Khao Moo Dang — Restaurant in Portland

Khao Moo Dang, located on SE Hawthorne Blvd in Portland, is a culinary gem that brings the authentic flavors of Thai street food to the Pacific Northwest. This restaurant has garnered a loyal following for several reasons, making it a must-visit spot for food enthusiasts. Here are some of the highlights that make Khao Moo Dang amazing:

Authentic Thai Cuisine

Traditional Ba-Mhee: Khao Moo Dang serves traditional ba-mhee, a popular Thai noodle dish featuring egg noodles and BBQ pork. This dish is a staple in Thailand and is loved for its rich flavors and comforting qualities. The noodles can be served in a savory broth or dry, allowing the textures and flavors of the ingredients to shine3. Khao Moo Ob: Another standout dish is khao moo ob, which consists of garlic rice with braised pork shoulder and yu-choy. This dish is celebrated for its tender pork and aromatic rice, making it a hearty and satisfying meal4]. Khao Moo Dang: The restaurant's namesake dish, khao moo dang, features three types of pork over rice: sausage, thinly sliced pork, and crispy pork belly. This combination offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors, all topped with a thick, flavorful sauce[1.

Diverse Menu Options

Vegan and Vegetarian Options: Khao Moo Dang caters to a wide range of dietary preferences by offering vegan and vegetarian options. This inclusivity ensures that everyone can enjoy the rich flavors of Thai cuisine without compromising their dietary choices2]. Thailand Beer: To complement their delicious food, Khao Moo Dang offers a selection of Thai beers. These beverages pair perfectly with the spicy and savory dishes, enhancing the overall dining experience[1].

Commitment to Quality

Locally Sourced Ingredients: The restaurant prides itself on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. This commitment to quality not only supports local vendors but also ensures that every dish is made with the freshest produce available[2]. Freshly Prepared Dishes: Khao Moo Dang prepares its dishes daily, including their five-spice pork loin and crispy pork belly, which are cooked using steam and air-fry processes without oil. This dedication to freshness and health-conscious cooking methods sets them apart from other eateries[2].

Customer Experience

High Ratings and Reviews: With a rating of 4.7 and over 387 reviews on Yelp, Khao Moo Dang has established itself as a beloved spot in Portland. Customers frequently praise the restaurant for its delicious food, quick service, and friendly staff[1. Convenient Location: Situated on SE Hawthorne Blvd, Khao Moo Dang is easily accessible and located in a vibrant part of Portland, making it a convenient dining option for both locals and visitors1. Delivery and Pickup Options: For those who prefer to enjoy their meals at home, Khao Moo Dang offers both delivery and pickup services, ensuring that their delectable dishes are just a call or click away[1].

Ambiance and Atmosphere

Cozy and Welcoming Environment: The restaurant provides a warm and cozy atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for a casual meal with friends or family. The friendly and attentive staff further enhance the dining experience, making guests feel right at home[4]. Community-Oriented: As a locally Asian-owned business, Khao Moo Dang is deeply rooted in the community. Their focus on local sourcing and their welcoming approach to all customers reflect their commitment to being a neighborhood favorite[2].

In summary, Khao Moo Dang stands out for its authentic Thai cuisine, diverse menu options, commitment to quality, and exceptional customer experience. Whether you're a fan of traditional Thai dishes like ba-mhee and khao moo ob, or you're looking for vegan and vegetarian...

Had high hopes for this place but it's not worth the hype. And they admitted to using large amounts of MSG! Their protein options are limited: tofu, pork & egg. I got the number 10 and the best part of the dish was the small bowl of broth. Everything else was subpar compared to all the other restaurants and options available in Portland. Also the meat was absolutely cold in my dish. My friend had a soup based dish and commented why is the meat cold? You would think they would serve piping hot broth but they don't it's like the purpose they give you cold food so you won't sit around. The noodles were flavorless! None of the reviews talk about the poor quality of the meat. There was so much fat on the pork that half the "meat"on my plate was inedible. It was gross to see all that white gelatinous fat stuck to tiny pieces of meat. They are clearly buying the cheapest quality of meat and passing it off by boasting that it's slow cooked for 12 hours. I was here with a party of five so I looked at my friends food and their pork was the same. Full of fat. They could surely trim the fat off the pork a bit so it's edible and actual meat. But they don't do that. I got the worst headache eating here called and asked them if they use MSG and she said yes we do we use it a lot. And my friend also got a headache! So if you're sensitive to that please know that they are using large amounts of MSG for flavoring in their bland food. The indoor seating is limited. And the guy who was running this place on Sunday was rude & barking at any customer who took a seat. He was such a jerk, other customers in line were shook by his behavior. If you have a party of four or larger you're gonna have a hard time finding indoor seating since this place is tiny. Also if your business has a tipping that starts at 22% and goes up from there you should be busing the tables for us and not requiring us to do that. To all the people saying this is amazing food maybe they are the same people that consider McDonald's...

Tucked along SE Hawthorne Blvd, Khao Moo Dang is one of Portland’s best-kept secrets—until you taste their signature dish. Then you understand why this unassuming counter-service spot consistently earns rave reviews and top delivery rankings.

The namesake dish, Khao Moo Dang, is an absolute knockout. A beautifully plated harmony of five-spice BBQ pork, crispy pork belly, Chinese sausage, a soy-marinated half-boiled egg, and perfectly steamed jasmine rice. The real magic? That deeply flavorful, house-made sweet-savory red sauce that ties everything together. It’s the kind of sauce you want bottled and poured on everything.

Each bite hits a different note: the tender BBQ pork is smoky and aromatic, the crispy pork belly adds a satisfying crunch and rich depth, while the sweet Chinese sausage offers a chewy contrast that keeps things interesting. The garlic rice, subtly fragrant, soaks up the sauce like a dream. The egg? Silky, creamy, and the perfect finishing touch.

What makes this spot shine is more than just great ingredients—it’s balance, precision, and respect for traditional Thai flavors. It feels like street food in Bangkok, reimagined for Portland’s palate without losing its soul.

Service is friendly and fast, and the open kitchen gives you a front-row seat to the care that goes into every dish. Whether you’re dining in at the cozy counter or grabbing takeout, the quality is consistently top-notch.

For those new to Thai cuisine or simply seeking warm, soulful comfort food, Khao Moo Dang is a must. It’s proof that a humble plate of pork and rice—when done right—can be something extraordinary.

Rating: 5/5 🌟 Must-try: Khao Moo Dang signature plate, Ba...