Pad Thai】😋 Finally, a Pad Thai that isn’t overly sweet! High-quality noodles—springy and smooth, not sticky or musky. Expertly stir-fried—light and not greasy. Wok hei is present and skillfully integrated, subtly lingering between bites. 【Duck Curry】😋 The duck is tender and delicate, with a soft, smooth texture. Lightly seasoned, though the duck flavor could be more pronounced. The curry paste is rich and aromatic, freshly pounded with vibrant notes—spices are warm yet balanced, with a subtle fruity freshness. 【Tom Yum】👍 Refreshing and zesty with complex layers. You can taste the freshness of all the ingredients—celery and lemongrass stand out prominently. 【Tom Yum with Coconut Milk】👍 The coconut milk is subtle, letting the original broth shine. It doesn’t follow the mainstream American Thai trend of heavy coconut cream—stays true to its style. The coconut gently tempers the heat of the tom yum. 【Grilled Pork】👍 Well-balanced sweet and savory, with a lingering depth. Paired with sticky rice, it creates a wonderful texture as the rice grinds finely between your teeth, enhancing the aroma and capturing the meat juices. ⚠️ Those used to big, juicy meat bites might find it lean and miss its charm. 【Mango Sticky Rice】😐 Sweetness level is fine, but the sticky rice is too clumpy. Mango quality is average—color indicates it’s not very flavorful, neither sweet nor tart. Overall taste is acceptable (nowhere near LA’s Sweet Rice level). Finding Thai food not overly “adapted” with excessive sugar is a tough task. Portland, with its thriving Thai food scene, seems to be an exception. Recalling a star restaurant here: The famous Eem (🌟🌟🌟) isn’t traditional—it’s a bold Thai-American fusion. The chef has style and uses ingredients fearlessly—rustic and intense. A must-try for meat lovers and Thai flavor enthusiasts! #PortlandFood #PortlandThai #Eem #MustEatPortland #FoodDiary #ThaiCuisine #KinnKao #PortlandFoodExploration #PortlandOR #PortlandTravel