Koi in Portland

Koi Fusion sounded to me like another cliché Chinese restaurant. You know, the kind that isn’t cheap enough for regular grubbing, isn’t open late enough for a post-show supper, and tries too hard to please people who aren’t well versed in Chinese cuisine. When I was excitedly told that the Koi truck was right around the corner and that I couldn’t miss their Korean tacos, I have to admit, I was even more confused. On this one, clearly the name wasn’t going to tell me a thing!

Skipping the brew-ha-ha about fusion cuisine, and its successes and failings, I am happy to say this place was one book not to judge by the cover. Their warm tacos, filled with Korean marinated meats and fresh slaw, plus house-made (truck-made, rather) kimchee for those who ask nicely, make a joyful bite out of two very different culinary concepts. The pork was especially good, but the glazed shortrib taco was also a stand out.

Good Idea

Convenience. Small carbon footprint. Cheap eats. Need more reasons to experiment with street food? Portland has the most prolific and interesting street food scene in the US. It’s authentic to its name, and isn’t shrouded in mystery like the carts of some more southern West Coast cities. You’ll get to sample more kinds of food for less moolah, and all of the carts are locally owned, so you’re putting money right back into the community.

Deets

Find this truck via their twitter feed