808 grinds is a hawaiian food truck located in downtown portland. before we headed head for lunch, we did a little research about the must try food trucks in portland. 808 grinds was consistently mentioned.
when we arrived at 11:00am, they were just opening. despite this, there was always a couple of customers ahead of us. we quickly glanced at their menu on the side and chose the da combo (shou chicken and kalua pig with a side of rice and macaroni salad). the people working there were diligent and friendly. they also offered their own house made sauces. there were a variety of flavours and we tried 4 of them.
the shoyu chicken. oh my god. we have never had anything like this before. first, they provided huge portions. it was an entire chicken breast on our plate that was pull apart tender. there was distinct ginger taste along with a sweetness that just made the dish. it was, by far, the best chicken we've had at any food truck locations.
the kalua pig was also very tender and had a different sauce/taste. we weren't entirely sure what it was but it tasted smoky and savoury. it was great and the portion was very generous as well.
the macaroni salad was equally as good. it really helped cleanse your palette after the meats as they were very savoury. the rice was also a welcomed addition that provided additional texture to each bite.
808 grinds has really opened the door the hawaiian cuisine for us. before this, we never had an opportunity or desire to try hawaiian cuisine but after this, we will be sure to give this cuisine a proper go. we highly recommend the shoyu chicken and their unique house made sauces.