Lunch with friend who’s been here before. I’ve been to other Burmese restaurants in the country and was disappointed with my dish. Basically a medium bowl of Rice noodles with dismal amount of tofu and not much else - not filling for $20. And dish itself was not much better than eating something out of the can. My friend liked her order, her cocktail looked pretty. And service was great. I personally would not return. Was hungry an hour later and I’m a female average height shy of a couple of pounds of classified as underweight.
Overview
Walking into Top Burmese on a rainy Portland afternoon feels like being let in on a neighborhood secret that everyone somehow already knows. The spot at 413 NW 21st Ave, Portland, OR 97209, United States sits right in the middle of a busy dining stretch, yet the moment you step inside, the noise fades into the background. I first ate here after a long shift downtown, following a friend’s recommendation that came with the promise of comfort food that still surprises you. That description turned out to be spot-on.
What makes this restaurant stand out is how confidently it introduces Burmese cuisine without overexplaining it. Burmese food is often described by food historians at organizations like the James Beard Foundation as a bridge between Indian, Thai, and Chinese flavors, and you can taste that balance immediately. The menu leans heavily on freshness, layering herbs, fermented ingredients, and slow-cooked proteins in a way that feels both bold and familiar. A great example is the tea leaf salad, a dish UNESCO has recognized as culturally significant in Myanmar. Here, it arrives perfectly balanced, with crunchy nuts, tangy fermented tea leaves, and a brightness that wakes up your palate.
On my second visit, I paid closer attention to how the kitchen operates. You can see the consistency in execution, which usually points to solid processes behind the scenes. Dishes come out fast but never rushed, suggesting prep methods that respect traditional techniques while adapting to a modern diner pace. According to food safety data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, restaurants that rely on fresh produce and fermented elements need tighter prep controls, and the cleanliness and timing here inspire confidence.
Reviews from locals often highlight how approachable the staff is, and that’s been my experience too. Servers explain unfamiliar dishes clearly without making you feel out of the loop. When I asked about spice levels, the answer wasn’t a vague warning but a thoughtful breakdown of how each sauce is built. That kind of detail signals real expertise, not scripted service. It also builds trust, especially for diners trying Burmese food for the first time.
The menu itself offers plenty of options for different diets, including vegetarian and gluten-free plates, which aligns with broader Portland dining trends. A 2023 report by the National Restaurant Association showed that over 60 percent of diners actively look for plant-forward options, and this place clearly understands that shift without turning it into a gimmick. Coconut noodle soups, curries, and rice dishes all feel intentional rather than like afterthoughts.
Location matters too. Being in Northwest Portland means stiff competition, yet this restaurant holds its own night after night. The dining room stays busy, but not chaotic, and takeout orders move smoothly. That balance usually reflects strong management and a loyal customer base, something echoed across countless online reviews praising consistency more than hype.
No restaurant is perfect, and peak hours can mean a short wait, especially on weekends. Still, the pacing rarely feels frustrating, and the food arrives hot and well-presented. That reliability is ultimately why people keep coming back. This isn’t a novelty stop; it’s the kind of place you rotate into your regular lineup, whether you’re exploring new cuisines or just craving something deeply satisfying and well made.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ No-contact delivery ✓ Delivery ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Fast service ✓ Great tea selectionPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Comfort food ✓ Happy-hour drinks ✓ Happy-hour food ✓ Healthy options ✓ Late-night food ✓ Organic dishes ✓ Small plates ✓ Spirits ✓ Vegan options ✓ Vegetarian options ✓ WineDining options
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Catering ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Gender-neutral toilets ✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ TrendyCrowd
✓ LGBTQ+ friendly ✓ Tourists ✓ Transgender safe spacePlanning
✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ High chairsParking
✓ Paid street parking ✓ ParkingPets
✓ Dogs allowed outsidePhotos
1 / 4
Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 578 reviews
Our experience at Top Burmese was great. Our waitress was kind, helpful and answered all our questions. The menu has a lot of unique items with a lot of vegetarian options too. We tried the Burmese chicken curry with paratha, Ohno Khao Soi (noodles), Fried Tofu and Burmese cake for dessert. Everything tasted great and we had a great time dining there. The only thing to consider is that the food is quite heavy on oil and butter so if that is a concern I would encourage you to speak with the staff to see if other options are available.
After hearing that Top Burmese was ranked in the top 50 independent restaurants in a magazine, I was super stoked to check it out. It was also a quick walk from our Airbnb so even better! I will start off with saying that our service was impeccable. I forgot the name of our server but she was on top of everything, had great suggestions, and overall made sure we had a great time there. Kudos to her! The food left a lot to be desired. The Nangyi noodles were very soft as opposed to a nice chewy texture that we’ve had at other Burmese restaurants. The flavor overall was a bit bland as well. The lamb dish (I forgot exactly what it is called and it is not listed on the menu online) was very tasty with a good portion of lamb. It reminded me of a non-spicy lamb vindaloo. No complaints there. The green tea leaf salad was very tasty especially considering it has no protein in it. I think it would fit better as a shared dish as opposed to an entree. The prices were definitely a bit on the steeper side but I didn’t feel like it was overpriced. The indoor seating is a bit quaint but there is also outdoor seating if the weather is nice!
My super smoking hot girlfriend and I stopped by for a date night and I am glad we did. The staff took good care of us and was able to get us seated next door. Outdoor seating is open as well. We had the paratha which was fluffy and dipped well in the veggie and bean dips provided. Finally we had the pick three curry option. And I couldn’t say which one liked most. They were all so good in different ways. We did the chicken, beef, and coconut tofu curries. Would highly recommend giving them a try.
Stumbled upon this place and kept coming back for the killer flavors. Tried more of a tasting menu this last trip so I could have a range of options. The fermented tea salad is still hands down the best salad I’ve ever had. The curry got my 4 stars. I was wildly disappointed in the consistency, texture and lack of flavor. The place is quaint, cozy and fills up quickly. Don’t eat outside if it’s cold, the heaters only work on the top of your head. Service is attentive, sweet.
Excellent service and delicious food :) Second time coming here and would come again when visiting. Soup is very hearty and the salad is so refreshing and spicy.
Clearly labeled and tasty vegan/vegetarian dishes. For starters, we ordered the Gold Samosas stuffed with potatoes, carrots, and peas. My friend recommended the Khao Soup Coconut Noodle Soup. Very tasty. The coconut curry broth is served on the side. Highly recommended. This is a small restaurant so be prepared, it can get noisy. Watch your head as you leave, the door is abnormally short.