Introduction: The Power of Perfecting One Thing
In a city celebrated for its culinary complexity and boundary-pushing menus, one of downtown Portland's most revered establishments thrives on a radical idea: perfecting simplicity. Nong’s Khao Man Gai, the cozy, ~25-seat restaurant from Bangkok native Nong Poonsukwattana, is a testament to this philosophy.
Since 2009, Nong's has been a cornerstone of the Portland food scene, serving clean, fresh, and profoundly flavorful chicken and rice. Her mastery hasn't gone unnoticed; in 2016, Condé Nast Traveller named Nong's one of the essential restaurants to try in the entire United States—the only one selected from Oregon.
The Menu: Deceptively Simple, Deeply Flavorful
The menu at Nong’s is straightforward and centered on its namesake: chicken and rice (Khao Man Gai). True to its Portland roots, vegetarian options are also thoughtfully included.
A serving arrives as a beautiful mound of fragrant steamed rice topped with a layer of immaculately poached chicken. On its own, it’s a foundation of pure, clean flavor. But the true magic is unleashed with the sauce. This iconic concoction—a perfectly balanced mix of fermented soybeans, soy sauce, fresh ginger, garlic, and chili—is the heartbeat of the dish. It transforms each bite from simple to sublime. The sauce is so beloved that it’s sold in grocery stores nationwide and on their website; it’s a pantry staple every household should have.
Embodying a brilliant, no-waste philosophy, the chicken skin that is removed during preparation is fried into chicken chicharrónes. Served with a creamy, house-made peanut sauce, they are a fantastic indulgence. While flavorful, I found my batch a bit thick, preventing them from achieving that perfect, shatter-in-your-mouth crispness. As they are made fresh, next time I'll request they be fried a little longer to see if that makes the difference.
A more recent addition, taped to the menu board, is a Pork and Rice dish (Khao Kha Muu), served with seasoned steamed vegetables. The pork itself was even more tender and savory than the chicken. However, for me, the meal is defined by its signature sauce, which I find achieves its most perfect partner in the classic chicken.
Final Thoughts
For anyone in Portland seeking a meal that is simple, incredibly satisfying, and refreshingly healthy, Nong's is not just a recommendation; it's a necessity. Run, don't walk, to 417 SW 13th Ave, Portland, OR 97205 or order online from your favorite delivery service.
Pro-tip for locals: the adjacent parking lot is a downtown rarity, usually offering ample space, which as any Portlander knows, is a gift in itself.
If you're not in Portland, do yourself a favor: find a bottle of Nong's sauce online or at your local market and create your own Khao Man Gai at home. You will not be disappointed.