Fish Sauce — Restaurant in Portland

Giving some love to my draft folder, this review has been steeping since November 2023, marinating like a good thịt kho. Was it worth the emotional labor? Debatable. But here it is, finally served.

I came in solo on 11/25/23, right as they opened at 4pm. The place was practically empty, just me for a good while. About an hour later, a couple came in to dine, and someone else stopped by for a to-go order. So no, this wasn't peak hour chaos.

I was genuinely excited. A spot bold enough to name itself Fish Sauce? That's not trying to water itself down to appeal to the "fusion" crowd? Yes, please. The unapologetic Viet-ness of it won me over from afar. But perhaps, in some ironic twist of cultural karma, that came back to bite me.

I scanned the menu and felt seen: bánh tét chiên, thịt kho, bắp nướng, bánh chuối nếp nướng. Childhood on a plate. Nostalgia. Home. I ordered all of them, full-hearted and belly-ready. You order at the counter, seat yourself, and wait.

Here's where it turned.

As each dish came out, I heard the kitchen staff talking, openly, in Vietnamese, about me. They were surprised that I was "chubby but not as fat as they expected" given the amount of food I ordered.

Yep. That happened. In Vietnamese. Loud enough.

I paused mid-bite. Do I respond? Joke back? Let them know I understood every word? I considered it. But honestly? It wasn't worth the breath or the calories. I had already decided I wouldn't be back.

The food was solid, comforting and nostalgic, but not mind-blowing. A 3/5. Service? I'll let you draw your own conclusions, but if you value being treated with basic decency, maybe look elsewhere.

In the end, Fish Sauce was a philosophical experience more than a culinary one: Can a place celebrate cultural authenticity while treating someone from that very culture with casual disrespect? Apparently, and absolutely, YES!!!!!

And now this review can finally escape my...

I tried the fried rice with chicken. Atmosphere: I have always kind of liked the rustic atmosphere inside of Fish Sauce. However, there is a very long 30 foot table that takes up most of the space in the restaurant. Its a communal table meant to be shared. The table was insanely sticky. maybe because it was a hot day today. Either way it was pretty gross to have the entire huge table feel like it had not been cleaned in months. (suggest that they sand it and change the finish on the wood). Food: ugh. The fried rice was bland. Nothing to write home about or try again. There were sausages in the rice that were really bad. Tasted like they took pre-prepped sausages from a can and thew a few in. Also the chicken... how to describe it... they were little tiny chicken balls that I think were boiled. Thats it. Pretty bland and not a good additive to the fish rice. They also looked like a catfood I used to get for my cat.

I'd stay away from this place. Try Andina's instead. It's just over the bridge and they care about the...

Fish Sauce offers an unparalleled dining experience that seamlessly blends traditional Vietnamese flavors with innovative fusion twists. From the moment you step through the door, you're greeted with an ambiance that's both inviting and chic, setting the stage for an unforgettable culinary journey. Each dish is a masterpiece, meticulously crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients and bursting with vibrant flavors that dance on your palate. Whether you're indulging in their mouthwatering pho, savoring their delectable banh mi, or delighting in their creative fusion dishes, every bite is a symphony of taste sensations. The service is impeccable, with a team that's not only knowledgeable but also passionate about ensuring your dining experience exceeds expectations. Fish Sauce isn't just a restaurant; it's a celebration of Vietnamese cuisine elevated to new heights. Five stars...