Portland｜Zabpinto Thai Kitchen：A Thai Gem Worth Revisiting🍛

Walking into Zabpinto Thai Kitchen after a morning of Downtown Portland exploring, I was instantly warmed by the orchids by the door and light wood decor—no over-the-top Thai kitsch, just "cozy": simple Thai landscape prints on the walls, tables spaced so you don’t have to whisper, and the server’s smile felt like a neighbor checking in. This spot’s Thai food is "gentle": sweet-leaning flavors, mild heat, no "in-your-face spice" like some Thai joints. It hits that (general) sweet spot—rich coconut, bright sauces, balanced herbs—easy to enjoy, no post-meal heaviness. Just a quiet "I’ll be back." 🍴 Lunch Specials: A Steal with Small Rules, But Flavor Doesn’t Suffer The midday special menu is a true value gem💸: a set with main, soup, and rice, priced so even students can swing it. The only tiny "bummer"? No swapping—when I ordered the Pad Kra Pao Moo Saap (basil pork) set, I asked to swap the veggie coconut soup for Tom Yum, but the server laughed, "Lunch sets are fixed to keep things quick!" But one sip of the coconut soup and I didn’t mind: corn, broccoli, mushrooms swimming in coconut milk that’s rich but not overpowering, with a sweet finish that cut the pork’s savoriness. The basil pork? Perfectly stir-fried, crispy bits mixed with holy basil aroma, sweet-spicy balance on point. Stirred into rice, I scraped the bowl clean🌶️. My partner’s Pad Thai was solid too: noodles chewy, not mushy, loaded with peanuts, bean sprouts, lime—fish sauce glaze sweet but not salty, coating every strand. The red curry on the side? Potatoes creamy, chicken tender, coconut base thick enough to cling to the spoon. Mixed with rice? Carb heaven. 💡 Why Come Back? No groundbreaking innovation, just "consistently good" done right: lunch specials are fixed but filling, flavors steady; the vibe’s chill enough for slow chats; even spice levels are customizable (ask for "mild," and it’s just a hint of heat). Next time, I’m trying the mango sticky rice—heard they use Thai mangoes, sweet like sunshine. For a "no-fail, come-often" Thai spot in Downtown? This one’s a keeper. 📍 Zabpinto Thai Kitchen（1037 NW Flanders St, Portland, OR 97209—close to the subway, perfect for a mid-shopping stop） #PortlandThai #LunchSpecial #EverydayThaiEats