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What We’re Craving: Spicy Foods

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May 12, 2010 by Tina | Comments (1)



When it comes to food, are you more attracted to more subtle flavors or do you enjoy a more adventurous palate of spices? Either way, spices can take your palate on a journey of spicy dimensions ranging from mild heat to “it hurts so good!” hot. Spices have been known to clear sinuses as well as release endorphins in your body to put you in a good mood. If you’re new to trying spicy flavors, begin with the lowest level of spice and work your way to higher levels. Get your beer ready or glass of milk in hand, we’re going to highlight spicy dishes available here in Portland to add a little kick to your usual routine.

Sushi Mazi’s Fire Cracker Roll
Sushi Mazi is a fantastic sushi restaurant located by Ladd’s Edition and Clinton Street neighborhood in Southeast Portland. Chef Marc Suwansathien opened Sushi Mazi last year here in Portland after living in New York for the past fifteen years. The warm, inviting atmosphere creates the perfect environment in attempting adventurous dishes, such as the deliciously spicy Fire Cracker roll. The Fire Cracker roll is filled with crab, jalapeno wrapped with nori and tempura top with hot sauce and caviar. Chef Marc’s delectable Fire Cracker roll will liven up the flavors for any sushi experience.

Sushi Mazi
2126 Southeast Division Street
Portland, OR 97202-1243
(503) 432-8651

Baan-Thai’s Medium Pad Thai
Baan-Thai is a Thai restaurant located on the Portland State University campus. This restaurant is a local favorite for PSU students, and is known for their delicious Thai dishes full of aromatic flavors. However, be aware of Baan-Thai’s spice levels, especially if you’re just beginning to try spicy flavors. Their level of mild spice is more like an average medium spice for most restaurants, while their medium level is hot hot hot! Try the Medium Pad Thai with chicken, beef, tofu or seafood!

Baan-Thai
1924 Southwest Broadway
Portland, OR 97201-3262
(503) 224-8424

Pok Pok’s Spicy Fish Sauce Chicken Wings
Pok Pok is a fun, energetic indoor/outdoor restaurant located in southeast Portland that specializes in foods mostly from North and Northeast Thailand. Their chicken wings are a customer favorite at Pok Pok. These are a good place to start for those who aren’t quite spice-aficionados just yet. The Spicy Fish Sauce Wings have a milder heat without compromising sticky addictive taste. Their Spicy Vietnamese Chicken Wings provide the perfect meal for a night out with friends and family looking for delicious finger foods to fawn over. They’re so good, even famous culinary professionals like Bon Appetite magazine have nationally recognized these wings.

Pok Pok
3226 Southeast Division Street
Portland, OR 97202
(503) 232-1387

Secret Aardvark’s Hot Sauce
Locally developed here in Portland, this operation began in 2004 as the founders of Secret Aardvark would pedal their sauces to farmer’s markets around town. Their hottest sauce, Secret Aardvark Habanero Hot Sauce can be found at many restaurants all over Portland. This tangy sauce laced with lots of heat can be found swirled into a bloody mary to diminish your hangover at Jam on Hawthorne, on top of your favorite farm plate special at New Seasons, or pizza slices at your favorite pizza joint. Made from white wine vinegar, roasted tomatoes, and habanero peppers, Secret Aardvark Habenero would be the perfect spicy addition to any dish, whether it’s made in your kitchen or at one of Portland’s fabulous restaurants!

Montage’s Spold Macaroni and Cheese
Located under the east side of the Morrison Bridge, Montage is well-known for their wide range of interesting selections. Their menu includes frog legs, crocodile bites, and Spold, a combination of the Old Mac and Spicy Mac. The Old Mac has a more traditional flavor, whereas the Spicy Mac adds a bit of a kick to the traditional Mac and Cheese. The Spold combination is the perfect fusion of spicy and old to create a mouth-watering (and possibly sweaty) experience. This dish consists of garlic, parmesan, Cajun gravy, jalapenos, and tomatoes that will liven up your perspective on the classic favorite.

Le Montage Bistro
301 Southeast Morrison Street
Portland, OR 97214
(503) 234-1324

Also check out: Ping Pdx, My Brother’s Crawfish, and Salvador Molley’s for more spicy food specialties!

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