Kee's #Loaded Kitchen

"Internet sensation Kiauna Nelson serves massive piles of chicken and mac and cheese Thursdays through Sundays at her MLK food cart. Kiauna’s (or Kee’s) specials can be found on her social media posts, but any day customers can walk up for sweet-salty fried chicken, crackling catfish, and saucy mac and cheese. Go early to line up; the food sells out sooner than posted hours may suggest." - Janey Wong

"Kee’s Loaded Kitchen, the bright red cart in the MLK Street Food pod, consistently draws crowds—even from out of state—with huge servings that are a rare case of quantity and quality. This soul food spot is also the place for solving decision fatigue: You pick your main from a daily roster posted on Instagram, and you’ll automatically get all six or so sides, a dessert, and a drink for around $45. Whether you order the exemplary "crackfish"—a.k.a. a slew of peppery, fried catfish filets—or the unbelievably craggy and crispy fried chicken is up to you, just know that Kee’s often sells out, so go early if that gooey mac & KEEs made with Tillamook cheddar is on your day’s bucket list." - Krista Garcia

"Portland soul food magnate Kiauna Nelson’s bright red food cart slings everything from ribs to oxtail to brisket, depending on the day, but a few items are always on the daily menu, including her fried chicken. Kee's "gold duss" seasoning — akin to a Buffalo Bleu potato chip, with a touch of sweetness and spice — hits the chicken immediately after leaving the fryer, served with hot sauce and sides. Fans of classic Southern fried comfort chicken will be elated." - Ron Scott, Thom Hilton

"Kee’s might very well be the most well-known soul food spot on this map, often accruing long lines of customers seeking brown sugar ribs and fried chicken tossed with a sweet-salty seasoning blend she calls the “gold dust.” While the location has changed over the years, what’s made Kiauna Nelson a household name in Portland — giant to-go boxes of fried chicken, saucy mac and cheese, and crispy fried catfish — has remained unchanged. Kee tends to sell out, so check the Instagram account before heading over." - Ron Scott, Nathan Williams, Eater Staff

"#Loaded’s decadent comfort food is so memorable that wedding guests might be talking about Kee’s fried catfish or sausage-packed spaghetti long after they’ve forgotten about the best man’s meandering speech. Soul food is the foundation at Kee’s, but chef-owner Kiauna Nelson isn’t restricted by tradition, following her own taste buds to one-of-a-kind seasonings and inspired combinations. The secret has long been out locally, but now that Kee’s has starred on Netflix’s Street Food USA book your event as far ahead as possible to ensure a #Loaded reception. Send Nelson a direct message on Instagram for more information." - Rebecca Roland, Danielle Centoni, Nathan Williams