About
Welcome to Nong's Khao Man Gai (SE), a delightful gem nestled in the heart of Portland, Oregon, specializing in authentic Thai cuisine. This charming establishment, located at 609 SE Ankeny St C, encompasses the essence of Thai comfort food, making it the go-to spot for anyone craving a satisfying meal.
Nong's Khao Man Gai is best known for its namesake dish, Khao Man Gai, which features succulent poached chicken on a bed of fragrant rice, accompanied by a side of rich broth and fresh vegetables. The flavors are consistently praised by guests, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. As Bebe C. aptly described, the rice infused with a special chicken marinade bursts with flavor, ensuring each bite is a comforting experience.
While the Khao Man Gai is undoubtedly the star of the menu, don't overlook the enticing sides that can elevate your meal. Options like the housemade fried chicken skins add a delightful crunch, and the bitter melon chicken noodle soup, beloved by returning patrons, offers a unique and comforting twist. Judy C. raves about how the broth is refreshingly packed with spices and accompanies essential ingredients, making it a dish unlike any other.
The ambiance at Nong's is casual yet classy, perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a happy hour with friends. Outdoor seating and a welcoming vibe make it an ideal place for everyone, including families and dog lovers. The fact that they offer delivery, takeout, and even catering means that you can enjoy these extraordinary flavors wherever you may be.
For those who enjoy customizing their meal, you can also opt to make it spicy or explore various sauces, like the Nong's KMG Bottle Sauce, crafted with fresh ginger and garlic. This versatility invites every diner to craft their unique dining experience.
With consistent quality and flavors, Nong's Khao Man Gai stands out as one of Portland's must-visit spots. As Alexanria J. highlighted, the comforting simplicity of their offerings is remarkable, making it a perfect choice for any weather and every craving. Don’t miss the chance to relish in a bowl of this culinary delight; it may just become a regular stop on your journey through Portland's vibrant food scene.
“ Well known for simple Hainin chicken and rice, and very consistent in flavor and portions. Rice with special chicken marinade was very flavorful ”
“ You don't know how excited and happy, to be back at this Brick & Mortar, Nong's Khao Man Gai. I waited so long, It has been way too long for my favorite! I got my chicken, rice, livers and chicken skin but my new favorite is the special bitter melon noodle soup, If you love bitter melon you must get this soup. I've never tried anything like this soup ever and it was oh so comfort food, hit the spot good! Guay Tiew Gai Tun Mara, Bitter melon chicken noodle soup, comes with chicken wings, shredded chicken, shiitake mushrooms, gailan vegetables, daikon turnip, with thin angel hair rice noodles. The broth is so refreshing, I can taste the flavors of the spices, along with all the ingredients. It just so comforting eating this noodle dish. I need to find a place that has this or similar. I have to wait so long to enjoy this soup again. The chicken and rice is so good as usual, it sure brings back memories of visiting PDX and my daughter. I am so full and content that I got my Nong's visit in but Sad because we are leaving and I am going to miss it until we can visit again. ( This is a true story!) hehe. I can't wait to be back again, dreaming of this bitter melon soup & chicken & rice!! Nong's Khao Man Gai is a gem and so amazing, one of the best things in life is here! ”
“ Small casual spot known for their namesake khao man gai (Thai chicken and rice with fresh vegetables and soup on the side). They have other things on the menu too, but I don't usually look past the khao man gai, since I love that combination of chicken and rice with their amazing sauce. I do think it was better when I first came here years ago pre-pandemic, as the chicken was a little dry on my most recent visit, but I still enjoy it. On our last visit, we also tried the mango sticky rice dessert, which was fine but not my favorite version of it. Will probably stick to the khao man gai in the future. ”
“ I love this place because I love the food! It's a simple Asian dish that I can eat everyday. I love food simple and it's delicious with flavor. I come here a few times a month. ”
“ Pretty compact local mom and pop shop vibe thai restaurant. Very limited menu but very delicious Comfort chicken and rice you will crave in cool weather. We got the penut sauce on side which is delicious delicious. Soup is very good. Over all their food seems simple but subtle full of flavors that is impossible to make at home. Chili oil is very spicy compare to typical Chinese chilli oil from dimsum, be cautious and taste it first before you add on your dish. Self service to order and clean up after yourself, so no obligation on tipping. Chicken skin is also highly recommended but they sell out often and not always available. ”
“ I went here for an early lunch as we were in a rush, and this place hits the spot in speed. There was no line at opening and we opted to order at the kiosk so we can take our time looking at the menu options and customizations. Note the 2% surcharge ordering in the kiosk though. We got the Khao Man Gai piset large and Khao Kha Muu (pork and rice), and as their original SE location, things like the pork and rice are only available in this location. The Khao man gai is good and satisfies my cravings, with a nice ginger sauce and refreshing soup. It's not the best but it is good. The piset large has more chicken meat and also livers/hearts, the latter which I'm not that interested in but worth a try. The Khao kha muu is very hearty but the rice is quite overcooked. The tangy sauce on the side cuts down the greasiness of the dish. This place is fast casual so you bus your own table and get your own cold water or hot tea. We were in and out of here in 30 minutes, which is very efficient. After all, they have a sign that says to spend no more than 45 min eating here if the place is busy. ”
“ Very simple and to the point business model. Chicken, rice, soup, and more. They stay busy, and they stay delicious. This definitely a must visit when in Portland. ”
“ I finally made it to Nong's! I got THE dish of Khao Man Gai, but I substituted steamed vegetables for rice (their "paleo" version, an extra $2). Plus a side of peanut sauce for $2, coming out to $19 total before tip. I'm not sure I'd consider this to be as "affordable" as they used to be known for. In my understanding, this business offers a fairly plain/bland base to the meal, and the appeal of the place is in their soups, sauces, condiments. The soup in particular is a good fit for cold and rainy Portland days, or when you're hungover. The plain chicken/tofu and rice is a good fit for picky eaters, whether they be children or in-laws. I enjoyed the straightforward ingredients and relative "healthiness" of this dish, but I'm not sure any flavors stood out. I got takeout, but the experience was similar to dining in as I believe you order at the counter and bus your own dishes. It's rustic charming inside with pops of color. The entry is shared with neighboring businesses Kinboshi and Snappy's kind of like a mini food hall. ”