Top Burmese

"The Top Burmese family of restaurants were some of the first Portland spots to specialize in the vibrant cuisine of Myanmar. Vegans can choose from a variety of knockout dishes, including eggplant curry and fermented green tea leaf salad; still, the khao soi with a gravy-like coconut curry broth that clings to the chewy wheat noodles is a must-order, thanks to its intense depth of flavor. This bowl comes with crunchy accompaniments: wonton crisps, onions, fried garlic, and cilantro. Sibling restaurants Burma Joy and Bistro Royale offer more seating, but visiting the original, cozier outpost on Northwest 21st for a steamy bowl of khao soi remains one of Portland’s most memorable dining experiences." - Waz Wu

"Outfitted with leafy plants and paper umbrellas, Northwest 21st Avenue’s Top Burmese is an exploration into the Indian culinary influences of Myanmar. Vegan offerings include crispy triangle-shaped samosas served with sweet-and-spicy chili sauce, lightly funky fermented tea leaf salads, and turmeric-laden chickpea tofu curry with aromatic coconut rice. If you’re not able to get a table at Top Burmese, Kalvin and Poe Myint also operate Burma Joy, focusing more on Chinese dishes of Myanmar like kyay oh rice noodles, located a 10-minute walk away. Those who live in Beaverton can visit sister restaurant Bistro Royale. The vibrant cuisine and beautifully decorated dining rooms are memorable, but another highlight of visiting a Top Burmese restaurant is its fleet of robot servers ready to whisk bowls of khao soi to tables." - Waz Wu

"Kalvin Myint — who owns several Portland-area Burmese restaurants, including Top Burmese — will let diners enter the restaurant maskless." - Brooke Jackson-Glidden

"My latest visit to Top Burmese for the soothing tofu khao soi." - Eater Staff

"Top Burmese and Beaverton sister restaurant Bistro Royale are known for their extensive and memorable vegan selection, from samosas to fermented tea leaf salad. Heavy on turmeric and paprika, the vegan curries include hefty cubes of tofu, garlicky eggplant, okra, and kabocha squash. To accompany the curries, the restaurants serve fluffy coconut rice, jasmine rice, and pan-toasted paratha flatbread. Both locations offer takeout and delivery." - Waz Wu