Food a la carts

Dreaming of traveling the globe on a student’s budget? Well, you can’t. But for $5 and change you can get a glimpse of far-off locales by sampling one of Portland’s 450 unique food carts. From the Far East to Southwest Portland, the world comes to you. Here are some tasty places to enjoy escapism in a bowl.

Nong’s Khao Man Gai
Southwest 10th Avenue and Alder Street
Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Two words: uncomplicated and elegant. They could describe the owner or her carefully crafted, authentic Thai chicken and rice. “Khao” means rice in Thai and “gai” means chicken. Nong’s cart specializes in a single dish like traditional Thai vendors, but makes up for a lack of dining options with a variety of flavors coming together in her deceptively simple dish. Chicken and sticky rice cooked in chicken broth mixed with soybean sauce, garlic, ginger and chilies and Chinese winter squash soup on the side. Perfection.
Expect to spend: $6

Spella Caffe
Southwest Ninth Avenue and Alder Street
Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admittedly, I’m not really an espresso connoisseur. Before Spella, I thought coffee culture included buying $2 donuts from Starbucks and rocking out to their muzak. Andrea Spella changed all of that with his deep, chocolaty espresso and perfectly foamed cappuccino. If you close your eyes as you sit in one of his faux wrought iron chairs and absorb the aroma from your cup and saucer, you’re instantly transported to a small cafe in Torino. Promise.
Expect to spend: $2 to $3

Ninja Plate Lunch
Southwest Third Avenue and Ash Street
Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 p.m. to 3 a.m.
What do ninjas and Hawaiian food have to do with each other? I don’t care. After years of failed attempts at making my home state’s traditional cuisine, I concede victory to Ninja Plate Lunch. Juicy, smoked Kahlua Pig with two scoops of rice and macaroni salad for $5 is a deal in any state. In fact, the entire menu is only $5, allowing expats—such as myself—and Portlanders alike the opportunity to buy a second plate to eat at home.
Expect to spend: $5
 
Asaase Ital Palace
Southwest Fifth Avenue and College Street
Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. 6 p.m.; Saturday 1 p.m. 6 p.m.
OK, I’ll admit that $9 is a bit steep for red beans and coconut rice. But the uplifting feeling you get after eating at this vegan African/Caribbean cart can only be understood once the name is translated. According to the vivacious owners of the red, gold and green cart, “asaase” means land and “ital” is a portmanteau of vital and “I” meaning essential for your body. The owners are quick to answer questions about their food and philosophy, even offering samples of everything from smoothies to fried plantains. If vegan “chicken” isn’t your thing, go for the Jollof rice special: a soupy mixture of red rice, black-eyed peas, cabbage and onion topped with cucumbers.
Expect to spend: $6 to $9

Savor Soup House
Southwest 10th Avenue and Alder Street
Monday through Friday, hours vary from lunch to mid-afternoon
Move over, Soup Nazi. There’s a new therapist in town, serving comfort with a spoon. The owners of Savor pair their rich, creamy soups with the most deluxe grilled cheese sandwich you will ever eat. Make your own for $4 by choosing grilled Tillamook cheddar or Gruyère cheese and toppings like apple butter and caramelized onions. Sit outside and melt off your cold Portland day. Just don’t forget to call your mom and tell her you love her.
Expect to spend: $8 to $10