Xiao Ye

The Taiwanese-American chef duo behind Hollywood’s Xiao Ye gives a delicious lesson in “first-generation American food.” Pasta dishes like Jolyn’s Favorite Noodle V. 1, a riff on late-night meals made with pantry staples like black vinegar and chili crisp, are both tasty and comforting. Order the madeleines made from masa and mochi, served with whipped butter and jalapeño powder, to really understand their playful vision that hopscotches globally. With mismatched chairs and pale green wainscoting, the space feels like a cozy cottage that’s casual enough for a weeknight dinner.

A cozy restaurant serving “first generation American food,” pulling inspiration from family recipes, midnight snacks and hometown nostalgia. Why we love it: We count on Xiao Ye for explosive flavor combinations, like Khao Soi radiatori and grilled branzino with a Chinese chimichurri. They serve inventive appetizers like mini madeleines with jalapeño powder and whipped butter, and orange and honey Kauai shrimp.

Before Louis Lin and Jolyn Chen opened this “first-generation American” restaurant, I could envision their eclectic approach to a menu of things they loved, including — but in no way limited to — dishes inspired by their Los Angeles upbringing and Taiwanese heritage. I figured the noodles would be good, given Lin’s time running Felix in Santa Monica, and that the service would be generous, as it was at Rose’s Luxury in Washington D.C., where the childhood friends worked together and fell in love. But I didn’t know the pair would be so adept at making miniatures.

Transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Taipei at Xiao Ye, a lively Taiwanese restaurant located in Portland's bustling Alberta Arts District. Known for its bold flavors and inventive dishes, Xiao Ye offers a menu of authentic Taiwanese street food favorites, from crispy scallion pancakes to savory beef noodle soup. Pair your meal with a refreshing bubble tea or traditional Taiwanese beer for the ultimate culinary experience that celebrates the vibrant spirit of Taiwanese cuisine.

Meaning late-night snack in Mandarin, the food here is described by its two owners as, “first-generation American food.” The menu is a delicious and delightful ode to dishes from the duo’s childhood, as well as flavors and techniques they’ve learned during their travels. Welcome to Xiao Ye, a local favorite spot. (Photo Credit: Carter Hiyama)

website | Instagram | neighborhood: Hollywood, NE Portland ( get directions) | cuisine: first-generation American fusion | dinner only. Pronounce “she-ow yeah”, Xiao Ye is a hard restaurant to define. You’ll find Italian classics like rigatoni all’amatriciana alongside dishes made with mochiko, chile oil, and other Asian ingredients.

Self-described as a cozy neighborhood restaurant, Xiao Ye is first-generation American food that comes from family recipes. On the menu, a range of dishes like tempura fried sardines, half-fried chicken, and the classic — Jolyn’s favorite noodle dish. An alkaline spaghetti with sesame, Taiwanese black vinegar, and lao gan ma.

🍝 The best pasta in town isn’t always found at Italian restaurants: check out Xiao Ye (which serves Asian fusion), the cocktail bar Scotch Lodge, and the French pop-up Le Clown for some of the best pasta offerings around, advises Eater Portland editor Brooke Jackson-Glidden.