$Asian mall Fubonn in Southeast Portland\'s Jade neighborhood is home to dozens of individual restaurants.$

Asian mall Fubonn in Southeast Portland’s Jade neighborhood is home to dozens of individual restaurants.

Credit: Ashley Anderson

Jade District Neighborhood Guide

Eat and explore (then eat some more) in one of Portland’s most diverse communities.

Updated Apr. 30, 2020 4 min read Jade District

Emilly Prado

Emilly Prado is a writer, award-winning journalist and consultant living in Portland. Read More

The Jade District in Southeast Portland is a bustling cultural hub, home to a population largely composed of immigrants and people of color. Many languages are spoken at home in this area, including Chinese, Vietnamese and Russian, and it’s one of Portland’s — and Oregon’s — most diverse neighborhoods.

Jade’s thriving small business community and unique personality make it a great place to eat, explore, read the local Portland Chinese Times newspaper and then eat some more.

Eat

Start your gastronomical Jade District adventures at Ha VL, a long-time favorite café-turned-soup haven. Ha VL prepares two rotating soups daily, in addition to a menu of tasty sandwiches and noodle dishes. Try the bún bò Huế — a heaping bowl of beef and pork in a bright, spicy lemongrass broth — or the honey-colored turmeric rice noodle Mì Quảng, topped with peanuts, sliced shrimp cakes and more. Soups sell out daily, so arrive early and wash it all down with a glass of thick, iced Vietnamese coffee.

Afuri Ramen & Izakaya in downtown Portland is a favorite spot for comforting soup.

Portland Soup Spots

Whether you’re craving ramen, Mexican pozole or classic chicken noodle, these local soup spots will warm you from the inside out.

A delicious spread of Chinese dumplings at XLB in North Portland.

Portland’s Best Dumplings

Every February, Portland celebrates its love for dough-wrapped delights with Dumpling Week. Best of all? Delicious dumplings are available year-round.

Enjoy sweet and savory brunch flavors with a French Toast Sandwich at the Big Egg.

Comfort Food Favorites in Portland

Get your comfort food fix , whether you’re hankering for mac and cheese, fries topped with gravy or a steaming bowl of pho, these local dishes don't disappoint.

Ocean City is a beloved Portland dim sum and seafood staple. This sprawling establishment has an equally expansive menu offering dozens of dim sum options which are carted from the kitchen around tables, allowing patrons to freely select dishes on the spot. Take your pick of seafood from the live tank and try dim sum favorites like fried or soup dumplings, chicken feet and steamed buns.

Van Hanh Vegetarian Restaurant is a homey Vietnamese café serving up vegan-friendly fare, along with weekday and weekend menus to boot. Their crisp roast pork belly is made from a savory taro root base, and their doughy steamed dumplings are filled with smoky mung beans and served swimming in a light broth. Van Hanh is owned and operated by Buddhists who live on the property. Proceeds from each meal supports their work in the community.

Top off a day of dining with a trip to King’s Bakery to pick from their well-stocked case of freshly baked Chinese pastries. Try the pineapple custard buns, savory steamed buns, egg tarts and flaky wife cakes — then consider buying a durian or pandan cake to go. (Tip: Bring cash or fill up a whole pastry box to meet their $10 charge minimum.)

Play

Get in on a game of billiards or some rounds of pinball at Mojo Crepes, a popular teen hangout that’s not just for adolescents. The fruit crepes are topped treacherously high or filled with whipped cream or ice cream, and their kaleidoscopic boba teas are decidedly Instagrammable, providing delicious and exciting fun for diners of any age. When the need for a bigger meal calls, chow down on an all-beef Japanese hot dog with toppings like gochochang sauce, peanuts, seaweed or sweet pickled ginger.

The last two weekends of August bustle with activity as the Asian Pacific Network of Oregon (APANO) hosts the annual Jade International Night Market near the Fubonn Shopping Center, drawing tens of thousands of attendees. The popular festival features dozens of vendors, food carts and performances, including Mexican baile folkorico, marching bands and Chinese traditional folk dance.

Every fall, APANO hosts the East Portland Arts and Literary Festival (EPALF), boasting book-centric vendors, a craft fair, storytelling, visual art, live painting and more.

Jade International Night Market

Thousands gather every August to celebrate the Jade District’s diverse immigrant communities.

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Night owls will rejoice in the wonders of Bliss Lounge, an LED-illuminated bar serving hot pot, stiff drinks and a fine list of karaoke jams. After singing your heart out, head to Tik Tok for some late-night crispy hash browns and over easy eggs. This 24-hour diner with several Southeast Portland locations does the hard work of feeding masses at any hour of the day.

Shop

Fubonn is a Portland cultural institution, especially for Jade District residents. This supermarket is the perfect place to wander, and a visit can reap hard-to-find fruits, a wide variety of ramen packets and every flavor Pocky stick your heart could desire. On your way out, pop into Meianna Bakery for a sweet treat such as mini cupcakes, elegant blueberry mousse cake or creamy custard buns served with hot milk tea.

Cyclists looking for some new swag should head to the Biciclista showroom at the edge of the Jade neighborhood. Peruse racks filled with Italian-made vibrant, boldly-patterned cycling jerseys, dresses and accessories.

rows of potted flowers on tables in a greenhouse — Portland Nursery is in bloom all year round.

Finally, pick up a forever souvenir from Portland Nursery. Enter the tropical (both in flora and temperature) paradise and find your next plant baby, artisan-made ceramic planter and more. Friendly staff are always on hand to help if you’re feeling lost.

Cultural Communities, Neighborhood