Ep 2. Portland, Oregon

In Street Food: USA season 1 episode 2, viewers are taken on a culinary journey through Portland, Oregon, where food trucks and carts are a staple of the city's dining scene. Hosted by renowned food writer and chef, Roy Choi, the episode explores the diverse and innovative street food scene in Portland, which ranges from classic American fare to fusion cuisine inspired by the city's multicultural communities.

The episode kicks off with a visit to The Dump Truck, one of Portland's most popular food carts, specializing in dumplings and other Asian-inspired dishes. The owner and chef, Alex, shares his passion for dumplings and how he infuses his Chinese and American culinary heritage into his menu. Viewers get an inside look at how Alex prepares his handcrafted dumplings from scratch, using locally sourced ingredients, and watch as customers line up to savor his mouth-watering creations.

Next stop is Nong's Khao Man Gai, a food cart that has gained national acclaim for its signature dish: Thai-style chicken and rice. Nong, the owner and chef, shares her inspiring story of immigrating to the U.S. from Thailand and starting her business with just $600. She takes viewers through her process of preparing the iconic dish, using a secret family recipe and the freshest ingredients. We also meet some of Nong's loyal customers, who rave about her food and the welcoming atmosphere of her cart.

From there, the episode moves on to Los Alambres, a Mexican food truck that serves up traditional grilled meats and tacos. The owner, Hildago, shares his extensive knowledge of Mexican cuisine and the art of grilling, as he cooks up mouth-watering beef, chicken, and pork dishes. Viewers get a glimpse of the vibrant colors and flavors of Hildago's food, and learn about the unique seasonings and techniques he uses to infuse his menu with authentic Mexican flavors.

The episode also features a visit to The Fried Onion, a food truck that specializes in classic American comfort food, with a twist. Chef and owner, Mark, shares his creative approach to dishes like burgers, fries, and grilled cheese sandwiches, using unexpected ingredients and bold flavors. He also talks about the challenges of running a food truck and keeping up with the ever-changing tastes of customers.

Finally, the episode wraps up with a visit to The Sugar Shop, a mobile dessert truck that offers an array of sweet treats, from ice cream sandwiches to cupcakes to gourmet popcorn. The owner, Kir, shares her passion for baking and creating unique flavors, as she whips up some of her most popular items. Viewers get a sense of the fun and whimsical vibe of Kir's truck, which is decorated with bright colors and candy-inspired décor.

Overall, Street Food: USA season 1 episode 2 provides a fascinating look at the diverse and thriving street food scene in Portland, Oregon, and the passionate and talented chefs who make it all happen. From classic American comfort food to Thai-style chicken and rice to Mexican grilled meats, there is something for every palate on the streets of Portland.