Portland’s vibrant culinary landscape is set to welcome a significant new addition as **OK Chicken Khao Soi** prepares to open its doors in early January 2026. The restaurant will occupy the highly anticipated space formerly home to the legendary Pok Pok on Southeast Division Street, a location steeped in the city’s recent gastronomic history. Behind this new venture is a formidable trio of Portland culinary talent: Eric Nelson, Earl Ninsom, and Sam Smith, who have already made substantial marks on the city’s restaurant and bar scene, bringing their expertise to **OK Chicken Khao Soi**.
A Proven Culinary Pedigree for OK Chicken Khao Soi
Eric Nelson is recognized for his extensive work on bar programs at acclaimed establishments like Yaowarat, Phuket Cafe, Langbaan, and Eem. Earl Ninsom, a James Beard Award-winning chef, brings a wealth of expertise from his involvement with many of these same lauded restaurants, including Eem and Langbaan. Sam Smith, also a chef with a strong presence in Portland’s food community, notably at Yaowarat and through his active presence on social media, completes the ownership team behind **OK Chicken Khao Soi**. Together, they represent a collective vision honed through years of successful operation and critical acclaim within Oregon’s competitive dining industry, a testament to their commitment to **OK Chicken Khao Soi**.
Championing Northern Thai Cuisine at OK Chicken Khao Soi
OK Chicken & Khao Soi aims to carve out a distinct niche by focusing on Northern Thai cuisine, a regional specialty that is less commonly represented in Portland compared to other Thai culinary styles. The menu will prominently feature dishes like grilled and fried chicken, a Northern-style larb known as Larb Mueng—which is characterized by its warm spices rather than the more common lime-forward versions—and, as the name suggests, three varieties of **OK Chicken Khao Soi**: beef, chicken, and vegetarian. This focus promises to introduce Portland diners to the nuanced and diverse flavors of Northern Thailand, building upon the groundwork laid by chefs like Andy Ricker, the founder of the former Pok Pok, and setting the stage for **OK Chicken Khao Soi**.
Revitalizing a Legendary Space for OK Chicken Portland
The choice of the former Pok Pok location is significant. Pok Pok, which closed its doors in 2020, was a defining institution in Portland’s food scene for over a decade, earning national recognition and multiple awards for its authentic approach to Thai street food, particularly its iconic Vietnamese fish sauce wings. While the new owners note that their restaurant’s name, “OK Chicken & Khao Soi,” was inspired by a sign in Bangkok for “OK Khao Man Gai” and not a direct reference to “Pok Pok,” they acknowledge the legacy of the space they are inheriting. They express gratitude for the foundation laid by Pok Pok, recognizing its role in expanding American diners’ palates for regional Thai dishes and are excited to bring **OK Chicken Khao Soi** to this storied spot. This new chapter for the Pok Pok space is a welcome addition to Portland new restaurants.
A Neighborhood Vibe and Innovative Drinks at OK Chicken Portland
Beyond the plate, **OK Chicken Khao Soi** aspires to cultivate a friendly neighborhood atmosphere, drawing inspiration from the lively energy of Thai street food culture. The establishment also plans to offer a robust selection of non-alcoholic (NA) drinks featuring Thai flavors, with the option to add spirits, catering to a diverse range of preferences. For late-night patrons, the menu will shift towards a greater emphasis on fried foods, echoing the popular late-night eats found in cities like Chiang Mai. This approach aligns with Portland’s reputation for innovative and thoughtful restaurant concepts, where atmosphere and beverage programs are as crucial as the food itself, making **OK Chicken Khao Soi** a must-visit.
Contributing to Portland’s Dynamic Scene with OK Chicken Khao Soi
The opening of **OK Chicken Khao Soi** arrives at a time when Portland’s restaurant and bars scene continues to be a trending hub for culinary innovation in Oregon. With its focus on a specific regional cuisine and its notable ownership team, the new restaurant is poised to become a significant player, adding another distinctive chapter to the ongoing story of Portland’s celebrated gastronomic identity. The team hopes to open their doors in early 2026, with potential pop-up events in December 2025 to offer a preview of their offerings at **OK Chicken Khao Soi**. This addition to Portland new restaurants is highly anticipated.
