SUN RICE | BRUNCH • DINNER • COCKTAILS — Restaurant in Portland

Experience/Environment: Only dropping one star for negativity from one person, but other than that, this was great (read Service section). When you first walk in, it’s super cute. To the right, there are old family photos, which brings a certain piece of nostalgia to the restaurant. The counter is right in the front and you can just order at the counter. There were signs showing the daily specials and display of the desserts. There was also a wall with Polaroid on it, but I didn’t check it out to see what it was. Open kitchen and bar on the right seating on the left. Dim lit lighting, overall the vibe was cool.

Price: the bill for the three of us was around $100. There was already a 20% service charge tacked onto every single bill, no matter the size of the party.

Food: Awesome. I’ve never had a Filipino cuisine before, but it definitely did not disappoint. We had three main dishes because one other item that we wanted was sold out. But everything was SUPER flavorful. Chef kiss, props to the chefs.

Adobe Soft Shell Crab (Special): The sauce was black so that already is pretty unique if you ask me. It was one softshell crab with a sea of cuttlefish. If you never had cuttlefish, it’s similar to octopus/squid. They prepared this perfectly not too chewy. Cooking this incorrectly could make it taste super rubbery, this was not. Soft shell crab was good too, just not enough lol.

Laing: Charred cabbage in a taro leaf/curry/lemongrass/shrimp paste. Delish. Cabbage is such an underutilized and underrated vegetable. The charred cabbage was still crunchy and fully cooked. The paste was strongly flavored but not in a negative sense, it was a nice balance to the cabbage.

Milkfish: This was so plated so nicely. The fish was full prepared/fried and still warm in temperature — and on top of it were chilled tomato onions, and peppers. Definitely woke up your tastebuds. Everything actually did. Everything we ate was delicious.

Service: When we arrived, it wasn’t busy, so a gentleman helped us get seated and said that someone will come and take our order. When we are ready, two groups walked into the front door, so the only girl that was working and another gentleman was at the counter talking to them. One of the guys went to the girl and asked her to come and take our order.

HERE IS WHERE YOU LOST A STAR: She came over with a huge attitude. But hey, does it matter to her how she treats you if she’s already getting your 20%? It should. Here’s how it went: we would tell her one of the dishes that we wanted, she would say I don’t know if we have any left, turn around took a few steps toward the kitchen, ask and came back. Her response would be “ok —dish name—“ or “no, we don’t have anymore of that” Repeat that 4 times. The last dish we ordered was sold out and by then, we were just exhausted by her “I’m too good/too busy/have better things to do” attitude. And just said ok, we’ll just take 3 things and some rice. It was hands down the downlight of the night. PRO TIP: Come over already knowing what’s sold out or hey, if you’re having a bad night, have someone else come take the order. It’s been nasty weather so not many people was out and about, and also, the restaurant was open for another two more hours — you’re just assuming everything is sold out? You being unpleasant does no good for anyone. This was the only time we interacted with her other than when we walked in and she greeted us. Shortly after, we saw her grab her things and leave.

OTHER THAN HER, EVERYONEEE else was a dude and they were all nice. Came by, checked on us, made jokes, asked if we needed anything else, everything was cool. Everyone wants him to be having an awesome time, I could see the Chef’s putting together our dishes and it was like art.

NTT [[Next Time Try]]: I’ll hold on a next time. Gotta recover from this experience before I go back anywhere.

Thank me later ;) Smile, eat, hydrate. Live honest and don’t settle. Hope to see you...

Nestled in the bustling metropolis of Portland, Oregon, lies a culinary gem that has captured the hearts and taste buds of locals and visitors alike – SunRice Portland. This haven of Filipino cuisine offers an authentic and delectable dining experience, transporting you to the vibrant flavors of the Philippines. Among their culinary treasures, two dishes stand out as shining stars: the branzino silog and the crispy pork belly.

Branzino Silog: A Symphony of Flavors

The branzino silog, a traditional Filipino breakfast dish, is an exquisite testament to SunRice Portland's culinary expertise. The star of this dish is the branzino, a delicate white fish known for its mild flavor and flaky texture. SunRice's chefs expertly cure the branzino in a spiced vinegar, imbuing it with a tantalizing tang that awakens the palate. Once cured, the fish is gently seared on a plancha, resulting in a perfectly cooked, crispy exterior that gives way to succulent, moist flesh.

Complementing the branzino is a generous portion of garlic rice, infused with the aromatic essence of fresh garlic. Each fluffy grain of rice bursts with flavor, perfectly balancing the richness of the fish. A sunny-side-up egg adds a touch of creaminess and richness, while slices of fresh tomato and onion provide a refreshing counterpoint to the savory flavors.

Crispy Pork Belly: An Ode to Pork Perfection

For those seeking an indulgent culinary adventure, the crispy pork belly is an absolute must-try. SunRice Portland's rendition of this beloved dish is a masterpiece of pork perfection. The pork belly, meticulously selected for its marbling and quality, is slowly cooked to a crisp, rendering the fat into a delectable glaze that coats the meat in pure indulgence.

With each bite, you'll encounter a symphony of textures and flavors. The exterior crackles with a delightful crunch, giving way to tender, melt-in-your-mouth meat that's infused with rich porky goodness. The accompanying garlic rice and sunny-side-up egg provide a harmonious balance, while the slices of fresh tomato and onion offer a refreshing tang.

A Culinary Journey to the Philippines

Dining at SunRice Portland is more than just a meal; it's a culinary journey to the heart of the Philippines. The aroma of garlic and sizzling pork belly fills the air, transporting you to bustling street markets and cozy kitchens. The warm hospitality of the staff and the vibrant atmosphere create a welcoming ambiance that makes you feel right at home.

Whether you're a seasoned Filipino food enthusiast or a curious newcomer, SunRice Portland will undoubtedly captivate your senses. With its exquisite dishes, authentic flavors, and warm hospitality, SunRice Portland is a culinary gem that deserves...

I don't go to Portland Oregon that often but I'm glad that I went to SUNRICE Restaurant I got there early and I noticed they already had a large catering order stacked and ready to go. That was a good sign. I met the owner TJ and he gave me some suggestions as what to order. I went back and forth between the fish and chicken. I decided on the chicken a marinade of garlic and orange flavor laying on seasoned rice along with sliced vegetables tomato , cucumber, and pickled white onion delicious this was my breakfast. Glad I went there as this was the best chicken that I have ever tasted! Tender soft and delicious. I'm sure every thing he sells on his menu is all good. I will just have to come back and try them all. Thank you for your delicious food wishing you success & happiness keep up the amazing job....