There is a diverse selection of foods in Oregon that represent the state’s various climates and regions. From its seafood-rich coastal cities to its agricultural heartland, this Pacific Northwest state is home to some of the best eats in America. Whether you’ve got a taste for fresh seafood or crave something sweet and savory, the Oregon food tradition has plenty to offer
What’s Special About Oregon Food?
One of the things that make Oregon’s food scene stand out is its focus on locally sourced and sustainable ingredients. With fertile farmland and a commitment to environmentalism, Oregon produces an impressive variety of fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and top-quality meats.
But Oregon also has some iconic local favorites that have even gone national. Have you tried a Voodoo Donut? Or how about some Marionberry Pie from the famous Pacific Northwest berry? And let’s not forget about Tillamook Cheese and Dungeness Crab, two Oregon food staples that are a must-try for any foodie.
Oregon’s food scene is also known for its craft beer and wine. With over 900 wineries and countless breweries, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.
Here are just some of the amazing foods from Oregon that will tantalize your taste buds and have you drooling with delight!
Famous Foods In Oregon
Marionberry Pie
Oregon is known for its berries; Marionberries in particular. It’s one of the crown jewels of the Oregon food scene and a beloved ingredient.
Marionberries are a type of blackberry that was developed right here in Oregon, so you know you’re getting the real deal. The berries are plump, juicy, and bursting with sweet, tangy flavor.
Now, imagine those delicious berries baked into a flaky crust with just the right amount of sugar, butter, and spices. That’s the essence of Marionberry Pie – a dessert that’s as beautiful to look at as it is to eat.
Best of all, this is one of the iconic foods in Oregon you can find at almost any bakery or restaurant, so don’t worry about missing out. Take it up a notch by adding a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top.
The marionberry pie is just one example of the incredible treats you can make with these cute little berries. There are a whole bunch of foods from Oregon like jam, cobbler, syrup, tea and even fruit wine that are made from marionberries.
It’s a must-have experience in the Pacific Northwest!
Famous Foods In Oregon
Vietnamese Fish Sauce Chicken Wings (Pok Pok)
Vietnamese Fish Sauce Chicken Wings, also known as Pok Pok wings, is another iconic Oregon food. This dish was created by Portland restaurateur Andy Ricker and his first employee, Ich “Ike” Truong. It has since become one of the most popular foods in Oregon.
These wings are marinated with a sticky-sweet glaze then deep-fried until crispy. Sounds simple but this is one of those recipes where it’s all in the details. The fish sauce marinade gives them a savory umami kick, while the garlic, ginger, and chili add a spicy and aromatic zing.
The rich flavor just bursts in your mouth at first bite. Adding in the crunch of the exterior and juicy meat, it’s sure to satisfy your cravings for something unique and exciting.
Pok Pok is also a charming spot that transports you to the streets of Southeast Asia with its colorful decor and lively atmosphere.
So if you are looking to hunt down some delish Asian cuisine, the Vietnamese Fish Sauce Chicken Wings at Pok Pok is a popular option for some tasty foods in Oregon.
Dungeness Crab
Oregon is known for its seafood, and Dungeness crab is often seen as the pride and joy of the Oregon coast! This type of crab is caught in the Pacific waters during late fall and winter months.
Not only is Dungeness Crab one of the most popular seafood delicacies in the Pacific Northwest, but it’s also a crucial part of the Oregon food scene.
The sweet and succulent meat of the Dungeness Crab can be found in a variety of dishes across the state, from crab cakes to crab boils.
This versatile crab can be served up in a variety of ways – steamed, boiled, grilled or fried – but many locals will tell you that the best way to enjoy it is right out of the shell with butter and lemon juice. You can also add some extra zing by adding your favorite herbs or spices like garlic or parsley.
If you’re looking for lighter fare, try tossing some cooked Dungeness crab into a fresh salad. You can also add it to sandwiches for an extra flavor boost, or use it in creamy chowders and bisques.
One of the best ways to get a taste of the Dungeness Crab is to visit the many seafood restaurants along the coast. These places take pride in sourcing the freshest, local crab and serving it up in as a delicious fare.
This is one of the famous foods in Oregon you won’t want to miss! And you instantly know you’re in for a treat once you sink your teeth into this delicious crustacean.
Cheesey Good Foods From Oregon
Caveman Blue Cheese
Caveman Blue Cheese is arguably one of the most uniquely Oregon food. This cheese has been made by Rogue Creamery in Central Point since 2009 and is a testament to the creative spirit of Oregonians.
It’s a blue cheese that’s been aged for at least two months in the Southern caves of Oregon. The aptly named cheese has a distinct sweet nutty flavor that’s balanced by a hinge of vanilla and fruity tone; not forgetting the appealing buttery texture.
The aging process gives it that creamy taste, making it hard to resist. Caveman Blue is great for melting on top of burgers, steaks, or even salads. It also pairs well with Charcuterie boards, going along with fruit and nuts, as well as cured meats like prosciutto and salami.
Caveman Blue has won numerous awards and accolades, including being named one of the best blue cheeses in the world. You can find this delicious cheese a specialty food stores and cheese shops throughout Oregon, and of course, at the Rogue Creamery’s own shop and tasting room.
This is one of the most famous foods from Oregon. So if you’re a cheese lover, you absolutely have to try Caveman Blue Cheese when visiting the state.
Tillamook Cheese
So you can see that no trip to Oregon is complete without trying some of the delicious local cheese.
If you think Rogue Creamery and Blue Caveman is the only game in town, you will be mistaken. How about an even older brand that has been around since 1909?
Tillamook Cheese has been a staple in Oregon for over 100 years, and it’s no wonder why. Their signature reserve cheddar cheeses span a wide range of flavor profiles and sharpness, with one thing in common – extreme quality.
And if you’re looking for variety, Tillamook has got you covered. Beyond their classic cheddar, creamy brie and tangy blue cheese, they also produce award-winning specialty cheeses like hickory smoked, spicy habanero jack and garlic chili cheddar. These are perfect for adding a little oomph to your dishes, and they make great gift options too!
You can certainly find one to pair with anything you can think up – from the classic grilled cheese sandwich to macaroni and cheese.
What sets Tillamook Cheese apart is their dedication to traditional cheesemaking techniques. They age their cheese naturally, which means no shortcuts or artificial methods to speed up the process. This results in rich, complex flavors that are truly one-of-a-kind.
Tillamook cheese is so popular that it has made its way out of Oregon and can now be found in many specialty stores across the country. But nothing beats getting it fresh from the source – head to Tillamook County and pick some of these iconic foods from Oregon.
Signature Ingredient Foods From Oregon
Huckleberries
Oregon is home to many unique and delicious fruits. You already know about Marionberries, but let’s not forget the huckleberries that are just as special. These berries grow wild in the Pacific Northwest, and Oregonians certainly take full advantage of their deliciousness.
Huckleberries are similar to blueberries in terms of size and shape, but they have an intensely sweet flavor that sets them apart from the rest. They are a favorite among Oregonians, and you’ll find them in ice cream, jams, jellies, and syrups to top pancakes or waffles with.
Huckleberry pie is one of the most popular ways to enjoy these sweet berries. Made with buttery pastry crust and a filling of tart huckleberries, this classic dessert is a must-try for any foodie traveling through Oregon.
Beyond the sweet treats, you will even see them used as ingredients in local craft beers and wine. If you want to try huckleberries for yourself, head to one of the many farmer’s markets or even go picking in the wild! They can be found growing around Oregon’s Coast Range and Cascade Mountains.
Hazelnuts (Filberts)
Oregon is also known for its abundance of hazelnuts, also called filberts. These nuts have been grown in the Willamette Valley since the mid-1800s – making this one of the oldest food traditions in Oregon.
You can imagine the quality is unmatched as local farmers take great care in harvesting and processing them. In fact, 99% of the hazelnuts in the United States come from Oregon. These are produced across around 1300 farms.
Hazelnuts are obviously popular snacks, but they are also an integral part of the state’s culinary culture. These nutty delights make appearances in all sorts of dishes, from savory to sweet.
The flavor profile of these nuts is deep and rich with notes of cocoa, coffee, caramel and roasted chestnut. They pair nicely with chocolate and make an excellent ingredient for baking goods like brownies and cookies.
You’ll find hazelnuts in all sorts of Oregon products, too. Take, for example, Nutella – yes, that Nutella – which sources its hazelnuts from the state. Or how about hazelnut coffee? That’s right, many local coffee roasters blend hazelnut flavoring into their beans for a nutty twist on your morning cup of joe.
A great way to experience this important food Oregon is known for is to join a hazelnut orchard tour. You can learn more about this Oregon food tradition and sample some of the delicious treats made with local nuts!
Desserts And Sweet Foods Of Oregon
Bacon Maple Bar/Donut
The delectable Bacon Maple Bar is one of the most famous foods from Oregon.
This delightful pastry is a perfect combination of two of the best things in life – crispy bacon and sweet, fluffy donuts covered with sweet maple glaze.
The combination of salty, savory bacon and sugary glaze creates an unforgettable flavor contrast that explodes in your mouth! Not to mention, this is one of those unique dishes that will give you a glimpse into what makes Oregon cuisine so special.
The best place to try this mouth-watering treat is Voodoo Doughnut, a funky and quirky donut shop that’s become an icon Portland is known for. The Bacon Maple Bar is one of their most popular items, and for good reason – it’s the perfect breakfast, snack, or dessert.
If you’re looking to satisfy both your sweet tooth and salty cravings, the Bacon Maple Bar is definitely one to look out for. Pack some along if you have to, you can enjoy them while exploring the famous landmarks in Oregon.
Voodoo Donuts
Speaking of Voodoo Doughnuts, this iconic donut shop has been serving up delicious treats since 2003 and is still one of the most popular spots for both locals and travelers coming to Portland.
The menu offers a variety of classic flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and glazed, but what’s really special are their wide variety of adventurous creations like Oh Captain, My Captain (cereal-covered donuts), Ring Of Fire (Cinnamon and pepper anyone?), and, of course, the Bacon Maple Bar!
There are even some over-the-top ones like the Voodoo Doll, which is shaped like a creepy voodoo doll. That eccentric vibe is plastered all over their brand from their products to interior decor. That is why their distinctive pink boxes always bring a smile to people’s faces.
The truth is, you can’t visit Oregon without trying some Voodoo Doughnuts! It is one of the brands and foods Oregon is known for. So make sure to stop by this landmark when you’re here – it’s sure to leave a lasting impression.
Iconic Drinks In Oregon
Pinot Noir
Oregon also has a rather thriving wine culture, and the state’s signature grape variety is Pinot Noir – specifically those from Willamette Valley.
One of the interesting facts about Oregon is that this region actually boasts conditions similar to that of Burgundy in France.
The area’s cool climate and fertile soil make for the perfect growing environment for Pinot Noir grapes, resulting in wines that are both complex and delicious.
This famous grape varietal gives Oregon wines their distinct flavor – it’s fruity, yet earthy with hints of berries, cherry, and spice. Oregon Pinot Noir is especially prized for its ability to express the terroir of the region, with each vineyard producing varied flavor profiles.
Pinot Noir has become so popular that even some of the biggest names in winemaking have established vineyards here! But you don’t need to be a connoisseur to experience this iconic grape – plenty of local wineries offer affordable tastings for all budgets.
One of the best ways to experience these local produce is via wine tours in Oregon. The ideal time to visit is during the harvest season (which runs from September through November)
And of course, you can also pair it with a delicious meal at one of the many restaurants that specialize in local cuisine.
FAMOUS FOODS IN THE US |
Discovering Famous Oregon Food
Oregon’s food scene is a reflection of the state’s personality – unique, creative, and committed to quality.
You can find everything from freshly caught crabs, and salmon to succulent oysters. Meanwhile, the abundance of farms inland produces fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats with natural flavors that are well-loved throughout the state.
With all that access to quality ingredients, Oregon can be a food lover’s paradise, with a unique and eclectic culinary scene that is sure to satisfy any craving.
