Soup, soup, beautiful soup. When it comes to food carts, PDX is king and soup is no exception. From steamy ramen to Hungarian mushroom to classic tomato, Portland’s array of soup carts offer fast, filling meals for on-the-go families. And with added bonuses like grilled sandwiches and even mac ‘n’ cheese, there’s always something for the littles while you get your soup on. Read on to discover where to get your next belly-warming cup of comfort.

photo: Trina W. via Yelp

Portland Soup Company
The recipes change with the seasons, to reflect what’s available as well as what might sound good. In summer, you might find a gazpacho. In winter, Hungarian mushroom. Any time of year, there are usually three choices, and one of them is a classic tomato soup. If junior isn’t having it, there’s always mac and cheese to fall back on. Open during the week for lunch only.

1941 SW 4th Ave.
Portland
503-987-0217
Online: portlandsoup.com

photo: Noemi M. via Yelp

Umai 
Warm, belly-filling ramen is all the rage in Portland right now, with new restaurants opening all the time. Umai serves up their Umai Ramen (Shio, Shoyu or Miso base), or a vegetarian version featuring eggplant instead of pork shoulder. Be prepared to slurp your noodles near the cart, or pay $.50 for to go containers. This cart is serious about sustainability. (Note: This cart closed for vacation until Sep.23. Check the website for details.)

SE 33rd at Hawthorne (Behind the Hazel Room)
503-502-4428
Online: umaipdx.com

photo: Julie H. via Yelp

Hapa 
More ramen comes streaming out the window at Hapa. Choose traditional Shoyu Ramen or a more modern Tonkotsu style, then settle down for people-watching at the popular Tidbit Food cart pod.

SE Division St. & SE 28th Pl.
503-560-0393
Online: hapapdx.com

photo: treeny t. via Yelp

Savor Soup House
Savor Soup House has four soups that rotate on a weekly basis. For example, on a recent Thursday, you could get tomato with fennel and orange, sweet potato kale & coconut, pulled pork pozole and a borscht. In fact, you can get that popular tomato soup any day of the week, and it’s served with croutons and parmesan. Mmmm. Vegans, vegetarians and gluten-free eaters can find a suitable option every day, too.

1003 SW Alder St.
503-548-7652
Online: savorsouphouse.com

photo: Joshua C. via Yelp

Chowdah
This cart normally has three soups on: a seasonal, a veggie, and of course, the namesake New England clam chowder. Word is that they don’t skimp on the clams, either. Soups to go are available, as well as grilled cheese sandwiches. They also make one of the best Philly cheesesteaks with homemade cheese sauce. If you’re a meat-eater, get one.

7316 N. Lombard St.
503-867-2475
Online: facebook.com/chowdahpdx

Spoons
Spoons serves up soups, salads, and wraps to the hungry downtown lunch crowd. You’ll always find vegetarian or gluten-free options, and all cups and bowls are served with rustic Italian bread. A recent Friday menu offered Tuscan tomato, Hungarian mushroom, New England clam chowder and pepper & corn with smoked pork. Hungry yet?

SW 5th and Stark
503-522-3576
Online: facebook.com/SpoonsOn5th

photo: Michael S. via Yelp

Grilled Cheese Grill
Okay, it’s not exactly a soup cart, but what goes better with a bowl of tomato soup than a grilled cheese sandwich? Besides, you can get a plain ol’ grilled cheese or a cup of tomato soup for just $2.50. That’s tough to beat when you’re out and about. At the Alberta location, your kids will clamor to eat inside the retro school bus, retrofitted with tables and seats.

SW 10th and Alder
NE 11th & Alberta
Online: grilledcheesegrill.com

What’s your favorite tummy-warming soup from a cart? Let us know in the comments!

—Kelley Gardiner

featured photo: Jessica R via Yelp

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