After struggling to rein in its creativity early on, the Hollywood neighborhood favorite regrouped post-pandemic with a new specialty, rijsttafel — literally “rice table” — a Dutch-Indonesian dining format where lots of little dishes, many involving rice, land at the table at once. A late summer meal here included one siu mai, a panipuri puff, a single satay skewer and a bowl of shallot-topped rice, among other tasty small bites, plus three sambals, each spicier than that last. Two curries — a bagna cauda-esque coconut-clam and a red with blistered cherry tomatoes — each made a strong argument for ordering another round of the wonderfully flaky roti for dipping.

This rocking house of Indonesian-Chinese(ish) food knows how to bring the fun to a strip-mall parking lot: not just one but three discreet eating nooks, two of them tricked out like souk vendors, with colorful floor rugs, floral oil tablecloths, and curtains, with speakers beaming disco and reggae. Standing between them: a private little pink A-frame with one table only, first come, first served. The menu, one of Portland’s best, buzz-saws family traditions and boundary-blurring ideas via fun-loving owners Thomas and Mariah Pisha-Duffly.

Gado Gado is more than just a culinary experience; between the colorful wallpaper and the screamin' floral pattern on the tablecloths, you can't help but feel as if you've been transported to a tropical island. Of course, the ambiance alone isn't enough to feel satisfied, and luckily Gado Gado makes some fantastic dishes. The menu changes frequently, from the Dutch-Indonesian-inspired Rice Dinner series to prix fixe Singaporean crab dinners.

Celebrating Indonesian-Chinese fare, chef Thomas and Mariah Pisha-Duffly’s Gado Gado has been a local favorite since 2019. And while a version of Rice Table was offered when they first opened, it was reimagined last September into a multi-course, family-style feast. Guests will have the opportunity to sample over a dozen dishes that includes snacks and small bites, main courses served with their signature aromatic rice, and dessert.

Services: Dine in, takeout, happy hour, reservationsAddress: 1801 NE Cesar E Chavez BlvdPhone: +1 503-206-8778Business hours: Monday to Sunday: 5 PM – 9 PM Website. Gado Gado focuses primarily on Indonesian cuisine while blending in elements of Chinese culinary traditions. Launched in June 2019 by chefs Thomas and Mariah Pisha-Duffly, the menu reflects their creativity that’s influenced by their backgrounds and travels.

This bright and colorful spot is perfect for a birthday dinner in Portland, where they serve up a variety of Indian fare amid funky and unusual art and décor. The highlight of Gado Gado is the rice table, designed for large groups and a celebratory experience of chef-chosen grilled meat, curries and clove-scented rice. Gado Gado | 1801 NE Cesar E Chavez Blvd., Portland or 97212 | $$

Gado Gado hit the food scene by storm in 2019 with what Willamette Week calls “high-end-cuisine-meets-junk-food Asian fusion” and Portlanders were instantly hooked. With Dutch and Indonesian influences, their menu features curious ingredients and exciting flavor blends. Take, for instance, their sweet potato dumplings, which incorporate fermented turnip, apple soubise, and an X.O.

Originally introduced as a take-out concept, this sister restaurant to already much-talked-about Gado Gado puts a fun and playful spin on food inspired by the chef’s grandmother’s cooking. We were so impressed by the attention to detail and creative flavor combinations!. I would definitely encourage you to check out this SE Division powerhouse before it’s too tough to get a seat.

My in-laws were visiting and I was eager to get my coworker’s opinions on the best restaurants in Portland, hoping to glean new gems. I had no idea what I was missing. Nominated for Best New Restaurant and Best Chef in the James Beard Awards, the menu at Gado Gado is inspired by the chef’s Indonesian heritage and the couple’s extensive travels through Southeast Asia.

The Portland Indonesian and Chinese restaurant, on NE Cesar Chavez Blvd., earned a 4.1-star Yelp rating. For dessert, the restaurant offers orange cardamom apple cider donuts with kaya jam. According to Gado Gado’s website, owners Thomas and Mariah Pisha-Duffly took menu inspiration from their heritage, travels in southeast Asia, and culinary experience.

1801 NE César E. Chávez Blvd., 503-206-8778, gadogadopdx.com. One of 2018's best pop-ups put down roots in the Hollywood neighborhood this year and became of Portland's best new restaurants. Bringing an experimental streak to traditional Indonesian cuisine chef Thomas Pisha-Duffly's radiant spices and displays of complementary textures remain dazzling.

Indonesian-Chinese restaurant Gado Gado, from chefs Thomas and Mariah Pisha-Duffly, was originally a brunch and late-night noodle pop-up. Chef Gregory Gourdet’s wood-fired Haitian restaurant Kann — one of the most sought-after reservations in town — debuted as Kann Winter Village, serving multicourse menus in outdoor yurts.

website | Instagram | neighborhood: Hollywood, NE Portland ( get directions) |cuisine: Indonesian | dinner only. Gado Gado is a fun restaurant in Portland that makes you feel transported to the night markets of South East Asia. They have covered outdoor patios with bright floral tablecloths, lanterns, and string light.

Gado Gado's menu celebrates Indonesian-Chinese cuisine curated by James Beard-nominated chef Thomas Pisha-Duffly and his wife Mariah. The couple also runs sister restaurant Oma's Hideaway and an upcoming bar the Houston Blacklight. The menu is fast-changing, sometimes only keeping items for weeks or days.

Thomas and Mariah Pisha-Duffly drew inspiration from their travels in Southeast Asia and their diverse culinary backgrounds to create Gado Gado, a bright, colorful restaurant serving authentic Indonesian fare.

1801 NE Cesar E Chavez Blvd, Portland, OR 97212Phone: 503-206-8778 Visit Website. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Gado Gado (@gadogadopdx)