Siam Umami — Restaurant in Portland

My family and I loved our experience at Siam Umami for a few reasons:

Making an online reservation via the restaurant's website was simple. We reserved a spot just a few hours before we wanted to eat.

Service was wonderful. We went at opening on a weekday, and there was only one other party there. We were given the option to sit indoors or outdoors. We chose indoors, were promptly seated and, since it was our first time there, introduced by our friendly waiter to the menu and its seasonal items.

Ambiance was inviting for a dinner date: somewhat plain walls, mildly dim lights, and background jazz music that altogether seem to direct attention to conversation around the dining table.

The food was, by far, the best part. Each dish seemed to have a variety of flavors and consistencies that made each item delightfully unique. We ordered the La Tiang and Chor Chaba appetizers. The La Tiang was surprisingly rich with flavor and taste, balanced by the light and fluffy omelette base. The Chor Chaba similarly had a rich interior but with more peanut flavor and a crunchy outer lettuce wrap. Our main entrees were the coconut water braised pork belly and spicy tamarind salmon. The pork belly was tender and juicy. The broth had a light and refreshing nature that reminded me of a soup my grandmother used to make. The salmon was a fun dish with a conglomerate of tastes including sweet and sour (from the sauce), herby, and spicy. The salmon was tender throughout and crispy on the edges, adding a nice crunch to each bite. Lastly, we ordered the taro crème brûlée for dessert. The caramelized and hardened top contrasted well with the soft and sticky consistency below. The taste was more reminiscent of butter mochi rather than taro, but sweet and delicious nonetheless.

Overall, I highly recommend Siam Umami and will be back to try some of their...

Certainly! Here’s a glowing review for your experience at the Thai restaurant:

From the moment I stepped into this hidden gem of a Thai restaurant, I knew I was in for something special. The warm, inviting atmosphere immediately set the tone—soft lighting, tasteful décor that balanced elegance with authenticity, and a subtle hum of conversation that never felt overwhelming. It was the perfect setting for an unforgettable meal.

And then came the food. Simply put, I was blown away. Every dish was a masterpiece, bursting with perfectly balanced layers of flavor flavors. The Spicy Red Wine Duck had a mouthwatering char on the grilled duck perfectly paired with a sweet yet earthy spicy sauce, topped with a fresh fruit & herbs, it was clear that every ingredient had been chosen with care and every recipe executed with precision.

Their cocktail take on Thai ice tea “after dark” left a flawless, velvety finish to the meal as we sipped and chatted.

Adding to the experience was the staff—quiet, unobtrusive, yet always present when you needed them. There was no hovering, no interruptions at the wrong moment, just a graceful attentiveness that made me feel completely taken care of. It’s a rare thing to find service that feels this natural, and it only elevated an already exceptional evening.

This isn’t just a place to eat; it’s a place to savor, to linger, to appreciate food as an art form. If you’re looking for an extraordinary Thai dining experience, this restaurant delivers in every possible way. I can’t...

In the sea of Thai options around Portland, Siam Umami stands out. The food at Siam Umami is simply amazing and unique compared to any Thai restaurant I have experienced. Each dish is carefully made with fresh ingredients and a perfect balance of flavors.

The "Royal" appetizer Chor Muang is a delightful take on a traditional pork dumpling, with a bright purple-blue color. The flavor contrasts fresh pork with salty chopped peanuts, providing a satisfying crunch against the tender ground pork.

The green curry Chicken Roulade was brightly flavored and fresh, while the Cod in the Orchard featured a perfectly cooked filet with a light, summery sauce. The Thai teas were all fresh and not overly sweet, with the Thai tea with lime becoming a new favorite.

The staff here are fantastic – they greet you with a smile and are always ready to help, ensuring you have a great dining experience. Chef Tong was lovely to chat with, clearly passionate about serving quality food that highlights Thai cuisine. He has dreams of introducing fusion dishes, blending his heritage with his professional experience in French cuisine.

Note that the menu is restricted, so don't come expecting all the usual Thai standbys. With a small kitchen, they focus on a limited menu of six entrees, prioritizing quality over quantity.

Siam Umami may be a bit on the pricier side, but the quality of the food and the excellent service make it worth every penny. Each visit feels like a special occasion, and you’ll find yourself looking forward to...