Friendship Kitchen NW: Saigon to Singapore

"The laksa at this Singaporean-Vietnamese restaurant in Northwest Portland is a study in balance: not too heavy or thick, but still rich and creamy, the soup’s coconut milk sweetness is juxtaposed with the saltiness of dried shrimp in the base. The bowl arrives absolutely loaded with toppings — shrimp, fishballs, tofu, bean sprouts, and boiled eggs balanced on a bed of noodles beneath the surface — finished with a sprinkle of herbs for freshness." - Rebecca Roland, Nick Woo, Brooke Jackson-Glidden

"At this Northwest Portland restaurant, diners can experience both Singaporean and Vietnamese cuisine, including the delicious pho chay from the original Glisan outpost of Friendship Kitchen. Rice noodles and vegetables arrive swimming in a vegan broth with earthy depth and subtle spice — a touch of hoisin enhances those flavors further. For something more on the Singaporean side of things, “Mama’s Laksa” is an adaptation of co-owner Wei-En Tan’s mother’s recipe for the coconut curry noodle soup. Although laksa is traditionally made with dried shrimp paste, Friendship Kitchen NW: Saigon to Singapore serves its version with a vegan broth; customers can request tofu instead of seafood toppings. The shop also slings shareable starters like soy-sugarcane drumsticks drenched in vegan fish sauce and extra-thick garden rolls with meaty tofu skin." - Waz Wu

"The laksa at this Singaporean-Vietnamese restaurant in Northwest Portland is a study in balance: not too heavy or thick, but still rich and creamy, the soup’s coconut milk sweetness is juxtaposed with the saltiness of dried shrimp in the base. The bowl arrives absolutely loaded with toppings — shrimp, fishballs, tofu, bean sprouts, and boiled eggs balanced on a bed of noodles beneath the surface — finished with a sprinkle of herbs for freshness." - Nick Woo, Brooke Jackson-Glidden

"A second Friendship Kitchen location focusing on dishes from owners’ Trang and Wei-En Tan’s Vietnamese and Singaporean heritages. The restaurant opened in the former space of the French bistro Alouette, which was also owned by the couple." - Eater Staff