Noho's Hawaiian Cafe — Restaurant in Portland

After being gone 25 years, I drove around Portland, trying to find this epic place that I used to run away to to hide from the problems of the world.

In the heart of Portland, Oregon, amidst the bustling streets and trendy eateries, lies a hidden gem of Hawaii that holds within its walls not just delectable Hawaiian cuisine but also a treasure trove of memories and stories. Noho's Hawaiian Food is more than just a place to dine; it's a sanctuary where time slows down, and the flavors of the islands transport you to another realm. As I stepped through the doors of Noho's, memories of days gone by flooded my mind, memories of laughter, camaraderie, and the irresistible aroma of Hawaiian delicacies.

I have known Noho, the proprietor of this establishment, since the vibrant days of the 90s. Back then, One can see my big white Hummer parked out in front as I frequented his previous Hawaiian restaurant, where evenings were spent indulging in sumptuous dishes and exchanging tales that ranged from the mundane to the extraordinary. Noho's warm demeanor and genuine hospitality made every visit an unforgettable experience. We would sit for hours, savoring each bite of his culinary creations, all the while sharing anecdotes and relishing in the simple joys of life.

As I recently revisited Noho's Hawaiian Food, a bittersweet realization washed over me - Noho would soon embark on a well-deserved retirement journey in August. The news weighed heavy on my heart, for this restaurant had been my sanctuary, a place where I could escape the rigors of daily life and find solace in good company and even better food. Noho's impending departure marked the end of an era, but his legacy would undoubtedly live on in the hearts and taste buds of those who had the privilege of dining at his establishment.

Despite the melancholy that accompanied the knowledge of Noho's impending retirement, I found solace in the familiar sights and smells of his kitchen. I ordered his signature dish, the sweet-and-sour pan-fried chicken, a nostalgic favorite that never failed to tantalize my taste buds. As the dish arrived at my table, memories of past meals flooded back, each bite a tribute to the countless evenings spent in the company of dear friends and cherished memories.

The sweet-and-sour pan-fried chicken was as exquisite as ever, each morsel bursting with flavor and nostalgia. The perfectly crispy exterior gave way to tender, succulent meat, while the tangy sweetness of the sauce danced on my palate, transporting me back to simpler times. It was a dish that encapsulated the essence of Noho's culinary prowess - simple yet soul-satisfying, comforting yet undeniably delicious.

But what truly set Noho's Hawaiian Food apart was not just the food itself but the experience that accompanied it. In a world dominated by fast-paced living and fleeting connections, Noho's restaurant was a sanctuary where time seemed to stand still, where conversations flowed freely, and laughter echoed off the walls. It was a place where strangers became friends and friends became family, united by a love for good food and great company.

As I savored the last bite of my meal, I couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness knowing that soon, noho would no longer be accessible. Father figure pushed in the retirement.But as I looked around at the smiling faces and heard the sounds of joyous laughter, I realized that Noho's legacy would endure long after his retirement. For in the memories we shared and the flavors we savored, Noho had created something truly special - a community bound together by a love for food, friendship, and the spirit of aloha.

In conclusion, Noho's Hawaiian Food is more than just a restaurant; it's a testament to the power of good food and genuine hospitality to bring people together and create lasting memories. As Noho prepares to embark on his next chapter, I am filled with gratitude for the moments shared and the flavors experienced at his establishment. Farewell, Noho, and thank you for a lifetime...

What a bummer. I have been going to this place for years. It's a short walk from my house. On my most recent visit, I walked down with my kids in a storm after placing an order online and getting a text it was ready. The owner was chatting up some lady so I waited for him to stop and his demeanor changed when he looked at me (I just got back from the gym and I was wearing rain gear but I SWEAR I'm not looking too disheveled! All I can think of is that I looked bad? I don't know!). I was like "I'm here to pick up an order for Dean". He acted slightly weird and confirmed my last name even though I had the first name right. Then asked me "phone or online" and I told him online (even though there was LITERALLY one to-go order and I had confirmed my first and last name). It was weird but I didn't think too much of it.

He gives me more stink-eye and I, in a flash of extreme stupidity, think he's having a bad day. So, when I'm signing my check I decided to give him an extra tip even though I had tipped when I paid online. At this point he says "they with you?" and glares at my kids and that's when I realized: he is an a-hole and thinks my kids and I are up to something untoward. So, I say "yeah they're mine!" and I walked out with my mediocre food feeling terrible. Like - did I do something that made me seem like a criminal? I can't fathom what it was.

I will be fair about the food. It's a 3/5; not great, not terrible, ridiculous portions. The decor is also pretty good. It's too bad the owner is a complete jerk. I can almost see this place from my house and I'll not...

I’ve been eating here, 15 years, maybe even longer who knows but I’ve only had like Five problems One time I didn’t get the extra macaroni that I wanted another time I didn’t get the extra Sauces I paid for that I wanted And I do eat here a lot I get the same thing if not more every time I usually get two large dishes for myself and one for my woman she as well has eaten here that long as well born in Oregon This was the first time we got our dishes with no sauces you know that delicious Noho’s teriyaki sauce.. Don’t get me wrong. It wasn’t cooked literally off the grill but no sauces they always top it off with all the teriyaki sauce they’re homemade teriyaki sauce, which makes it delicious. Alex, the manager at the time that I did not know gave me five sauces. I got home open it up found out that my meat had no sauce and only the sauce that they gave me was the five packs that was gonna do me nothing I go through a lot of sauce I always pay extra for sauce because it’s so delicious and I would’ve paid extra if I would’ve known I got dried meat but sure I brought it back. They made me too brand dishes lots of sauce, they even gave me a full bottle brand new, not open bottle of their homemade sauce, and everything was made us even came Mac salad because that’s my favorite too thank you Alex put it in the dishes and...