Even though high-end restaurants are starting to re-enter the fray this year, I feel nourished and comforted by meals at my favorite restaurants on a regular rotation. For $30, you can fill your stomach with sushi and a Korean home-cooking destination worth the drive to Hillsborough. There’s a food cart to make sure your fridge is always stocked with leftovers, a Northeast taqueria and a Beaverton Indian restaurant guaranteed to make you work up a sweat. I bet they will be part of your favorites list too.
Taqueria La Mestiza
south madison
In Portland’s rich Yucatan vibe, this restaurant is known for its ultra-delicate panuchos (handcrafted quesadillas stuffed with black beans) and comfort dishes, from banana leaf tamales to jet-black rai Leno Negro with tender turkey. Northeast 8525
Fremont Street
Uma
hillsborough
Umma means mom, and this restaurant offers everything you’d expect from a Korean mom: homemade banchan, crispy seafood pancakes, bubbling stews and a warm welcome. Excellent yukgaejang features a spicy, rich broth, vermicelli, fluffy eggs and tender brisket. 2020 NE Cornell Rd, Hillsboro, 503-746-6163
Kee’s Loaded Kitchen
king
netflix american street food Owner Kiauna Nelson serves up plentiful portions of fried catfish, chicken wings, ribs and brisket from a small cart. Portland has been kept under wraps for years. Kee’s loyalists line up before the store opens. Plates are filled with sides like macaroni cheese, greens and potato salad, along with homemade cake and lemonade like passion fruit or strawberries. 5020 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
Apna Chat Bhavan
beaverton
The counter-service restaurant-cum-grocer’s large curry crepes are crispy and rich, with a generous filling of potato curry and coconut chutney. Other highlights include fiery chilli chicken and the Friday-Sunday goat biryani that’s spicy enough to make you reach for the yogurt sauce. 1815 NW 169th Pl, Ste 6020, Beaverton
Bluefin Tuna Sushi
Irvington
Going out for sushi often involves heartbreaking decisions. Do I want quality fish or do I want to protect my wallet? Thankfully, all the boxes here are ticked — $26 gets you lovely round nigiri, a simple roll, poke salad, tempura, and miso soup. 1337 Northeast Broadway
