The Best Restaurants, Bars, and Cafes in Portland’s Hawthorne District | Eater Portland

"Not only does Phaya rank as one of the most flavor-packed Thai restaurants in the city, it’s also the most convenient — who knew steam table fare could be so fresh and dynamic? Combo rice plates are at the heart of the menu here, with options like sweet-sticky garlicky fried chicken, caramelized pork belly with egg, Penang curry with New York steak, and stir-fried catfish with basil. The made-to-order pad thai also vies for one of the best in town, while appetizers and desserts like curry puffs or pumpkin custard are worthwhile add-ons. We’d expect nothing less from restaurateur and co-owner Nan Chaison, who’s also a part of Norah, Mestizo, and Libre. Online ordering is available for takeout. Just be warned that if something’s labeled spicy, they mean spicy." - Katherine Chew Hamilton