portland, oregon
ABOUT EARLEarl Ninsom was only 8 years old when he cooked his first dish: a simple rice-and-pork porridge he prepared for his mother when she fell ill. He hasn’t left the kitchen since. Today critics regard the Bangkok, Thailand-born restaurateur among the most talented chefs/restauranteurs in Portland, Oregon, where he helms a small empire of nationally acclaimed Thai restaurants — including EEM, Langbaan, Hat Yai, Paadee, Phuket Cafe, and the recently opened Yaowarat.
Both the Oregonian and Portland Monthly crowned EEM as restaurant of the year in 2019, Langbaan in 2014. GQ ranked Langbaan second on its list of the “25 Most Outstanding Restaurants of 2015.” Hat Yai landed on USA Today’s “Top 10 Best New Restaurants” in 2016. Recently opened Yaowarat, was named 2023 restaurant of the year by Portland Monthly. In 2024, Langbaan won a James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurant.
Before opening his first restaurant in 2008, Ninsom — who holds degrees in marketing and economics — traveled the world pursuing a career in international business.
FEATURE: Our Newest RestaurantOK Chicken and Khao Soi is a Northern Thai restaurant from Earl Ninsom, Eric Nelson, and Sam Smith, rooted in the flavors of Chiang Mai. The menu centers on rich, curry-coated khao soi with beef, chicken, or tofu, alongside fried and charcoal-grilled chicken, sai oua sausage, papaya salads, and nam phrik relishes built for sharing. Inspired by time spent eating their way through northern Thailand, the dishes lean bold, herbal, and deeply savory, with plenty of chiles and sticky rice to tie it all together. The bar keeps things easygoing with fruit smoothies, teas, and slushies.
OK Chicken and Khao Soi, closes a loop of Portland Thai food history
Portland Monthly
location:
3226 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97202
recent press
Earl Ninsom Marries Thai Tradition with Portland’s Seasonal Ingredients
May 2025
our restaurants
Langbaan
Phuket Cafe
PaaDee
MISSION“Be a positive force for good, don't settle!”
- Earl Ninsom