Portland Thai Gem | Langbaan: Plain Ambiance, Amazing Flavors

If you’re hunting for “no-miss Thai food” in Portland, Langbaan is a total hidden gem—it doesn’t have fancy decor (it’s even a bit “homey casual”), but one bite tells you why local Thai food lovers swear by it. This season’s “Holiday & Tradition” menu blends classic Thai flavors with festive vibes perfectly: from coconut-packed small bites to slightly spicy white curry, every dish tastes like it was straight from a Bangkok street stall. And to top it off? Grab a Jianbing (Chinese crepe) from the food truck across the street afterward—spicy-sour Thai food + savory Jianbing = pure satisfaction! 🥢 Must-Try Small Bites: Appetizers That Wow—Southeast Asian Vibes in Every Bite Langbaan’s small bites are “order blindly and win”—small portions but packed with detail, perfect for 2-3 people to share and whet your appetite. These three are absolute standouts: ▫️ Kanom Krok (Thai Coconut Scallop Cups) 🥥 As the signature appetizer, this one’s a showstopper! The crispy cups are made with rice flour and coconut milk—crunchy with every bite, overflowing with coconut aroma. Inside, there’s a heap of fresh scallop meat coated in smooth coconut sauce: the scallops are so tender they melt on your tongue, no fishiness at all. The coconut sweetness is natural (not cloying—like fresh coconut meat), and even the edges of the cups soak up the sauce. I ate two by myself, saying, “This is better than what I had in Bangkok!” ▫️ Miang Som (Shrimp Wrapped in Betel Leaves) 🦐 A “soulful copy” of Thai street food! Fresh shrimp are marinated in fish sauce and lemongrass first—briny and sweet—then wrapped in chewy betel leaves, topped with crispy peanut crumbs, coconut shreds, and a squeeze of lime. One bite gives you betel leaf’s freshness, shrimp’s bounciness, peanut’s crunch, coconut’s sweetness, and lime’s tang—flavors partying in your mouth! It instantly transports you to a Southeast Asian night market. Even my friend who hates betel leaves loved it: “Who knew shrimp wrapped in leaves could be this good?!” ▫️ Sai Ua (Thai Sausage with Pear Puree) 🍐 This one has such a “fun texture”! The Thai sausage is slightly spicy, with the herbal aroma of galangal and lime leaves—packed with meaty chunks, no grittiness. The pear puree on the side is a game-changer: sweet pear cuts through the sausage’s savoriness, adding a fruity freshness. One bite of sausage + one bite of pear puree—perfect balance of spicy and sweet, not greasy at all. Even people who hate spice can handle it! 🍛 Main Courses: Mild White Curry + Tender Meat—Homey Thai Warmth Main courses are “hearty and homey,” great for sharing among 2-3 people. Every dish is rich with Thai “umami” but never overly heavy: White Curry: Unlike common yellow or green curry, white curry is based on coconut milk and lemongrass—creamy white in color. First sip: coconut sweetness; then a gentle spice kicks in (spicy enough for spice lovers, mild enough for non-spice eaters). The veggies soak up the curry, soft and flavorful—perfect with white rice; Pork Jowl: Braised until super tender! The pork jowl has the right fat-to-meat ratio—chewy skin, tender lean meat. Coated in curry sauce, it’s packed with meaty and coconutty flavor—pure satisfaction in one bite; Thai Grilled Chicken: Marinated in fish sauce and lime leaves first, grilled until slightly charred outside, juicy inside. It’s savory even without sauce—pair it with white curry for extra layers. A small note: Main courses aren’t huge. If you have a big appetite, add an extra serving of rice—or save room for a “second round” at the food truck across the street! 🍨 Desserts: Simple but Delicious—A Sweet Finish Desserts don’t have fancy plating, but they’re “refreshing and not cloying”—perfect for cutting through the curry’s spiciness: Thai Lemongrass Ice Cream: Homemade ice cream with a subtle lemongrass aroma—creamy and not too sweet. It leaves a fresh lemongrass aftertaste, instantly lightening the curry’s richness; Thai Sponge Cake: The cake is super moist (not dry at all!), with a hint of coconut shreds inside. Every bite is “fluffy + slightly sweet + coconutty”—pair it with the ice cream for a hot-cold combo that works. 💡 Practical Tips: Eat Smart, Pair Well, Maximize Fun! Portion Advice: Dishes are “share-style.” For 2-3 people, order 3 small bites + 1 white curry + 1 meat dish + 2 desserts—just enough to finish without waste. If you’re hungry, head to the Bing Mi food truck across the street after (try the Jianbing with egg and crispy cracker)! Spicy Thai food + savory Jianbing = unbeatable; Reservations: It’s small but busy on weekends—book 1-2 days in advance via their website to avoid waiting; Ambiance Note: The space is tiny with tight tables—great for friends or dates, not big groups; #Portland #ThaiFood #PortlandEats #FoodieAdventure #WeekendEats #PortlandFoodie #LangbaanThai