La Perla del Sur Cuban Food

I love me some Cuban food. We don't have many places in Portland, with Pambiche and Cubo de Cuba being the only other two places I know of, but they are all simply great. I was working in NYC in my 20s when I was brought to a Cuban place a few blocks from where I worked over in the Flat Iron district and I've loved it ever since. Cubanos, Media Noche, fried plantains (sweet or savory) and of course Ropa Vieja. These are the usual go to items I have to try. La Perla is at one of the newer food pods out on 82nd. Eastport Food Plaza. 17-20 carts, nice seating and plenty of room to spread out. These guys are at the south end of the pod and you should go. You will not leave hungry. I was looking at the menu and saw some of the usuals but one item stood out. It was a different take on rope vieja (which is on the menu) but the meat was fried. Vaca Frita. Rice, black beans, yummy green sauce, salad, a little Cuban flag and fried beef. The little crispy parts mixed with the chewy, plus peppers and those wonderful black beans? Yeah, you want this. The green sauce wasn't spicy, but Cuban food usually isn't. The meal was very flavorful and quite filling. So good and I want more. Granted, I've only had food from three of the carts out at Eastport, and want to try several others, but I will make back to La Perla fairly quick. It's nice to have some Cuban food out closer to where I live. Enjoy and support local.

We stumbled across this food car station one Sunday. Less than half the carts were open. My husband loves Cuban food so I was happy they were open. The people were super nice. The cubano was amazing! We will be coming back.

Came here on a rainy Saturday, I got the veggie tostones, my bf got the Cuban and we split an order of yuca fries. I appreciated that the location had a tent and warmers so that we could still eat onsite. The yuca was definitely made fresh and not frozen and there were two sauces one like a spicy Mayo and the other one cilantro. Very good. The pork on the Cuban sandwich was juicy with good flavor/seasoning. The tostones were the real treat though, I've never seen vegetarian tostones before, topped with cheesy steamed cauliflower/broccoli/carrot medley. I was missing a little bit of that Hispanic flair that comes with normal tostones (whether it be topped with pico or avocado) but I thought they were good for what they were - you get what you order on this one.

10/10 first time trying Cuban food and I will definitely be returning. Very flavorful. Chef was very friendly and seem like a great guy. Mucho gracias!

This page says they are closed, but that is an error. Truly tasty food. I ordered the lechon plate, maduros and yuca fritas. Everything was delicious and generously portioned.

I was undecided and wanted a small bite so ordered the tamale. But thankfully the staff suggested the Tostones Rellenos for my guy and I grabbed one for myself. They are salty, sweet AND crunchy -- the perfect meal! There's two slider-sized bites, great for sharing with unsuspecting dates.

The chef was so friendly which already made me want to like the food but then when I got the food it was so amazing, I had a traditional Cubango sandwich and some tostadas my wife had the paella and plantains. It was so good abs his house made sauce was just so good a new favorite food truck in Portland.

Went here today for the first time and I think it's now my favorite cart in Portland. I love Cuban food and the fish sandwich and yucca fries were absolutely AMAZING! I split my sandwich with my girlfriend and son. We all will be back in a couple days. We're going to try everything on the menu!

Authentic Cuban Cuisine! I've been slowly introducing my partner to Cuban cuisine and I always get food from here for him to try. He's loved all of it so far! Picadillo is next on the list for him to try, it's one of my favorites! It's always been the same man who has helped me and he's been very kind and quick to make the food!

The best ever Cuban Food in Portland, he deserves the most rating possible really good

We were jonesing some Cuban food! And we found @PerlaDelSur and it was yummy! We will try others but right now, this is our go to! One note, the black beans need a little more oomph! More to try but the Vaca Frita and Ropa Vieja pass muster.

My only regret was not taking pictures of the beautiful presentation before devouring the delicious food of this place. I could not resist to wait! Each bite more flavorful, a real treat. Our family had the lechón plate, the tamal, the yucca con mojo, and the plantains. Everything was honestly super flavorful and did not disappoint one bit. Can't wait to come back again!

Had the Cubano sandwich from this new Cuban cart at the Eastport carts. It was amazing! Top notch Cubano sandwich, would recommend and will be ordering again!