Portland is renowned across the United States for its vibrant Indian cuisine scene. Home to an active Indian community, Portland is brimming with restaurants, food trucks, and other eateries offering unique flavours from the diverse regions of India. From classic Punjabi and Bengali dishes to modern fusion dishes, there is no shortage of exciting flavours and ingredients to explore.
But navigating the huge variety of restaurants and flavours can be challenging. To help make your next dining experience in Portland more enjoyable, we’ve put together a list of the top 10 things to consider when exploring flavours of India Portland.
1. Consider the Regional Cuisine
The different regions of India offer a range of unique flavours and ingredients. From North Indian delicacies such as butter chicken and chapati to the spicier offerings of South India, the variety of Indian cuisine is vast. When dining in Portland, consider the regional cuisine that best suits your taste buds.
2. Sample the Street Food
Portland’s street food scene isn’t just unique; it’s also delicious. Sample popular traditional street food dishes such as samosas, chaat, and gol gappas. Not only are these great starter dishes, but they also capture the spirit of India’s street food scene.
3. Try Speciality Vegetarian Dishes
India is perhaps best known for its vegetarian cuisine. Sample some of the more specialised dishes such as Baingan Bhartha, Paneer Tikka Masala, and other dishes featuring the likes of legumes, eggplant, and squash. Portland has a range of vegetarian restaurants offering dishes suited to even the pickiest of eaters.
4. Savour Unique Regional Recent Dishes
Portland is fortunate to have a vibrant Indian food scene that cuts across regional boundaries. Sample dishes from far and wide, including the likes of Dosa and Uttapam from the Southern regions of India, Momos from the North East, and dum biryani from Hyderabad.
5. Appreciate Indian Spice Mixes
Indian spices are a big part of what makes Indian cuisine so unique and flavoursome. Sample the likes of Garam Masala and Tikka Masala, which are essential to the dishes. Mexican, North African, and African-influenced spices are also used extensively in Indian cooking.
6. Experiment with Fusion Dishes
Indian restaurants in Portland often experiment with fusion dishes, marrying traditional Indian ingredients and techniques with the local flavours of the region. Sample some of the more interesting offerings made by chefs from around the city.
7. Try a Mughlai Grill
Go beyond the North Indian flavours and sample the more complex and rich dishes of the Mughal Empire. Sample a wide range of grilled meats, vegetables, and spices. Try dishes like chicken kebabs and tikka on skewers for an authentic Mughal experience.
8. Sample Indian Drinks
Indian drinks are as flavourful and varied as the food. Cosmopolitan cities like Portland offer drinks from every corner of the country. Sample beverages such as Mango Lassi, the classic Chai, and Masala Tea. Enjoy interesting cocktails blended using traditional Indian spices such as cardamom and ginger.
9. Look out for Special Occasional Dishes
Indian festivities call for the preparation of special festive dishes, many of which are unique and innovative. Look out for these special dishes prepared by chefs from around the country in Portland’s Indian restaurants.
10. Try Indian Desserts
Indian desserts are perhaps some of the most delightful creations from the subcontinent. Sample dishes such as Gulab Jamun, Kheer, Gulab Jamun, Halwas, and other confectioneries. Enjoy some of the unique twists created by chefs in Portland.
These are the top 10 things to consider when exploring flavours of India Portland. The exploration of India’s flavours and food culture is an exciting endeavour. Enjoy the freshest ingredients, exciting flavours, and unique techniques employed by Portland’s Indian restaurants. Bon appetite!
