1. La Jarochita Veracruz-style tamales in banana leaves and made-to-order Mexican flatbreads (sopes and huaraches) with various toppings. 310 S.W. Fifth Ave.; 503/421-9838.
2. Tábor From a truck that looks like a gypsy cart, Czech specialties like fried eggplant on ciabatta, slathered with paprika spread and horse-radish. Stark St. near S.W. Fifth Ave.; schnitzelwich.com or 503/997-5467.
Downtown near the library
3. The Sugar Cube Glorious cupcakes and cookies. Contact to place orders. 503/890-2825.
4. Spella Caffe roasts coffee beans off-site, then hand-pulls sublime espresso drinks here. Dreamy, chocolate-flaked stracciatella gelato too (served seasonally beginning Mar 21). W. Ninth Ave. at Alder St.; 503/421-9723.
5. Samurai Bento The Japanese-born owner and his sons cook homey fare like yakisoba ― pan-fried noodles with pork or tofu, vegetables, a fried egg, and pickled ginger. 950 S.W. Alder St.; 503/757-8802.
6. Asian Station Cafe Pan-Asian specialties like delicately flavored shrimp har gow, flaky roti flatbread with curry sauce, and chicken-coconut curry. 599 S.W. 10th Ave.; 503/227-5727.
Next: nosh in North Portland
North Portland
John Clark
From her cute trailer, Moxie Rx, in North Portland, Nancye Benson whips up excellent juice drinks and breakfasts.
7. Moxie Rx Roadside Juice Bar & Cafe Lighter-than-air buckwheat waffles, buttery biscuits, salads, smoothies, and juice drinks. N. Mississippi Ave. at N. Shaver St.; 503/285-0701.
8. Junior Ambassador’s Wonderful whole-wheat “pan-wiches” with cheddar and tomato, plus gingery slaw or Cheez-Its. Reopens Mar 1; next to 4734 N. Albina Ave.; 503/880-0851.
Sellwood
9. Garden State Farm-to-table Italian-style chickpea polenta sandwiches, divine arancine (fried risotto balls), and a meatball hero to make an Italian mama proud. Closed Mon; next to 7875 S.E. 13th Ave.; 503/705-5273.
Local farmers’ markets
10. Tastebud At their store and at four farmers’ markets, these folks make chewy, smoky pizza with toppings like asparagus, shallots, and dandelion marmalade. 503/234-0330.
