In spite of some new arrivals on the scene, Portland still isn’t a mecca for Chinese food. Why is that? This year, Shandong takes top spot for the best Chinese in Portland, narrowly edging out Lucky Strike. Ocean City moves up slightly, and Wong’s continues a downward slide, since its heyday in 2006
Previous years:
- 2012 – Lucky Strike, Shandong, Wong’s King, Ocean City Seafood
- 2011 – Lucky Strike, Wong’s King, Ocean City Seafood, Shandong
708 total votes:
- Shandong – 16.3% – 3724 Northeast Broadway Street Portland, OR 97232 Map (503) 287-0331. Northern Chinese region
- Lucky Strike – 15.8% 3862 Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard Portland, OR 97214 Map (503) 206-8292. Sichuan Cuisine Region
- Ocean City Seafood – 11.2% 3016 Southeast 82nd Avenue Portland, OR 97266 Map (503) 771-2299. Varied regions, dim sum
- Wong’s King Seafood – 9% 8733 Southeast Division Street Portland, OR 97266 Map (503) 788-8883. Focus on seafood, dim sum. My review
- Taste of Sichuan – 7.3% 16261 Northwest Cornell Road Beaverton, OR 97006 Map (503) 629-7001. SW China
I tend to go to Shandong and Ocean City, though when I’m in the mood for Sichuan, I head right to Lucky Strike. Wong’s is way in my rearview mirror.
Av says
Food Dude, Just wondering what dishes you enjoy at Shandong. I’ve been a few times and haven’t liked it all that much. Thanks
nate says
I’ll second that. Shandong never did anything for me. I got a few different things and they all tasted the same. A little sweet, a little tangy, and by and large, totally generic. Certainly nothing bad to say about the place, but nothing really good either. Would be curious what the standout dishes are.
Ocean City got my vote, pretty much entirely on the strength of their wonderful dim sum.
Food Dude says
I haven’t been to Shandong since the first few months after they opened, but I thought it was ok then. “Ok” being a relative term, as I think Portland Chinese food in general sucks.
L'epicier says
To the best of my knowledge all these places serve what I call ‘scary meat’, that is chicken or beef of undetermined origin, likely bought on price that contains antibiotics and growth hormones. Since I have a policy of avoiding scary meat I also avoid these places. Anybody know of a place that uses locally sustainably raised meats? And no farm raised prawns either, gross tasting and muddy flavor.
Ocean City does do a wonderful job with whole fish in black bean sauce.
abefroman says
you should try Gold Garden on 122nd
G-Man says
I agree on Shandong, I have found it all to be relatively well prepared, but pretty bland and leaning to gelatinous. I would love to know what is good. Lucky Strike is my favorite, but in my experience they are very inconsistent…..when they have the right person in the kitchen it is great, when they don’t it can be very mediocre…I wish they would fix that. Pure Spice is also decent, but in general I wish there were more good options.
David says
I’ve been to Shandong several times, always several months apart. I keep wanting to really like it, but don’t know what their secret is for keeping so busy and popular. It’s a mystery to me that I might just stop trying to figure out. Last time there I ordered a pork dish that had a decent sauce but the pork was so fatty I stopped halfway through. But yes, bland has been the operative word for me. I can always tell how good a Chinese restaurant is by its hot and sour soup, which is pretty mediocre here.
Francine says
I think Szechuan Chef has the best Chinese in the Portland area. In particular, the Dry-style Szechuan Wonton is outstanding, as well as several other of their traditional dishes. Their menu is huge, so you will most likely find something to your taste. I was not overly impressed with Shandong; it wasn’t terrible but just kind of average. I also didn’t think BTU Brasserie was anything amazing; the portions were tiny, and the flavors a bit bland. Try Szechuan Chef, people!