The Pacific Northwest of the USA is a relatively newer part of the western world and we have large immigrant populations, not only from other countries, but from within the USA itself. Portland is home to some of the best food carts in the country (real honest to god restaurants, just run out of trucks) and the emphasis is on fusion foods. I've had Kalbi tacos, Pastrami on biscuits, and Pappardelle Dragon noodles.
In order:
Pok Pok Thai / Vietnamese Chicken Wings - The flavor on these babies is amazing. VERY heavy on the fish sauce and they're quite hot. Lager definitely recommended as an accompaniment. My only complaint is that they're so popular these days, I think they're starting to rush them too much. The wings could be crispier the last couple of times I've been.
Dungeoness Crab - Pretty much the best crab ever. I've had king crab and snow crab and blue crab and most of the other varieties. This is the best. And it's a Pacific Northwest Native. It's the traditional dish of Christmas Eve, here in Oregon.
Smallwares Fried Kale - I haven't had this one, but I've heard it's good and no PNW menu would be complete without Kale.
Voodoo Donuts Maple Bacon Donut - This place has been on more than a few food shows and this is their signature donut. It's pretty amazing. Their other stuff is also good, but it gets weird, fast.
Olympia Provisions Charcuterie - One of the few places in the country where all the cured meats are made by hand and still fermented the old fashion way. Honestly, the best sausage you will find outside of Europe. No joke.
