~ Auto Buzz ~: Ramen + Dim Sum at Boke Bowl

Thursday 30 June 2016

Ramen + Dim Sum at Boke Bowl – Portland

Boke Bowl

One of my new favourite places for ramen is most definitely over at Boke Bowl.

If you’re planning a trip out to Portland, Oregon – you have to bookmark this place on your list of places to visit. The noodles here are the standout star for me. Incredibly chewy with a nice thickness to it – soaking in a slow-simmered pork broth.

dim sum portland Boke Bowl

Siu Mai

We started off with the Siu Mai dim sum appetizer that were meaty little bites full of pork and shrimp. Boke Bowl does a special dim sum menu on the weekends from 11 AM – 3 PM at their westside location. However, the siu mai is always available.

Pickled Cucumbers

To cool off between bites of ramen, we opted for the pickled cucumbers which paired nicely with our hot noodle bowls.

Ramen Portland

Pork Dashi Ramen

Paul and I ended up ordering the same bowl – The Pork Dashi Ramen topped with slow smoked pulled pork. The pork was so incredibly tender and the broth was complex without being a huge sodium bomb on your system. I ate this bowl and didn’t fall asleep! But seriously, these are some of the BEST ramen noodles in terms of texture and taste – that I’ve ever had.

My Boke Bowl was finished off with a poached egg, snow peas, a small piece of Chinese broccoli and a sprinkle of green onion. I can’t make this stuff at home and not for $11 – no less. Luckily, Boke Bowl is in walking distance of my house which is terrific and dangerous at the same time.

Boke Bowl NW

The Format

Boke Bowl is quick-serve, meaning you order at the counter, are given a number and the food will come out to you when it’s ready at your chosen seat. I love this because it’s super-efficient, there’s never a crazy wait and it’s just easy and casual for a quick lunch or dinner. Boke Bowl is also fairly inexpensive compared to a big blowout dinner.

Boke Bowl Portland

The Story

Boke Bowl started off as a local monthly pop-up in 2010 and it’s so fantastic to see it grow to two locations in the city. They opened their first shop after just one year of pop-ups. I was first introduced to them at the Portland Night Market where they were selling their Fried Chicken Buns. After that taste of perfection, I knew I had to seek out their ramen shop. I definitely recommenc checking Boke Bowl out next time you’re in the city!

Boke Bowl Ramen