Nong's Khao Man Gai (SE) in Portland - Phone Number, Reservations, Reviews

I really wanted to like this place, but I'm honestly not sure why it has such good reviews. I respect them for offering a simple menu of comfort Thai food, and the pictures on the menu don't appear like they're trying too hard to look appetizing, what you see is basically what you get. It's interesting how they skip over popular classics like pad thai. Therefore, I was hoping that their food would blow me away, but it did not, not at all. The chicken is incredibly underwhelming, about as bland as it looks, just cooked but without much seasoning, same with the vegetables that come with some dishes. I tried the #4 which has peanut sauce, and honestly the sauce was kind of watery, also with barely any taste. I also thought the food was too expensive for what you get. The service is good and the employees seem nice, plus they get you the food quickly, but for me it does not make up for medicore food. Also, the restaurant wasn't the cleanest, with flies, though I was hoping that would have added to more authenticity in the food.

Ok, home cook Thai food style… must try

We were brought to Nong's on a whim and had the khao man gai, the cold spring rolls, and a Thai michelada. The chicken was so, so tender with such a nice subtle taste of ginger, cilantro, and other spices. The peanut sauce sealed the deal, and some extra ginger, garlic, and chili sauce on the side made it heavenly. A sleeper hit was the rice. Not sure if it's cooked with the chicken broth, but it was so flavorful. I could eat it on its own. The michelada, wow. The traditional michelada is getting a run for its money, because with tamarind and ginger along with the lemon juice and spiced salt, this was one of the best drinks I've had all summer!

No frills, solid, and efficient meal. Could be a tad cheaper, but understandable given the economic environment these days. Got the pork and rice and there's nothing to complain. Great, home-y meal with solid nutrients and no bs. They serve it up real quick as well. The place was filling up, but I got my meal within 4-5 minutes. Definitely recommend coming here over the downtown location. There's much more seating here, both inside and out. There's also other restaurants within the same building if Thai food isn't your bowl of rice that day!

Good quality, authentic. Nice selection of sauces, although some plum source would have been nice. Will likely go back to try some more obscure offerings.

Nong's food is consistently excellent and flavorful!

Went here after we saw Nong on an episode on Netflix's Somebody feed Phil. Ordered the default Khao Man Gai and the Tofu Peanut curry. Bomb-a*# is the word! With the 2 chili pastes and the garlic soy sauces, the dishes were just gobsmackingly good. Didn't know chicken and rice were a thing in Thailand too! Got Nong's sauce to go for later too.

It's just chicken and rice. And it tastes pretty good. But it's not that exciting.

It’s just chicken and rice, nothing special. I have better from just about every culture that does a chicken and rice dish.

absolutely delicious. let these pictures be my proof. i didn’t realize how hungry i was until it was all gone

Free hot tea, delicious spicy food!!! Very reasonable prices with both indoor and outdoor seating options

Absolute banger spot. 10/10 would recommend

Overrated. Bland without sauce. It’s literally cooked, unseasoned chicken. I’ve seriously tried this place 4 times, each hoping for a different result. The ginger sauce is good but the peanut sauce has no flavor. The broccoli is literally just steamed, unseasoned broccoli… they don’t give you enough sauce to make that in any way desirable to eat. it’s not bad, it’s fine…. Just not amazing. So confused by the rave reviews. “Perfect rice?” Really?

The best food! Simple, delicious, healthy food made with love.

The most fresh, clean, simple and delicious peanut chicken. Chill atmosphere with outdoor seating. Doable walk from convention center.

The ramen place is right next door. So when in doubt, try both restaurants ◡̈

Simple but good, price/quality ok

Would definitely go again. I tried the Chicken, Rice & Peanut Sauce, it was very tasty and sauce is perfectly balanced and the plate is generously portioned. The chicken is very juicy as well. I drank the thai tea float and it a MUST TRY because that coconut ice cream on top is light and delicate and when it mixes with the tea it creates a perfect taste.

I was a little hesitant to visit because the reviews seemed mixed. But wow, the food is cheap, filling, and delicious. I split the large chicken and rice plate with my partner along with a side of veggies, small peanut sauce, and small soup (that way we both had our own bowl of soup). The portion was perfect. The simplicity of the food goes a long way. Very much comfort food.

My wife is tired and knows this dish very well, this is about average for this dish. I know it would be a unique thing to try for people that aren’t often in Thailand and this is a good representation of the dish but not that special. The rice could use a little more flavor. Recommended to try for authentic Chinese/Thai dish

The Khao Man Gai is delicious. Comfort food thar is what I call it. The chicken was super tender and full of flavor.

My boyfriend and I have covid and ordering Nong’s off UberEats has been a lifesaver. This place is fantastic in general, but especially if you need something to restore you. An absolute Portland classic.

One of my favorite restaurants in Portland - the perfect thing to order to-go when you're feeling under the weather. The staff are so sweet, especially Carlos at the register! Love Nong's.

Pork is my personal favorite the rice smoked in the juice is super good and flavorful but not a fan of the pickled vegetables on the side

This place is a GEM. I am so gratefull i get to eat here.

After. waiting in line for 15 minutes and ordering told me that they are at capacity and cannot take my order. Unacceptable.

An awesome and unpretentious place to grab delicious food. Felt kinda like we were in Thailand. Simple but done well and lots of great sauces to add. Wish I could have everything on the menu. Make sure you get the extra pickles!

Some of the best Thai food I've ever had. Service was prompt as well.

Cute shop Chicken rice with delicious tender chicken and rich ginger dipping sauce After eating, I always clean up after myself, which is also fun. I like to sit in a hut on the side of the road. Vibe is very pleasant. Pickles $4 1 small cup The toilet is clean, remember to ask the staff for the password to open the door

I’ve been here twice now, and the food really just stands up. It’s simple and so well done, I don’t need or want anything else. I would go here regularly if I lived in town. The best balance of flavors and ingredients.

Nongs khao man gai tastes like home.. and I'm not even from thailand. So many different tastes can be had from just their chicken and rice.

Delicious! Such a nice surprise in this part of SE. Food was awesome, lunch crowd manageable, and the outdoor seating was great.

Awesome, I haven't eaten chicken rice in a long time. Authentic Thai taste. Good soup. When you eat it, you really miss Thailand.

We ordered their most popular dishes and it didn’t disappoint! Very authentic and close to what we had in Thailand. Very good customer service too. Wish there are more parking spots tho

Nong’s Khao Man Gai in Portland, Oregon, is a culinary gem that has mastered the art of simplicity and authenticity. Specializing in a single dish, the traditional Thai chicken and rice known as Khao Man Gai, this eatery offers an experience that is both unpretentious and deeply satisfying. The star of the menu is, of course, the Khao Man Gai. The dish is deceptively simple, consisting of tender, poached chicken served atop fragrant jasmine rice, with a side of rich, flavorful chicken broth. However, what truly sets it apart is the sauce. Nong’s signature sauce is a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy, crafted from fermented soybeans, ginger, garlic, Thai chilies, vinegar, and a touch of sugar. It elevates the dish to a new level, adding depth and complexity to every bite. The rice is cooked to perfection, infused with the essence of chicken fat and aromatics, making it both flavorful and comforting. The chicken is always tender and juicy, demonstrating the care and precision that goes into its preparation. The accompanying broth is light yet flavorful, providing a perfect contrast to the richness of the rice and chicken. The atmosphere at Nong’s is casual and welcoming. The focus is clearly on the food, and the minimalist decor allows the quality of the dish to shine through. The staff are friendly and efficient, adding to the overall positive dining experience. Nong’s Khao Man Gai stands out in Portland’s diverse culinary scene for its dedication to perfecting a single dish. It is a testament to the power of doing one thing exceptionally well. For anyone seeking an authentic taste of Thai street food, Nong’s Khao Man Gai is an absolute must-visit. The simplicity of the menu might surprise you, but one taste of their Khao Man Gai will leave you understanding why this humble dish has garnered such a loyal following.

YUM! Excellent chicken and rice with peanut sauce 💕💕💕 The staff here is amazing 🤩 I get the large and can get 4-5 meals from it.

The food was okay. I've had better chicken and rice. If you're on a budget, this is a good option. If you're visiting and budget is not an issue, you can honestly skip it and try other restaurants.

Simple comfort food menu, fast service.

I lived in Thailand for ten years and this place absolutely passes the authenticity test. The chicken and rice is delicious, as well as the nam soup and the khao mun gai sauce. Pretty cool that you can add your own addition garlic, ginger, chilis, etc- just like in Thailand!

High volume, fast service. Food was fresh and wholesome but certainly not fancy. Very busy.

Nothing so special. Worth trying once. Should be last on your to do list if you are 1 time visitor. It is closer to 2.5 than 3 stars

The best ever, my fav food in Portland <3

One of my favorite spots in Portland! I've been going to Nong's over the years (even back when they were still a food truck!) and their quality hasn't changed! When there are people visiting or new people moving to Portland, this is the spot I always suggest. I think the only down side is it's hard to find anything here for vegans (correct me if I'm wrong, but I've also never really tried), but aside from that, there is something for everyone! The flavours are so delicious and authentic that you can't go wrong with anything in the menu! Staff is always so friendly and the ambiance makes you feel like you're in a side street food joint in Asia (ok, maybe not REALLY since you don't have the heat, humidity, and noise).

Honestly the dish was amazing. I tried the signature dish and I was amazed. They were very quick with the food delivery. Which amaze me on how quick they were. I love the rice, chicken ( my fav) and the sauce. 10/10

Delicious food as always! Sweet folks and comes out so quickly.

my friends really liked the food but i thought it was just ok. the soup was probably my favorite part. cool vibes tho and free hot tea.

Love this place and it’s a staple for my family. Just tried the pickles this time and would 100% recommend with the basic Khao Man Gai. Yummy.

Solid spot for Thai chicken rice with indoor and outdoor seating. Chicken is juicy however the rice and soup are just okay. The sauces definitely make it even more flavorful!

Super tasty and authentic chicken rice! Plus quick service and a reasonable price. Thank you!

Food was fresh and great! I went twice during the trip to Portland.

Nong’s is always a must visit when in Portland. My go to is the number one with a mix of white and dark meat. The sauce is excellent, and I add lots of spice from the free condiment fridge. Very reasonable price for a high-quality meal. Staff is always awesome. Ample indoor and outdoor seating at the Ankeny location.

I first tried this style of dish in London, fell in love with it and was so happy to find a similar dish in Portland. I tell everyone I know to give it a go. Worth every penny and the staff are top notch. If you don’t stop in you’re missing out.

Really good food, good portion to price ratio. A fun place to try at least once.

This was on the spendy side for me but worth every penny!! I took my brother visiting from somewhere with not many food options and he LOVED it too!! Very kind staff!!! I'll be back for-sure.

Refreshing Hainanese Chicken Rice

I saw dish that looked delicious but unfortunately it was not the one I ordered. The Super soup is a dish that comes with chicken, rice, veggies, and seasoning. The dish I saw advertised was a completely different dish with noodles and fried chicken pieces (the order I wanted). I could have reordered but at this point I didn’t have time to wait. I’m conflicted with the great taste of the dish I didn’t ask for. So, I’m giving it 3 stars for false advertising and organization. Please clean up your menu board so that customers won’t run into this mistake. Thanks

Here is a heartfelt ambiance of simple tasty street food style, order & dine, some of the best chicken and rice. The sauce station is a big winner.

Free tea, good food. Healthy. Fair prices. Can’t get better.

Meh... I'm used to really good Thai food, especially for the price.

This place has simple yet perfect dishes. I’ve never had better broth, chicken and rice. Our go to place when feeling under the weather, can’t recommend enough!

Great dishes. The chicken is the most perfectly cooked I’ve ever had and the sauce to go with it is excellent. The pork is also top notch; melt in your mouth.

Pork feet rice and chicken rice are delicious.

Food was hot and great. Service was awesome! Atmosphere is casual with outside dining. Love this place. Eat here every time I visit Portland.

To me, this place is the definition of comfort food. Had a migraine and just wanted something simple that flavor. The super soup hit the spot and felt alot better after that. I have gotten the soup a few times and never disappointed. The service was awesome as well. The tall gentleman (whos name I forgot) was friendly and inviting. I also noticed if someone has never been there he explained everything and never rushed the person. Will happily go back. Also try the chicken skin it is the bomb

I love Nong's Khao Man Gai. It doesn't need a huge menu but a few best dishes you can offer. Her Khao Man Gai is excellent so does Khao Kha Moo. My new discover was this Chicken noodle soup with bitter melon and Lychee Margarita.

consistently fantasmo cooked chicken galore

I ordered family style food but what I got The food is very normal. I paid 60$. Seeing in the picture, I thought I was getting food on a tray, but what I got was 1 packet of rice. Is it too cruel to pay so much but get food for the normal price? It made me not dare to order food at a restaurant. This again is corruption.

So tasty. I stop every time I am near by. Best flavors perfect spice. O give you 10 stars at first bite.

The khao man gai I had at Nong's was deliciously tender and perfectly seasoned, complemented by aromatic rice and a zesty sauce that made every bite a delightful experience.

Fantastic food, great price. Definitely gonna come back again!

Trying this spot seemed like a must when in Portland and I'm glad I did. I got the classic Khao Man Gai which was very good. I loved the sauce that came with it too. The service was quick too. There is free street parking outside. No complaints.

The chicken and rice dish is a harmonious blend of tender, juicy chicken and perfectly cooked rice that delivers a comforting and satisfying meal. The chicken is seasoned to perfection, bursting with savory flavors that blend seamlessly with the fluffy, fragrant rice. Each bite is a delight, offering a warm and nourishing experience that leaves you craving more. The balance between the protein and starch is spot on, creating a well-rounded and fulfilling dish. It's a classic combination that never fails to please, making it an excellent choice for any meal. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with your favorite sides, this chicken and rice dish is sure to become a staple in any food lover's repertoire. Their green Thai tea is also an amazing drink that deserves some recognition.

Limited choices, but very good.

Their main dish is very simple, but so very satisfying. The soup that comes with it is amazing and so is the sauce. It’s also healthy for eating out so you always feel good after.

So disappointing. I've heard so many rave reviews about this place but the food was bland. We could have had a better dinner by picking up a rotisserie chicken. Don't understand the hype.

wonderful first experience. Just with $2 extra to get the large KMG was sooo worth it. The pork and rice was good but the KMG was the bomb. Their chili and garlic add sprinkles to the top. We stopped by around 5:30pm and line started to form around 6pm.

I LOVE THIS PLACE! The food is consistently delicious, awesome really. My family eats here a lot.

I go here often for a quick lunch. Everything is so fresh and light and seems healthy. There are not alot choices but all are so good that i get confused which to order each time! My go to is the Bitter Melon soup. They also make a super yummy Thai ice tea float!!! The cafe gets alittle crowded inside , but there is also outside seating.

Good chicken rice Hainan style, chicken livers, and pickled cucumber salad. Thai iced tea and mango sticky rice are below average but just the chicken rice make it worth the visit.

They really should take more pride in their food and develop a better work ethic my pork and rice had a half of pound of gristle that was slimy greasy and nasty. The chicken was decent but the last time I had it was like the pork and full of gristle. Wayyyyyyy over rated. Last time I will eat here.

I love this place! The sauce is so yummy!

Love this spot! Their food is simple and so comforting. They use quality ingredients. The staff is welcoming and kind. Always have a yummy meal.

Overall Thoughts: I had high hopes for this popular spot, but was ultimately disappointed. It specializes in its namesake, khao man gai, which I ordered and is basically the Thai version of Chinese Hainanese chicken rice. However, the chicken was disappointingly dry. The soup was light and aromatic, but I wish the flavor/saltiness was stronger. I also got a side of peanut sauce, which was a good move that gave additional flavor to the chicken/rice. I liked both sauces a lot— the peanut sauce was creamy and robust in flavor, and the ginger sauce that came with the dish was lighter and tangy. If only the chicken were more tender, this dish would’ve been very solid. The prices were reasonable ($15), and I was quite full afterwards even with the normal portion size. It was quite crowded at 12:30pm on a weekday, but I was able to find one of the few empty stool seats facing the window. There was no line when I came and the food came out fast, but by the time I finished around 1pm, the line grew longer and there were people waiting for seats. Overall, they could’ve had an off-dish/day, but I personally don’t think the food here is worth the hype. — Price (relative to peers): 4.3/5 Food: 3.2/5 Ambience: 4.6/5 Service: 4.5/5 Overall Value: 3.5/5

Perfectly cooked chicken and rice with broth and seasoning sauce topped with fresh cucumber & cilantro. Just perfect.

I am shocked at how good the food was and that I hadn’t heard of Nong’s sooner. My partner and I ordered the Super Soup and the Khao Man Gai through Doordash. The chicken and rice are cooked perfectly. The Nong’s Sauce is incredible, so flavorful, I tasted citrus, ginger, umami, and spices. We will definitely be coming back and would love to eat there in person.

Can’t go wrong with Nong’s! Been here multiple times and it never disappoints.

Perfectly fine dish, but I don’t see what the big deal is. The sauce is delicious, but the chicken and rice—while very well-cooked—are both a little bland. It was tasty and filling, but I don’t understand why everyone is raving about this place.

This place is fantastic. It would be five stars if they didn’t forget to add the ramekin of chili paste in the togo orders every single time. The soup doesn’t taste the same without the chili, and there is no options online to include it.

This was one of my favorite meals I’ve had in Portland. Amazing flavors and so nourishing, especially on a cold rainy day. Staff was super friendly and our meal was really affordable. Can’t wait to go back

Nice place but i am surprised why this place is so popular. The Chicken & Rice is really just boiled Chicken breast with rice - anyone can cook at home. Chicken & Peanut is just adding peanut butter and peanut on top. Probably should try the pork one next time. Don't order the chicken.

This place is where I acquire my happiness. My friend introduced this restaurant to me, and I went straight back the next day. The food is not extravagant, it does not have too much fancy seasoning, but it is beautifully simplistic. I ordered the "Chicken and Rice" which is similar to the Hainanese Chicken Rice, since this dish is popular in Southeast Asia. It serves a chicken soup as a side dish, it has the natural sweetness from the vegetables and meat. Chicken oil is mixed with the rice and topped with tender fresh chicken pieces. Though the flavor is light, it's subtly sophisticated and the type of dish you'd feel comfortable and healthy after eating.

The food is always good, especially when they have chicken skins! get some NOW.

This is a hidden gem for chicken rice lovers! The simplicity of their dish belies its incredible flavor. Each bite of tender chicken paired with fragrant rice is pure comfort. The staff are friendly and efficient, making every visit a pleasure. A must-visit for anyone craving delicious, no-fuss comfort food!

I was feeling under the weather and decided to turn to one of my favorite dishes when I was feeling sick while living in LA. I found Nong's Khao Man Gai by searching "Hainanese Chicken near me" and decided to give it a shot. This Hainanese chicken and rice doesn't come close to Cluck2Go in Pasadena and is sadly lacking in flavor. If you eat this chicken by itself, without the sauce, it tastes like flavorless boiled chicken, which is pretty shocking and not how this dish should be at all. I am surprised by how highly praised this restaurant is. Well, I challenge anyone here to try Cluck2Go next time you are in LA and you will see how the dish should taste (and for less $$). I really don't see myself coming back here.

Interesting Asian food place in Portland. Simple but yummy. Feel like home cooking.

One of the best restaurants I’ve ever been to!

I ordered the chicken soup and also the white rice dish with tofu and broccoli. When I think about the food at this place it seems strange that it is so popular...the food has almost no flavor. The chicken tastes like chicken in the sense that it is very obvious that you are eating a chicken, there is no disguise in terms of the flavor. The food feels super clean and well prepared. I would eat here again if I need to eat something that is definitely good for the stomach.

Consistently good! Been going for years and still one of my go-to.

I order for take out today and the service was incredibly quick and effective! I was so impressed. They also have self-service station that you can order. Free water and hot tea. Wonderful place for chicken over rice

Very good, but you have to eat it correctly to combine the flavors