TikTok sensation and influential food critic, Keith Lee, has officially commenced his much-anticipated culinary journey through Portland, Oregon, sending ripples of excitement across the local dining landscape. His initial stops have already generated significant buzz, with two distinct establishments receiving glowing endorsements that highlight the vibrant and diverse gastronomic scene of the Rose City. This tour is poised to bring unprecedented attention to Portland’s burgeoning food community, echoing the profound impact Lee has had on other cities.
Known globally for his authentic and unfiltered reviews, Lee commands a massive following of over 17 million on TikTok, transforming his recommendations into an economic phenomenon dubbed the “Keith Lee effect.” This powerful influence often translates into dramatic increases in customer traffic and sales for the small, independent eateries he features, making his visit a potential game-changer for any local establishment fortunate enough to catch his discerning eye. The announcement of Portland as his next destination ignited a flurry of anticipation among restaurant owners and food enthusiasts alike.
Lee’s first stop on July 30 led him to Gado Gado, a celebrated Indonesian restaurant in Northeast Portland with a prestigious James Beard Award under its belt. Here, the renowned critic sampled a selection of dishes, including roti with blistered tomato curry, charcoal-grilled chicken satay, and green curry with clove-scented rice. The experience culminated in a perfect 10 out of 10 rating, a rare score that underscores the exceptional quality of the family-owned establishment.
Spending $68.68, Lee described his visit to Gado Gado as “incredible” for an Indonesian family-owned spot, proclaiming it potentially his first perfect score in months. He lauded the meal for its remarkable flavor balance, noting the spicy curry, the buttery roti, and the smoky char-grilled chicken. Even the chicken satay, despite a missing peanut sauce due to an allergy, earned a high 7 out of 10, testament to its standalone quality.
Beyond the food, Lee extensively praised Gado Gado’s “phenomenal” customer service and their meticulous accommodation of his family’s allergies, including making a special takeout exception despite typically not offering the service. The restaurant’s specialization in shellfish, marked by a neon crab sign, is complemented by comprehensive allergy menus, ensuring a safe and enjoyable dining experience for all patrons, reflecting a commitment to hospitality.
The following day, July 31, saw Lee explore a different culinary facet of Portland, visiting a highly recommended soul food truck situated on Northeast Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. This stop was fueled by over a thousand recommendations from his eager followers, showcasing the depth of local enthusiasm for his tour. Lee invested $85 into what he jokingly referred to as “one of the heaviest plates I’ve ever held ever,” hinting at the generous portions and hearty nature of the cuisine.
Among the array of soul food offerings, the mac and cheese emerged as a standout, earning an impressive 9 out of 10. Lee declared it “probably the best mac and cheese I had since been on food tour,” though he did caution about its tendency to become “very gluey” upon cooling due to its rich cheese content. His overall impression was a delightful surprise, noting, “It don’t taste like we in Portland, it taste like we in the country somewhere. But I absolutely see why people told us to come here.”
The arrival of Keith Lee has undoubtedly invigorated Portland’s small business landscape, offering a unique opportunity for local restaurants to gain national exposure and thrive. His proven track record of boosting customer traffic and sales, often within days of a review, makes his current tour a pivotal event for the city’s culinary scene. The excitement generated among local food establishments and residents highlights the significant role influencers play in today’s economy.
While the “Keith Lee effect” primarily brings positive outcomes, it’s worth noting that past tours, such as his visit to Seattle, have yielded mixed results for some establishments. Nevertheless, the overwhelming sentiment in Portland remains one of hopeful anticipation, as the city prepares to witness the transformative power of a viral food review. Lee’s dedication to highlighting family-owned and unique local spots continues to resonate deeply with audiences and businesses alike.
