October is Filipino American History Month! It commemorates the first recorded presence of Filipinos in the continental United States when “Luzones Indios” landed at what is now Morro Bay, California, in 1587. Today, Filipino Americans are the second-largest Asian American group in the nation and an integral part of Portland’s vibrant small business community. To celebrate, we have put together a list of businesses that are Filipino American-owned or serve Portland’s Filipino American community. Show your support to them this month and every month.
- Citywide: Have you ever tried Filipino coffee? Barkada Coffee sells coffee made with rare Philippine-grown beans and can be found online and at community events around the city.
- Belmont Area: The Filipino Bayanihan Center provides culturally relevant programs and health services. It also helps community members access free and low-cost resources, and connects families to grassroots organizations and advocates.
- Division/Clinton: Magna Cusina’s chef Carlo Lamagna plays with the Filipino cuisine of his childhood, incorporating techniques and tricks he picked up in Chicago for his farm-to-table favorites.
- Foster: Treat yourself to an authentic Filipino meal at Tambayan Restaurant, where you’ll find many traditional favorites.
- Gateway: Founded in 1983, Lily Market sells high-quality, reasonably priced items from Asian countries, including the Philippines.
- Hawthorne: Find the latest styles at Cultural Blends, a clothing store specializing in local brands, rare vintage clothing, and sneakers.
- NW Industrial: P-Dinh Finishing Bindery can take your ideas and turn them into reality. Whether you need boxes with magnetic closures, custom book covers, game boards, or menus, they can do it all.
- Old Town: Pamana is a neighborhood brunch spot inside The Hoxton Hotel inspired by Filipino ingredients. Pamana, meaning “legacy” or “heritage” in Tagalog, explores the connections of culture, personal traditions, and presence in global cuisine.
- Overlook: Through grants and technical assistance, the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce of Oregon (PACCO) seeks to build generational wealth for historically marginalized and economically disadvantaged communities.
- Parkrose: Fork and Spoon House has a tight menu of favorites like pork adobo, pinakbet, and kare-kare, plus sisig fries, a unique dish that uses chopped, grilled pork and onions as a topping.
- Williams District: Formerly located inside the Moxy Hotel, Sun Rice recently brought its Filipino breakfast offerings to North Williams. Known for the classic Filipino dish, silog (garlic rice + a sunny egg), the restaurant has expanded and now offers a dinner menu as well.
This list is only a snapshot of the great Filipino American offerings in Portland. What are your favorite Filipino American-owned businesses? Show us on Facebook and Instagram.