FOOD CART CULTURE IN PORTLAND, OREGON, USA

A look at an alternative way of eating out

Food carts near Portland State University (PSU)

It’s all about location – and price.

Hungry college students in the inner city are the target for these food carts.

They offer an abundance of choices – from good old American hamburgers and fries , via vegan variations, to exotic , spicy dishes from Asia or Latin America – all for usually less than 10 US dollars.

The Portland Soup Company

Pork and Slaw Sandwich from the Portland Soup Company for US $ 6

Jeremy Davidson, proprietor, makes his “pulled” pork by first soaking it in brine for several hours, then slow cooking it for several more until it is so moist and tender it can be

pulled apart.

Not a sit-down meal

Here is the author making the most of the limited seating.

Most carts don’t even have this much, so ordering “to go” (takeaway) is the norm.

Low overheads , partly from not providing seating or roofing, and relatively easy licensing requirements for operators mean customers can enjoy foods which they might never encounter in restaurants and get great value for money.

Tomato soup with croutons (which the Portland Soup Company makes with butter and

potatoes for extra smoothness and flavour)

Is it good? He says yes!

Food carts in two areas

Downtown near PSU, a well-established location

Rose City Food Park, a newly created court for food carts in a residential area

Food carts offer a chance to try lesser-known cuisines

A cart offering dishes from the Pacific island of Guam, such as “Kelaguen Manok”, spicy chicken salad

“Pupusas”, savory corn-meal pancakes stuffed with meats and veggies, from El Salvador

See www.foodcartsportland.comFrom African to Venezuelan, there’s a food cart making it

in Portland, Oregon, USA.Some thing for town

planners to ponder at home in Adelaide?