Tap Tap PDX: My New Favorite Portland Gem

I just found my new favorite restaurant in Portland, and I honestly can't stop thinking about it. Friends, meet Tap Tap PDX (Tap Tap Cuisine), an authentic Haitian restaurant in Portland that is absolutely pouring heart and soul into every single dish. The food was so good, my travel buddy and I went two nights in a row!

Tap Tap PDX is a family affair, run by the incredibly genuine owner, Dieuson Alix, and his wonderful mother. Walking into the Sandy Blvd location (the one we visited, though they have two!), you immediately feel the warmth and culture. The space is bright, beautiful, and decorated with stunning Haitian art, honoring the country's spirit and resilience. The name itself, "Tap Tap," is a tribute to the famously colorful Haitian buses that bring people together, and that's exactly what this restaurant does.

The Dishes That Made Me A Regular

If you go (and you must go), here are the three dishes that made me fall head over heels.

1. Black Rice (Diri Djon Djon)

I’m starting with the most important one. This Black Rice is an absolute revelation. I thought it was made with mushrooms, and I was right! It gets its deep, earthy flavor and gorgeous dark color from the djon djon mushroom, a specialty from Haiti. It’s rich, savory, and the perfect foundation for everything else on the menu. Honestly, I could just eat a bowl of this on its own. It’s what keeps me dreaming of my next visit.

2. The Famous Fried Turkey

If you are looking for classic Portland Caribbean food, the Fried Turkey (Tassot de Dinde) is a must order. It’s marinated, slow cooked until it’s perfectly tender, and then fried to achieve this crispy, golden crust that seals in all the flavor. It was juicy, savory, and the kind of soul food you can’t stop reaching for.

3. Shrimp Curry

As a big fan of curries, their version was a total winner. The Shrimp Curry is creamy, aromatic, and packed with colorful bell peppers. It’s got a wonderful Caribbean spice profile that gives it a subtle, comforting heat. The sauce is so good, you’ll want to scoop up every last drop with your rice. (Seriously, check out the color of that sauce in my photos!)

Beyond the Menu

Tap Tap PDX is more than just dinner; it’s a cultural experience. From the moment you walk into either the Sandy Blvd location (which we loved!) or their other spot, you’re greeted with genuine hospitality. They also host cultural events like Creole language classes and comedy nights, making it a true community hub.

The next time you’re looking for authentic, incredible food in the area, put Tap Tap PDX at the top of your list. You won't regret supporting this wonderful mother son duo who are sharing the beautiful, vibrant soul of Haiti with Portland.

Tap Tap
3434 NE Sandy Blvd Suite 400, Portland, OR 97232
(971) 997-2880
taptapcuisine6@gmail.com