Food Carts may be the best way to grab a bite on the go, killing time between classes or just enjoying a moment outside. Luckily, PSU has some great spots to grab a plate from a local vendor around campus. Bon Appétit.
Basha’s Mediterranean Cuisine
Basha’s has been standing strong for 12 years, offering vegan and vegetarian options as well as authentic halal meat. They have a wide selection to choose from. Pocket sandwiches such as gyros and falafels with warm pita are in the price range of $3 to 5. You can also get excellent plates of Mediterranean faves like baba ganouj and hummus platters. Basha’s also has a great baklava. The cart can be found between Smith Memorial Student Union and Neuberger Hall.
Healthy Asian Grill
Healthy Asian Grill serves up wok-fired meals at decent prices and offers vegan and vegetarian options, with most menu items going for $5 or less. Everything you’d expect, from noodle bowls to fried rice, can be found here at good prices and great tastes. Located between Smith Memorial Student Union and Neuberger Hall.
Fuego
Fuego bumps out the tunes as they hand out their filling burritos. Their basic veggie burrito will cost $4 or $4.50 for a small or large respectively, and is made with black beans, rice, salsa and sour cream or non-fat yogurt. Add chicken to that for $0.75 extra. Want more stuff on your burrito? Add extra chicken, cheese or guacamole, or grab a $1 drink.
Food For Thought Café
On the occasional not-rainy day, this student-run, local and organic café expands from their subterranean home in the basement of the Smith Memorial Student Union and runs a little satellite operation outside, serving Stumptown coffee, bagels and other grab-and-go foods.
New Taste of India
The best Indian food close to campus. Situated on Southwest Fourth Avenue and Harrison Street, this is the place to go for a quick taste of a different world. Their curries are the best around.
Saigon Kitchen
Mmmm, Thai food. Wonderful curries and orders can be made vegetarian or vegan. Saigon is one of the more affordable carts near PSU. Make sure to head here early; some of the dishes sell out quickly. Find this cart at Southwest Fourth Avenue and Hall Street.
Boonrad Thai
For what they lack in variety, they make up for in quality and quantity. Boonrad only has a few different kinds of curries and only one or two really good noodle dishes. All meals are $5, however, and definitely give you a bang for your buck. Your best bet is the Pad Thai. It’s like most traditional Pad Thai, but they’ll make it more or less spicy depending on your taste. On Southwest Hall Street, between Fourth and Fifth avenues.
India Chaat House
This cart serves up excellent vegetarian Indian food, mango lassi and all for a great price. You can get plates of five items for five bucks seven days a week. 804 S.W. 12th St., just off Yamhill Street.
D & N Thai
The best Thai cart near Portland State. Noodles are the specialty here. Affordable, with plenty of food, each dish costs $5 and a bottle of water is included. On Southwest Fifth Avenue between Market and Mill streets.
Taqueria Villenueva
Tasty, traditional Mexican food, but a little on the spendy side. Tacos, always under $2, are the best deal. On the corner of Southwest Hall Street and Fourth Avenue.
Taqueria Nortena
Standard Mexican food, with lots of beans. Although Villenueva has better quality of food, Nortena is cheaper, with a $3 burrito special. On the corner of Southwest Hall Street and Fourth Avenue.