The Viral WA-Based Noodle Shop Is Finally Here! 🥟🍜

Portland’s Chinese noodle lovers, rejoice! Dough Zone— the popular noodle shop that started in Washington State and blew up in the Bay Area—finally opened a Portland location in spring 2022. As soon as I saw the opening news, I dragged my xiaolongbao-obsessed friend over. I went in thinking it’d be a “Din Tai Fung alternative,” but left with both surprises and minor letdowns. That Yibin Spicy Noodles? It totally raised the bar for Chinese noodles in Portland, and the river-view floor-to-ceiling windows were an unexpected bonus! 🏠 First Impression: Industrial-Chic Vibe + River Views—Fancier Than Traditional Noodle Shops The new spot is tucked off S River Dr, with a sleek black metal sign. Push the door open, and you’re instantly wowed by the modern industrial decor: concrete walls paired with silver metal frames, warm yellow pendant lights hanging overhead, and plenty of space between tables—no cramped chaos like in old-school noodle joints. The best part? The huge floor-to-ceiling windows—they overlook the Willamette River, where you can spot people kayaking by or greenery swaying in the wind. Eating here feels like dining in a “river-view cafe,” not a noodle shop. I got so many questions like “Is this really a noodle place?” when I posted photos! The staff were friendly too—when handing over the menu, they volunteered, “First time here? Try the Yibin Spicy Noodles and potstickers—they’re our most popular!” They also kindly warned, “Our portions are small, so order more to try different things”—no awkward new-shop jitters at all 😊. 🥢 Dish Reviews: 6 Dishes, 2 Standouts, 2 Letdowns—Avoid These! We ordered 6 items for just over $30 (before tip)—great value if you want to sample multiple flavors: ✅ Must-Try: Order These Blind—You’ll Want Seconds! Yibin Spicy Noodles 🍜 I ordered this on a whim after seeing recommendations, but it instantly became the star of the meal! The noodles are alkaline-based—chewy and springy, never mushy. The toppings are generous: fragrant chili oil (spicy but not burning), minced garlic (for extra aroma), and freshly fried peanuts (crunchy with every bite). Even sesame oil coats each strand of noodle. First bite: a hint of sweetness, then mild spice, and finally a mix of peanut and garlic flavor. It tasted just like the Yibin noodles I had in Sichuan! Even my friend who hates spice stole a few bites, saying “This is so fragrant!” Pork Three-Delicacy Potstickers 🥟 These have the texture of “homestyle potstickers” from China—thicker skins than usual, but the bottoms are golden and crispy, while the edges stay soft. Bite in, and you’ll taste pork sweetness mixed with a faint chive aroma (not overpowering—just for umami). There’s even a little bouncy shrimp in the filling! No need for vinegar—they’re delicious on their own. Eat them hot, though—they get soft once cool. Sweet & Spicy Cucumber 🥒 It’s a side dish, but it’s the ultimate “appetizer hero!” Cucumbers are cut into strips, marinated perfectly—crunchy with every bite, sweet-tart with a hint of spice. It cuts through the heaviness of noodles, great before or after your meal. At $3, it’s a steal—I’ll order two next time! ⚠️ Just Okay: Order Only If You’re Curious Red Mustard & Pork Wontons 🥣 The wontons are big, with thick, chewy skins (they won’t break when you bite them) and a hearty filling of red mustard and pork. But the sauce is a letdown—it’s missing the richness of lard or sesame oil, so it tastes a little bland. I added some chili oil from the noodles to save it. Try it if you love thick-skinned wontons, but skip it if you crave flavorful sauce. ❌ Skip These: Don’t Waste Your Money Crab Roe Xiaolongbao 🥟 As a xiaolongbao fan, this was disappointing. Bite into it, and there’s barely any soup (unlike Din Tai Fung, where soup oozes out). The crab roe flavor is faint—mostly just pork taste, with no real “freshness.” If you’re here for xiaolongbao, head to Din Tai Fung instead, or try their pork xiaolongbao (I heard it’s better). Banana Roti 🥞 I expected thin, crispy “Indian roti,” but this was totally different! The roti is thick and dense (like a fluffy flatbread), no crunch at all. The banana flavor is so faint you can barely taste it—you’ll only get sweetness from dipping it in the side of whipped cream. Skip this if you want dessert; there are better options elsewhere. 💡 Final Thought: A Great New Option for Chinese Noodles in Portland Dough Zone has minor flaws, but it’s totally worth a visit—great vibe, good value, and lots of flavors to try, especially if you love noodles. Next time, I’ll test their pork xiaolongbao and spicy wontons, hoping to find another “star dish!” 📍 Dough Zone-Portland 1910 S River Dr, Portland, OR 97201 #PortlandEats #PortlandNewSpot #ChineseNoodles #Xiaolongbao #FoodieDiary