Nong's Khao Man Gai (SE) — Restaurant in Portland

NOT LEGIT, NO THAI PLACE HAS BROCCOLI… I am half Thai and have spent a good portion of my life so far in Thailand. I had heard about Nong's Khao Man Gai and several other "Thai" eateries (e.g. Pok Pok, Run Chicken Run), so I was curious yet reluctant to try them upon my most recent return from Bangkok.

I tried her khao mun gai, not just to test its authenticity but also because it is one of my favorites dishes, if prepared correctly. I looked forward to speaking with Nong, but was disappointed to find out that she no longer works in her food locations anymore because according to her cashier "she has too much money now" or as Thais would say "hi-so."

Nong leaving her food locations to her staff automatically made me think that the quality of food would slip. No surprise there, after trying Nong's Khao Man Gai, I am quite disappointed to see that she has followed in the footsteps of her peers/competitors.

Her food is: -Grossly Overpriced -Overrated -Too Americanized The service is: Lacking Thai Manners Totally Overstaffed

Considering 3 parts of this dish are super simple..l mean literally boiling chicken, cooking the rice in the chicken stock you got from boiling chicken, adding herbs to aforementioned chicken stock and serving it as soup, there is hardly any room for error.

Now, the MOST important determinant of khao mun gai is the sauce and it was way TOO watery and lacking flavor. Thais would be disappointed by the misrepresentation yet would applaud the initiative of making so much #$$ off of foreigners.

Also, you can’t have vegetarian Khao Mun Gai because chicken needs to be used to make the rice so a vegetarian version of this is just plain rice with tofu and steamed vegetables; another trick by Nong’s to get more $$$ out of foreigners 👏🏼.

Also, no legit Thai place in Thailand or in the world has a dish that’s a chicken peanut sauce rice dish; this dish is only for Americans, it doesn’t exist in any legit Thai establishment.

In the end, what it boils down to (pun intended) is this Americanized Thai staple is not worth $14+ especially since the portions are smaller than small sizes in Thailand (a small in the US is a large in Thailand) and it isn’t authentic. People would be better off making this at home from online recipes.

Thai people would admire Nong not for her food, but because she’s able to trick farang (foreigners/white people) into giving up their money for...

Nong’s Khao Man Gai in Portland, Oregon, is a culinary gem that has mastered the art of simplicity and authenticity. Specializing in a single dish, the traditional Thai chicken and rice known as Khao Man Gai, this eatery offers an experience that is both unpretentious and deeply satisfying.

The star of the menu is, of course, the Khao Man Gai. The dish is deceptively simple, consisting of tender, poached chicken served atop fragrant jasmine rice, with a side of rich, flavorful chicken broth. However, what truly sets it apart is the sauce. Nong’s signature sauce is a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy, crafted from fermented soybeans, ginger, garlic, Thai chilies, vinegar, and a touch of sugar. It elevates the dish to a new level, adding depth and complexity to every bite.

The rice is cooked to perfection, infused with the essence of chicken fat and aromatics, making it both flavorful and comforting. The chicken is always tender and juicy, demonstrating the care and precision that goes into its preparation. The accompanying broth is light yet flavorful, providing a perfect contrast to the richness of the rice and chicken.

The atmosphere at Nong’s is casual and welcoming. The focus is clearly on the food, and the minimalist decor allows the quality of the dish to shine through. The staff are friendly and efficient, adding to the overall positive dining experience.

Nong’s Khao Man Gai stands out in Portland’s diverse culinary scene for its dedication to perfecting a single dish. It is a testament to the power of doing one thing exceptionally well. For anyone seeking an authentic taste of Thai street food, Nong’s Khao Man Gai is an absolute must-visit. The simplicity of the menu might surprise you, but one taste of their Khao Man Gai will leave you understanding why this humble dish has garnered such a...

Used to be a go-to. Not so much now. Ordered online, party of 5, Got there, did not have our order ready. Showed mgr the Square email with a CONFIRMED order status. He shrugged "we did not get it." Some lame excuse about 'it's not our web site..' Would not fulfil our order, excuse was the charge was 'pending.' Well, charges are ALWAYS pending at first, they take 3 days to clear. Could not cancel online order, either. Mgr said they could take our order but I had to pay again (and wait, of course). Said if I got charged bring the receipt back for a refund.' OK so I am supposed to wait 3 days for my charge to clear, then drive across town, across the river, to argue with some guy that he charged me a few days ago? Unreal. I had 5 waiting for dinner so we paid again and waited. IN the end, disappointing. For fifteen bucks, the KMG chicken was dry, soup not nearly as big as it used to be, vibe from staff diffident at best. There are better places to go. ** Following response below: Thanks but you are still putting your problem on the customer to fix. If you charge someone for which you do not deliver product, just reverse the charge, and tell the client you have done so. (I was able to look up on gosq.com to see the confirmed order and the charge...why can't you??) Do not ask the client to come back with proof. Why would anyone order online if they risk...