As I was reviewing my 2025 end of year “Best of” post I looked back through all of the restaurants that I had written about, and I discovered something that genuinely surprised me. I had never penned an article about one of my favorite lunch stops, Eem Thai BBQ & Cocktails. That omission felt strange, especially considering how often I find myself there.
I usually make it over every other month, and late last week I had the chance to revisit Eem for lunch and reconnect with some familiar favorites. They open right at 11, and I timed it perfectly, arriving just early enough to be first in line. While I have never personally had to wait long, a sign near the entrance makes it clear that things can back up quickly, especially once the lunch or dinner crowds roll in.
Once inside, the room felt open, informal, energetic, and relaxed all at once. The staff was welcoming and efficient, and within moments I was settled and ready to order.
I did not need much time with the menu. I already knew what I wanted.
I started with the Hot Fried Cauliflower with chili jam and fish sauce peanuts. The cauliflower is beautifully crisp on the outside while staying tender inside. The chili jam brings heat and sweetness, and the fish sauce peanuts add both crunch and a deep umami note that ties everything together. It is an ideal way to start a meal here.
As much as this dish could stand in for wings, and does so convincingly, I was very much in the mood for meat as well. Next up was the Smoked Pork Krapao. The plate arrives with eight to ten pork belly burnt ends, rich and smoky, tossed with Thai chilies and sautéed Thai basil. A punchy nam prik plaa adds sharpness, a fried egg unlike any I have encountered elsewhere adds richness, and crisp fresh cucumber slices keep the whole thing from tipping too far into indulgence..
I knew going in that I would not finish everything in one sitting. As much as I love Eem’s White Curry with Brisket Burnt Ends, I had a plan. Half of each appetizer would become dinner later that evening, along with 1/2 of my main course.
That main course was the Chopped BBQ Fried Rice, and it remains probably one of the top three versions of fried rice I have had anywhere. Eem’s partnership with Matt’s BBQ shines here. Smoked brisket from one of Portland’s most respected pitmasters is folded into the rice alongside shishito peppers, chili jam, and fried shallots. The result is smoky, spicy, rich, and deeply satisfying without ever feeling heavy.
Even eating only half and saving the rest for dinner, the portion size felt generous for the price. At $17.50 for a regular portion, it is an outstanding value. The fact that an XL version exists for $34, and could probably feed a small army, only adds to the appeal.
It was raining steadily that day, and I got soaked walking to and from the car. It did not matter. Some meals are worth the inconvenience, and Eem remains one of those places I return to with complete confidence.
If you find yourself east of the Mississippi District in Northeast Portland, show up right when they open, grab a seat, and settle in. Eem is not just a great lunch spot. It is the kind of place that quietly earns its way into your regular rotation and stays there.