Pok Pok, Portland

Andy Ricker is chef/owner of several Pok Pok restaurants, but I decided that my first taste of his cooking should be at the original location on Southeast Division Street in Portland.

He is the winner of two James Beard awards including 2011 Best Chef Northwest...bam! Pok Pok is on every list of must-try restaurants that have been recommended for me to sample.

Chef Ricker traveled extensively throughout Thailand and countries adjacent, studying the foods of the different regions. Some dishes on the menu are based on home cooks' recipes, some are restaurant-based, and there's a bit of street food represented as well. I was advised to eat with my fingers, and therefore did, despite the fact that I chose the most messy, most gooey dish on the menu. 

I'm a big fan of barbecue and here in the United States, chefs from Vermont to Texas, all lay claim to the best recipes and techniques. I've sampled lots and my favorite all time baby back ribs dinner is in Kansas City, Missouri, at Jack Stack Barbecue. I don't have a favorite Asian rib joint in Portland yet, or at least I didn't until today. Sii Khrong Muu Yaang is what I ordered.

Start with Carlton Farms baby back ribs marinated in lao jiin, soy, honey, ginger and Thai spices. Slow roast and serve with two dipping sauces. Consume along with an order of sticky rice.

Yes my fingers got sticky too and sauce felt like it was dribbling down my chin, but this dish could become my new go-to comfort food. It's that good.

Oh, and while I was working on the ribs, a dish went by that I must try next time. It was a noodle curry...aromatic and colorful. 

Sii Khrong Muu Yaang

Pok Pok Portland - 3226 SE Division St. Portland, OR 97202