Is Portland the best gluten-free city in the world? Travel writer Matt Hansen thinks so.
He bases that on the relatively large number of completely gluten-free establishments — 20 to 25 bakeries and restaurants — and on the wide variety among them, including gluten-free breweries. You can also find gluten-free fish and chips, fried chicken, Thai noodles, and, of course, doughnuts.
Hansen, who has celiac disease, shares his picks for the most delicious Portland restaurants that have no gluten on the premises:
🍴Restaurants
There are a huge array of options:
Wheat flour is entirely unnecessary to produce excellent fried fish and chips. Bonus: “Their fries are amazing,” says Hansen.
They’ve got gluten-free noodles plus gluten-free sauces, which can be an unexpected pitfall at Thai restaurants.
Sushi can also pose an unexpected problem: Soy sauce and tempura can come with a side of wheat, but not here.
Besides being one of the best restaurants in the city, the upscale Haitian restaurant is entirely gluten-free (and dairy-free).
🚚 Food Trucks
Portland’s food truck scene also doesn’t disappoint:
If you’re looking for Indian flavors, this is a good option. Hansen’s favorites: Cardamom chai chicken and pickled vegetables.
Note: Located currently at the Prost! food cart pod, it’ll soon relocate to Southeast Division Street.
It’s not usually possible to find corndogs and funnel cakes in gluten-free form. But here you can.
You don't have to go far for the best gluten-free bakery. (Matt Hansen)
🎂 Bakeries and Dessert
Of course, Portland also excels at gluten-free pastries and breads:
The bakery has good bread, pizza, and bagels. “I've been around the world eating gluten-free food — that's what I do for work — and I have never had gluten-free bread that is better than New Cascadia,” says Hansen.
Visit for sweet treats of all kinds — and on Saturdays and Sundays, doughnuts.
This spot has crossover appeal. For wheat eaters, it might be a surprise, but this Vietnamese bakery is safe for the gluten-free. “ I love Berlu,” says Hansen. “That's the place out of all the places I'm talking about that we go the most often.”
Ice cream becomes a wheat hazard when there are cones around and flavors like cookies-and-cream. Kate’s is another spot that’s both dairy-free and gluten-free.
Bierly Brewing (McMinnville)
The brewery is gluten-free. But the best part: It offers fresh, hot doughnuts straight out of the oven Saturdays through Mondays.
Blue Moon Bakery (Hillsboro)
It has a full range of sweet treats like eclairs or doughnuts.
📲 Your recommendations: What are your favorite gluten-free spots? Email us your recommendations.
