Small Bites: Tastebud, Costa Rican Food, Radicchio, and More

Tastebud wood fired margherita pizza
Photo credit: Tastebud Pizza.

Tastebud gets review-bombed. This week some folks took issue with statements Mark Doxtader, owner of Tastebud, posted on the pizzeria’s website. This led to articles posted about it on conservative outlets like Fox News, the New York Post and the Daily Mail (UK). That, in turn, inspired the practice of “review bombing” by some invested in protesting against statements like “Release the Trump/Epstein files.” and “The Holocaust was real.” GoodStuffNW has more details. Find additional info on this developing story in The Oregonian.

Tastebud makes wood-fired pizzas and more in Multnomah Village. 7783 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland

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Baka Umai Ramen Den Is Open in Northwest Portland

Cho-maz at Baka Umai Ramen Den.
Cho-Maz, made with housemade chorizo. Photo credit: Baka Umai.

Last week Baka Umai (soft) opened their second location in Northwest Portland. Affectionately called the Ramen Den, they offer their same creative dishes in a new, cozy space—which previously was the second location of Grant’s Philly Cheesesteaks. I spoke with one of Baka Umai’s owners, Robert Greenup, recently to find out more about the Baka Umai Ramen Den. Here’s what I learned.

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Dumpling Week 2026 in Portland

Momos at Taste de Everett for Dumpling Week 2026.
Beautiful momos in a soup made with nine beans. Photo credit: Taste de Everest

It’s back! Dumpling Week 2026 arrives this Sunday, February 15. After Salad Week (natch), Dumpling Week is my favorite food week in Portland (we keep a list of the others over in our Portland Food and Drink Festivals page). This year, over 40 restaurants are participating in Dumpling Week.

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BBANG! Will Open Next to the Holy Ghost in Portland

Three of the sandwiches you can get at BBANG! Shrimp burger is in the middle.
I spy Bbang. Photo credit: BBANG!

Late last year, Chinese restaurant 28 Tigers said farewell to their space next to the Holy Ghost Bar on Southeast 28th Avenue. Around that time (in November), I quoted the 28 Tigers folks with, “A new exciting project will be taking over our space while we find some rest before the next project manifests.” Well, that exciting project is BBANG!, a new Korean restaurant offering sandwiches, burgers, Korean fried chicken and tofu, and tasty sides—and a love of the bread the binds them.

I spoke with one of the owners of BBANG!, Megan Kim, and here is what I learned about the new place.

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