Portland’s vibrant culinary scene is renowned for its diverse flavors, and Mai Thai Portland stands out as a beacon of authentic Thai cuisine. With a menu that perfectly balances traditional recipes and modern twists, Mai Thai offers an immersive dining experience that captures the essence of Thailand’s rich culinary heritage.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Thai food or a curious newcomer, the Mai Thai Portland menu invites you to explore a symphony of tastes, aromas, and textures meticulously crafted to satisfy every palate.
The menu is thoughtfully designed to cater to a wide range of dietary preferences and spice tolerance levels, ensuring that each dish can be enjoyed comfortably. From aromatic soups and crisp salads to hearty entrees and delicate desserts, Mai Thai Portland delivers a comprehensive selection that highlights fresh ingredients and bold flavors.
The combination of classic dishes like Pad Thai and innovative chef specials makes it a must-visit destination for food lovers seeking an authentic taste of Thailand in the heart of Portland.
Beyond the food itself, Mai Thai Portland’s menu showcases the restaurant’s commitment to quality and culinary excellence, creating an inviting atmosphere that encourages guests to savor every bite. Whether dining solo, with family, or in a larger group, the menu’s variety and depth offer something for everyone.
The journey through Mai Thai’s offerings promises not just a meal, but a memorable cultural experience.
Appetizers and Small Plates
The appetizers at Mai Thai Portland serve as an enticing introduction to the meal, offering bold flavors and fresh ingredients that awaken the senses. These small plates are perfect for sharing or enjoying as a light starter and showcase the restaurant’s dedication to authentic Thai street food favorites.
Options range from crispy spring rolls to flavorful satay skewers, each prepared with a balance of herbs and spices that reflect traditional Thai cooking methods. The appetizers are designed to complement the main dishes, providing a harmonious prelude to the meal ahead.
Many of these dishes incorporate fresh vegetables, peanuts, and aromatic herbs like cilantro and basil, ensuring a vibrant and refreshing start to your dining experience. The variety also caters to different preferences, including vegetarian and gluten-free choices.
Popular Small Plates
- Spring Rolls: Crispy, golden rolls filled with seasoned vegetables served with a tangy dipping sauce.
- Chicken Satay: Grilled marinated chicken skewers accompanied by a rich peanut sauce.
- Fresh Summer Rolls: Rice paper rolls packed with shrimp, herbs, and vermicelli noodles, served with a sweet chili dip.
- Thai Fish Cakes: Savory and slightly spicy, these cakes are made with fresh fish and herbs.
“Our appetizers are crafted to awaken your palate and set the stage for an unforgettable Thai dining experience.” – Mai Thai Portland Chef
Soups and Salads
Soups and salads at Mai Thai Portland offer a refreshing balance of lightness and depth, showcasing the vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients characteristic of Thai cuisine. These dishes are ideal for those seeking something nourishing yet flavorful, perfect for any season.
The soups are aromatic and often feature a blend of herbs, coconut milk, and spices, creating a complex yet comforting profile. Salads, on the other hand, are crisp and tangy, combining fresh vegetables with zesty dressings that awaken the palate.
Many of these dishes incorporate lemongrass, galangal, lime juice, and chili, delivering a unique interplay of sour, spicy, and sweet notes. Both soups and salads are thoughtfully prepared to pair well with the rest of the menu.
Signature Soups
- Tom Yum Soup: A hot and sour soup with shrimp, mushrooms, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves.
- Tom Kha Gai: Creamy coconut soup with chicken, galangal, and fresh herbs.
- Vegetarian Clear Soup: Light broth with tofu, mixed vegetables, and aromatic spices.
Refreshing Salads
- Som Tum (Green Papaya Salad): Shredded green papaya mixed with peanuts, tomatoes, lime, and chili.
- Larb Gai (Spicy Chicken Salad): Minced chicken tossed with mint, lime, and toasted rice powder.
- Yum Woonsen: Glass noodle salad with shrimp, ground pork, and fresh herbs.
| Soup | Flavor Profile | Main Ingredients |
| Tom Yum | Hot, Sour, Spicy | Shrimp, Lemongrass, Lime, Chili |
| Tom Kha Gai | Creamy, Tangy, Mild | Chicken, Coconut Milk, Galangal |
| Vegetarian Clear Soup | Light, Herbal | Tofu, Mixed Vegetables |
Main Courses
The main courses at Mai Thai Portland embody the heart of traditional Thai cooking, offering an array of rich and satisfying dishes. These entrees are crafted to highlight bold spices, fresh herbs, and balanced textures that define the cuisine’s complexity.
From stir-fries and curries to noodle dishes and rice plates, the menu provides both familiar favorites and unique creations. Each dish is prepared with care to maintain authentic flavors while accommodating a variety of spice levels.
The main courses are substantial and can easily serve as the centerpiece of your meal, whether dining solo or sharing among family and friends.
Classic Thai Entrees
- Pad Thai: Stir-fried rice noodles with shrimp or chicken, eggs, peanuts, and bean sprouts.
- Green Curry: Spicy curry with coconut milk, bamboo shoots, eggplant, and your choice of protein.
- Massaman Curry: Mild, rich curry featuring potatoes, peanuts, and tender meat.
- Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao): Wide noodles stir-fried with basil, chili, and vegetables.
For guests seeking vegetarian options, Mai Thai Portland offers tofu-based versions of many main dishes, ensuring everyone can enjoy flavorful meals without compromise. Additionally, gluten-free alternatives are available for those with dietary restrictions.
“Our main courses are designed to transport you straight to the streets of Thailand, where every bite tells a story.” – Mai Thai Portland Culinary Team
Seafood Selections
Seafood plays a prominent role in Thai cuisine, and Mai Thai Portland highlights this with a dedicated section of fresh and expertly prepared dishes. The menu features a variety of fish, shellfish, and other ocean delicacies, skillfully integrated with vibrant Thai flavors.
These dishes often combine the freshness of the seafood with aromatic herbs, spicy sauces, and creamy coconut bases, offering a delicate yet flavorful experience. The seafood options are designed to bring out the natural sweetness and texture of each ingredient.
Whether you prefer grilled, fried, or curried seafood, Mai Thai Portland’s menu caters to all tastes with an emphasis on freshness and authentic seasoning.
Featured Seafood Dishes
- Steamed Fish with Lime and Chili: Whole fish steamed and topped with a zesty lime-chili dressing.
- Spicy Seafood Salad: Mixed seafood tossed with fresh herbs, lime, and chili powder.
- Seafood Pad Kee Mao: Stir-fried noodles with shrimp, squid, and basil.
- Red Curry with Shrimp: Rich coconut curry with plump shrimp and vegetables.
| Dish | Cooking Style | Main Ingredients |
| Steamed Fish with Lime and Chili | Steamed | Whole Fish, Lime, Chili, Garlic |
| Spicy Seafood Salad | Mixed/Cold | Shrimp, Squid, Lime, Chili, Herbs |
| Seafood Pad Kee Mao | Stir-Fried | Shrimp, Squid, Basil, Noodles |
| Red Curry with Shrimp | Curry | Shrimp, Coconut Milk, Red Curry Paste |
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Mai Thai Portland understands the growing demand for vegetarian and vegan choices, and the menu reflects a thoughtful approach to plant-based dining. A variety of dishes are available that omit animal products without sacrificing the bold flavors Thai cuisine is known for.
The vegetarian and vegan selections utilize fresh vegetables, tofu, and creative seasoning to deliver satisfying and wholesome meals. These options are clearly marked on the menu, making it easy for diners to choose based on their preferences.
Whether you’re avoiding meat for health, ethical, or religious reasons, Mai Thai Portland ensures a diverse and flavorful experience through its plant-forward dishes.
Popular Plant-Based Dishes
- Vegan Pad Thai: Classic rice noodles stir-fried with tofu, peanuts, and vegetables.
- Vegetable Green Curry: Coconut milk curry with seasonal veggies and tofu.
- Tofu Satay Skewers: Grilled tofu served with a spicy peanut sauce.
- Mixed Vegetable Stir-Fry: Crisp vegetables sautéed with garlic and Thai spices.
The essence of Thai cuisine lies in its ability to harmonize flavors, making vegetarian dishes just as exciting and complex as their meat counterparts.
Desserts and Sweet Treats
No Thai meal is complete without a touch of sweetness, and Mai Thai Portland offers an enticing range of desserts that provide the perfect finish. These sweet treats often feature tropical fruits, coconut, and traditional Thai ingredients.
The dessert menu balances richness and lightness, catering to those who crave something indulgent as well as those who prefer refreshing flavors. Many desserts are made in-house, reflecting an authentic approach with attention to detail.
From sticky rice with mango to coconut ice cream, the selections provide a delightful conclusion to the meal, inviting diners to relax and savor the final moments of their dining experience.
Signature Desserts
- Mango Sticky Rice: Sweet sticky rice paired with ripe mango and drizzled with coconut cream.
- Coconut Ice Cream: Creamy, homemade ice cream served with toasted peanuts.
- Fried Bananas: Crispy bananas fried to golden perfection and served with honey or ice cream.
- Thai Tea Pudding: Silky pudding infused with the flavors of traditional Thai tea.
| Dessert | Main Ingredients | Texture |
| Mango Sticky Rice | Sticky Rice, Mango, Coconut Cream | Soft, Creamy |
| Coconut Ice Cream | Coconut Milk, Sugar, Peanuts | Creamy, Crunchy |
| Fried Bananas | Bananas, Batter, Honey | Crispy, Sweet |
| Thai Tea Pudding | Thai Tea, Milk, Sugar | Silky, Smooth |
Beverages and Cocktail Selection
Mai Thai Portland offers a thoughtfully curated beverage menu that complements its food offerings, featuring traditional Thai drinks alongside creative cocktails inspired by Thai flavors. This selection enhances the dining experience by offering refreshing and unique options to pair with your meal.
The beverage menu includes classic Thai iced teas and coffees, as well as a range of non-alcoholic options that highlight tropical fruits and herbs. The cocktail list incorporates ingredients like lemongrass, kaffir lime, and Thai basil, creating vibrant and aromatic drinks.
Whether you prefer a light, refreshing drink or a bold, spirited cocktail, Mai Thai Portland’s beverage offerings are designed to elevate your meal and provide a perfect balance to the cuisine’s bold flavors.
Featured Drinks
- Thai Iced Tea: Sweetened black tea with condensed milk served over ice.
- Mango Lassi: Creamy mango yogurt drink with a hint of cardamom.
- Lemongrass Mojito: A refreshing twist on the classic mojito with lemongrass and Thai basil.
- Spicy Tamarind Margarita: Margarita infused with tamarind and a touch of chili.
“The perfect beverage can transform a meal, and our drinks menu is crafted to celebrate the essence of Thai flavors in every sip.”
| Drink | Type | Key Ingredients |
| Thai Iced Tea | Non-Alcoholic | Black Tea, Condensed Milk, Sugar |
| Mango Lassi | Non-Alcoholic | Mango, Yogurt, Cardamom |
| Lemongrass Mojito | Cocktail | Rum, Lemongrass, Thai Basil, Lime |
| Spicy Tamarind Margarita | Cocktail | Tequila, Tamarind, Chili, Lime |
Conclusion
Mai Thai Portland’s menu is a vibrant tapestry of flavors that authentically represents the diverse and rich heritage of Thai cuisine. From the carefully curated appetizers to the satisfying main courses, refreshing salads, and indulgent desserts, every dish is a testament to the restaurant’s dedication to quality and authenticity.
The menu’s thoughtful inclusion of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options ensures that all guests can enjoy a fulfilling and flavorful experience.
Complemented by a diverse beverage selection that highlights traditional and contemporary Thai drinks, Mai Thai Portland offers more than just a meal—it provides a culinary journey through Thailand’s vibrant food culture.
The careful balance of spice, sweetness, and freshness found throughout the menu invites diners to explore and savor each bite fully.
Whether you are visiting for a casual lunch, a festive dinner, or a special occasion, Mai Thai Portland’s menu promises an exceptional dining experience that captivates the senses and leaves a lasting impression.
The passion and expertise behind each dish make it a standout destination for authentic Thai cuisine in Portland.
