Ba Mee Thai Noodle House Is Coming to North Williams

Photo credit: Ba Mee Thai Noodle House

While I was perusing city documents, I saw that something called Ba Mee Thai Noodle House is slated to open on North Williams—the website says they are “opening soon.” Looking into this new business brought up memories of a number of now closed and beloved restaurants in two drastically different areas of Portland.

First off, Ba Mee Thai Noodle House is named after noodles: ba mee (or, “bami”) means noodle, a kind of wheat-based egg noodle with origins in China. You may also know these noodles if you order Khao Soi (one of my favorite curries), which uses them in the dish. Noodles can be “haeng” (dry, without soup or broth) or “nam” (with soup or broth).

Looking at the restaurant’s online menu, it looks like noodles are mostly “haeng” and possibly stir-fried. I suspect there will be a larger menu by the time they open, with possibly more “nam” options for noodles. I also like that they are offering simply noodles for five bucks.

The person behind Ba Mee Thai Noodle House is Methinee Rattanaphaibuncharoen, who seems to be a part of a variety of food-oriented ventures in the greater Portland area.

Ba Mee Thai Noodle House will open at 4120 N Williams Avenue. Previously, this location was home to Dick’s Primal Burger, which opened in March 2022 and closed in March 2023. Dick’s moved there from Cully, where they had been there for about a year and a half (opening in October 2020) after the odd ending to Beeswing. Of course, after Dick’s left Cully, Nico’s Cantina moved in, but they are gone now, too. Here’s hoping that space gets a good new tenant.

Aside: I was at the Dick’s Primal Burger on Woodstock the other day and had a pretty great meal.

As for Ba Mee Thai, it is unclear when they will open. They’ve requested a full on-premises liquor license, so I expect cocktails are in the plans. They plan to be open every day from 11am to midnight, including outdoor seating.

I love Thai food, so I look forward to checking out this place when they are open. Hopefully by the Lunar New Year!

Ba Mee Thai Noodle House [opening TBD]
4120 N Williams Avenue, Portland
bameethainoodle.com