Portland hasn’t always been the culinary hotspot it is today. In the ’90s, as the city was still shaping its food scene, options for international cuisine were relatively sparse—largely limited to a handful of Italian eateries. Then food carts began to blossom. The rise of food carts in the decades that followed transformed the landscape, fueling a diverse and dynamic food culture that Portland is now known for.
The phenomenon is not really new, since food carts appeared in Portland as early as 1910, drawn by horses. The first modern-day food cart served kosher hot dogs in 1965 from a spot across from City Hall. Portland opened downtown parks to competitive food-cart bidding in 1976, and by the 1980s, food carts were a thing in our city. Then came the Great Recession of the 2000s. Logic would suggest that small businesses such as food carts would have suffered. Instead, they mushroomed, to the point that by 2010, the food cart census counted more than 600 such enterprises around the city.
Unlike some cities, where wheeled carts are moved off the sidewalks after business hours, Portland’s food carts tend to have more stable footing. Yes, they have wheels. But for the most part they stay put in their chosen locations. The huge variety of food cart offerings reflects the genuine–and growing–diversity not just of Portland’s food tastes, but of the city’s population as a whole.
Many of Portland’s food carts are owned and operated by immigrants and people of color, contributing to the city’s diverse culinary landscape. Their rich cultural backgrounds influence the bold and unique flavors found in these carts, offering a wide range of international cuisines. The menus are reflections of deep-rooted traditions, with recipes passed down through generations and across many continents. These tiny kitchens on wheels don’t just feed us. Often they are launchpads for successful restaurants, bustling businesses, and a Portland food scene that is legendary around the globe..
Now, we’re setting out to tell their stories. We’ve gathered an eager and talented team of photographers, writers, and videographers to capture the magic of these carts and the people behind them. So far, we’re doing great–and gaining a lot of weight.
So grab your appetite and join us on this adventure! Through photos, videos, and personal narratives, we’ll take you behind the scenes of Portland’s most beloved food carts, celebrating the passion and resilience of the people who bring these incredible flavors to life. Whether you’re a street food connoisseur or just love a good story, we promise a feast for both the palate and the soul. Stay hungry, stay curious—there’s so much more to discover!