Momo House — Restaurant in Portland

Listen up, folks. This place is an absolute diamond in the rough. My friends were there to get sushi burritos from next door. But, I saw the sign that said “Himalayan Cuisine”. A kind-faced woman slid open the glass window, she’s the only one working before the holiday close.

I recognize some of the items so I decide to go with chicken biryani, something a bit familiar. My friend ordered the vegan momos for the table. We came a little close to closing time. When more of my friends showed up, she saw how excited we were to try the food. She let them order a little something, too.

My chicken biryani was served on a classic dixie paper plate. When I scooped the rice to the side, it revealed huge chicken legs. The meat literally slid off the bone. And the smell? Indescribable. It was warm and spicy and savory. The yogurt sauce on the side perfectly cut the heat when needed.

The momos were noticeably hand-made. Each one a different shape, all similar yet slightly different textures based on where they were in the pan. It was the perfect thing to heat us up on one of our first cold nights here.

As she was closing up, she smiled a bit to see all of us gorging ourselves on her lovingly crafted cuisine.

Go...

Hands down the best and most comforting food I have had in a long time!! So much flavor in food that was also satisfyingly simple. Vegetarian/vegan options and meat options. Amazing blend of spices and depth of textures and tastes that still gives you that wholesome, soothing feeling of a good "comfort food" meal. A very unique fusion of regional foods and flavors that you wouldn't get from other cuisines alone. I got the veggie Choli Samosa and vegetarian Momo Soup (which I believe is seasonal) and hot Indian Chai which was rich and spicy. Even though both the veggie samosa and momo are filled with mostly potatoes and peas the preparation and spices are totally different and I'm glad I got both because they complimented eachother perfectly and made a well rounded meal! It was a pretty, cool day and it was nice to have soup and hot tea sitting in the sun and slightly chilly weather. I really can't put into words how good this food was, it was seriously the best meal I have had in years, and I traveling and eat out on a...

What a gem!

I tried the veggie, pork, and beef momos. Fried and steamed versions. All we're great! The momos were fresh, tasty, authentic. I'm not a sauce person but both the mild green and hot red sauce we're flavorful and complemented the momos very well. Even the humble cucumber salad tasted fresh and wonderful.

Chili pork rice was also very tasty and is one of the popular dishes. For me, I gravitate towards the momos.

The chai tea was another surprise! Authentic and not overly sweeten like most. Definitely one of the best chai I've had in...