Keith Lee’s Portland Food Tour: A Culinary Adventure of Star Ratings

PORTLAND, Ore. — Food influencers have a unique power to elevate local dining experiences, and Keith Lee, a beloved TikTok food critic with over 17.2 million followers, is no exception. Known for his energetic reviews that often lead to what fans dub the “Keith Lee effect,” his latest endeavor in Portland is capturing the attention of food enthusiasts and restaurateurs alike. On his “The Familee Food Tour,” Lee is on a mission to uncover the best culinary delights this vibrant city has to offer.

Announcement of Portland Stop

Lee’s announcement that Portland would be his next destination sent waves of excitement through social media. Local restaurant owners eagerly awaited his arrival as they shared recommendations, hopeful that his visit could give their establishments a much-needed boost in visibility and sales. It’s no secret that when Keith Lee stops by, the stakes are raised, and the anticipation builds.

First Stop: Gado Gado

On July 30, Lee made his inaugural stop at Gado Gado, a James Beard Award-winning Indonesian restaurant nestled in Northeast Portland. Lee relished a delightful meal, indulging in dishes such as roti with blistered tomato curry, charcoal grilled chicken satay, and green curry accompanied by clove-scented rice. His final rating? A perfect 10 out of 10.

Dish Highlights

Lee was particularly enchanted by the roti, which he described as “a flaky handmade Malaysian flatbread paired with a burst of flavor from the blistered tomato curry, coconut, and aromatic garlic oil.” Initially, he rated the tomato curry a 9 out of 10, praising its vibrant taste, yet his appreciation soared once he enjoyed it as part of the complete meal.

“This might be my first ten that I’ve given out in months,” Lee exclaimed during his TikTok review. “It’s one of the most balanced-flavored meals I’ve ever had.”

He evaluated the charcoal grilled chicken satay with a 7 out of 10, noting that it would have achieved a higher score had it not contained an allergen. His visit showcased the restaurant’s dedication to excellent customer service, as they accommodated his family’s specific dietary needs despite not typically offering takeout options.

Adding to the community spirit, Lee contributed $2,000 worth of meals for future diners and left a generous $500 tip for the staff, embodying his ethos of supporting small businesses. This act sparked a flurry of enthusiastic social media reactions from patrons eager to share their own experiences.

Second Stop: Kee’s Loaded Kitchen

The very next day, on July 31, Lee sought out Kee’s Loaded Kitchen, a beloved soul food truck located on Northeast Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Recommended by over 1,000 fans, this stop promised a hearty culinary experience.

A Hearty Feast

Lee indulged in a loaded plate that boasted an impressive selection: catfish, chicken wings, pork chop, mac and cheese, corn, and beef ribs with red beans and rice. The critic noted the catfish as being “extremely seasoned” and flaky, awarding it an 8 out of 10, though he cautioned it was saltier than his preference.

However, the star of the plate was undeniably the mac and cheese, which he heralded as the best he’s ever tasted on his food tour, giving it a radiant 9 out of 10. He did provide a friendly warning that it could become “very gluey” after cooling, a testament to the rich cheese content that made it irresistibly creamy.

Despite typically shying away from beef ribs, Lee rated them an 8 out of 10, commenting on their tender, smoky flavor. “It doesn’t taste like we’re in Portland, it tastes like we’re in the country somewhere. But I absolutely see why people told us to come here,” he remarked.

The Impact of the Keith Lee Effect

Keith Lee’s influence extends beyond mere ratings. His engagements often lead to substantial boosts in customer traffic and visibility for the establishments he visits. Portland’s local community is buzzing with anticipation about which restaurant will be featured next, leveraging the momentum of his reviews for potential success.

While his previous stopovers — such as a food tour in Seattle — produced varied results for the establishments he visited, the local response to his Portland tour indicates that many are hopeful for continued success driven by Lee’s enthusiastic endorsements.

Stay tuned as Keith Lee continues his exploration of Portland cuisine. What hidden gems will he uncover next?