Tasty Corner

Tasty Corner delivers authentic Sichuan Province flavors to Portland with a creative twist that makes Chinese cuisine available to everyone. This newcomer became a serious contender in Portland’s Chinese food scene right after its summer 2020 opening, following a year of permits and remodeling.

Daniel Chen’s approach to traditional Sichuan cooking impressed us during our visit to Tasty Corner Portland. Chen’s experience as Szechuan Chef’s former manager in Southwest Portland helped him create a “greatest hits” menu that perfectly balances authenticity and broad appeal. The restaurant’s menu features traditional dishes like mapo tofu and spicy “dried pot” specialties with adjusted heat levels that welcome diners new to Sichuan’s signature intensity. The restaurant’s house specialty will amaze food enthusiasts – hand-shaved noodles made by trimming dough straight into boiling water. The menu includes excellent vegetarian choices such as snow pea leaves in garlic sauce and sweet eggplant with fried tofu.

The story behind Tasty Corner’s beginnings

A compelling story sits behind every successful restaurant. Tasty Corner’s tale started with a food lover who turned his culinary dreams into reality.

From student to restaurateur: Daniel Chen’s trip

Daniel Chen didn’t have a straight path to restaurant ownership. He came to Portland as an international student and grew to love America’s diverse food culture. He missed the real flavors of his homeland. During college, he cooked Sichuan dishes for friends who became huge fans of his cooking.

“My friends always urged me to open a restaurant,” Chen recalls. “At first, I laughed it off as a joke, yet the idea gradually took root.”

After graduation, Chen stepped into the restaurant business. He worked at Chinese restaurants of all sizes around Portland to understand the business basics. His hard work led him to a management role at Szechuan Chef in Southwest Portland.

This role gave him a chance to understand customer priorities while shaping his vision for Tasty Corner. He saw that many people wanted to try Sichuan cuisine but felt nervous about its spicy reputation.

“I noticed a gap in the market,” Chen explains. “Many restaurants either completely toned down traditional dishes or made them too authentic for most American palates. I wanted to find that perfect middle ground.”

Chen saved money and planned for several years before he started bringing Tasty Corner to life in early 2019. The trip wasn’t smooth—permits, renovations, and menu creation took almost a year. The final opening steps happened right as the pandemic started, which created unexpected problems that tested his determination.

Why Portland State was the perfect location

Chen picked the spot near Portland State University with purpose. The area had a diverse, food-curious crowd that matched Tasty Corner’s concept perfectly.

“University areas tend to attract people who are open to trying new cuisines,” Chen notes. “Students, faculty, and visitors from various backgrounds create an ideal audience for introducing Sichuan flavors.”

The location offered great visibility and steady foot traffic—key factors for a new restaurant. Nearby downtown offices meant Tasty Corner could draw lunch crowds, which created multiple income streams throughout the day.

Public transportation access added another benefit. Major bus routes and the MAX light rail system made Tasty Corner easy to reach for people across the city without Portland’s typical parking hassles.

Chen looked carefully at the market before choosing this spot. Portland had several excellent Chinese restaurants, including the popular Duck House downtown. The university area needed a place that focused on quality Sichuan cuisine with broader appeal.

“I didn’t want to compete directly with established places,” Chen explains. “Instead, I wanted to fill a specific niche that wasn’t being served in this particular neighborhood.”

This smart positioning worked well. Tasty Corner opened in early summer 2020 and built a loyal following among students, faculty, and locals who love having authentic yet approachable Sichuan cuisine near campus.

How the menu was crafted for a wider audience

Tasty Corner needed a menu that stayed true to Sichuan traditions while making new diners feel welcome. Chen had bigger plans than just opening another Chinese restaurant. He wanted Portland to experience real Sichuan flavors without scaring away first-timers.

Balancing authenticity with availability

Most people don’t know that Sichuan cuisine goes way beyond “hot-and-spicy” dishes. While working on Tasty Corner’s menu, Chen found that there was a rich variety of Sichuan flavors that made the cuisine more approachable.

“Sichuan food has a stunning variety of flavors,” Chen explains. “While chilies are important, the cuisine features everything from mild, fruity heat to complex garlic paste dishes with sweet soy sauce and chili oil. Many traditional dishes aren’t spicy at all.”

This variety helped Tasty Corner build a menu that shows off Sichuan cooking’s full range. Chen kept signature dishes like Mapo Tofu and Dan Dan Noodles authentic. He tweaked other aspects to draw in more diners. So Tasty Corner’s menu achieves what Sichuan chefs call “bai cai bai wei“—a hundred dishes with a hundred different flavors.

Why spice levels were adjusted

Chen’s experience managing other Chinese restaurants shaped his decision to modify spice levels. Portland diners wanted bold flavors, but traditional Sichuan heat was too much for many.

“The challenges lie mostly in introducing people to new ingredients,” Chen notes. “I’m always gentle when introducing customers to their first taste of Sichuan pepper!”

Tasty Corner came up with a clever solution—letting diners customize spice levels in most dishes. Heat lovers can enjoy the full numbing kick of Sichuan peppercorns while others can ease into it. The restaurant did what few others could—kept its culinary soul while welcoming newcomers.

The menu shines through its balanced flavor profiles. Beyond the famous “mala” (numbing-spicy) sensation, Tasty Corner serves dishes that highlight:

• Garlic paste flavor with sweet soy sauce
• Fish-fragrant flavor (despite containing no fish)
• Salt-and-Sichuan pepper combinations
• Wine-fragrant preparations

Vegetarian options and customer priorities

The menu’s strong focus on vegetarian dishes came as a surprise. Chen saw Portland’s love for plant-based food early on and ended up creating a vegetarian section as popular as the meat dishes.

“Our vegetarian dishes aren’t afterthoughts,” Chen emphasizes. “They represent some of the most beloved classics in Sichuan cuisine.”

Vegetarian highlights include smoked tofu with scallion and garlic, sweet eggplant with tofu, and stir-fried asparagus with mushrooms. These dishes show how Sichuan cooking turns simple ingredients into “brazenly delicious” creations through technique and seasoning.

Portland State students love Tasty Corner’s Mala Ban—a spicy mix where they pick their ingredients and sauce strength. This dish shows the restaurant’s philosophy perfectly: authentic flavors adjusted to each diner’s taste.

This smart approach to menu creation clearly appeals to Portland diners. Unlike places that water down traditional dishes or make them too authentic for American tastes, Tasty Corner hit the sweet spot Chen wanted—a balanced menu that honors Sichuan’s cooking heritage while making everyone feel at home.

Signature Sichuan dishes that made Tasty Corner famous

Tasty Corner’s quick rise to fame comes from four signature dishes that show their dedication to authentic yet available Sichuan cuisine. These dishes have become Portland’s food scene favorites, and customers can’t get enough of them.

Mapo tofu: a spicy classic

Tasty Corner’s mapo tofu captures everything great about Sichuan cuisine. This iconic dish combines tender tofu cubes in an aromatic, hot sauce that makes your mouth tingle. Their version stands out because they nail the five key flavors: spicy, mouth-numbing, aromatic, tender, and physically hot.

“Authentic mapo tofu requires specific ingredients that can’t be substituted,” Chen explains. “We use genuine Pixian Doubanjiang (Sichuan chili bean paste) coupled with fermented black beans for depth.”

Ground Sichuan peppercorns create the signature numbing sensation that Sichuan chefs call the “mala” effect. This pleasant tingling improves other flavors instead of overpowering them.

Hand-shaved noodles: technique and taste

The hand-shaved noodles are the most eye-catching dish at Tasty Corner. Chen uses a traditional technique that you’ll rarely find in Portland restaurants. He starts with a special dough using exact measurements of flour, water, and salt. The dough needs proper rest time before he shaves thin strips straight into boiling water.

“The elasticity of the noodle depends on getting the balance just right,” Chen notes. “Too tough and they’re difficult to pull; too soft and they’ll break apart.”

These fresh noodles have a chewy texture you just can’t get from machine-cut versions. Portland foodies love sharing photos of these noodles with their various toppings and sauces on Instagram.

Dried pot dishes: bold and flavorful

Tasty Corner’s dry pot (gānguō) specialties are new to Portland’s food scene but have already gained a devoted following. Unlike regular hot pot with soup, dry pot piles crispy meats and vegetables high in a wok with glossy, spicy mala sauce.

Several people usually share these dishes. Diners can pick their ingredients, which get pre-cooked and stir-fried in Tasty Corner’s special sauce. Each ingredient keeps its unique texture and taste while creating an intense flavor experience.

Sweet eggplant and tofu: a vegetarian favorite

Sweet eggplant and tofu rounds out Tasty Corner’s signature dishes. Simple ingredients become irresistible through skilled preparation and seasoning.

Pan-fried eggplant turns perfectly tender and gets a coating of garlicky sweet-spicy sauce with golden tofu cubes. Portland State’s vegetarian students love this dish for its contrasting textures – soft eggplant meets crispy tofu.

“Our vegetarian dishes aren’t afterthoughts,” Chen repeats. “This eggplant preparation represents one of Sichuan cuisine’s most beloved classics.”

These four signature dishes represent what makes Tasty Corner unique: authentic Sichuan techniques and flavors that Portland diners can enjoy without losing their true character.

What makes the cooking style stand out

Tasty Corner’s flavor combinations are way beyond just mixing ingredients together. Their dishes create a culinary symphony that comes from specific techniques and exceptional ingredients.

Use of Sichuan peppercorns and chili oil

Tasty Corner’s dishes shine because of two main ingredients: Sichuan peppercorns and house-made chili oil. Sichuan peppercorns aren’t actually pepper – they’re the husks of a citrus family berry with a unique sensation.

“What makes our dishes special is the Sichuan peppercorn’s numbing effect—called ‘ma’ in Chinese,” explains Chen. “It’s not spicy like chilies, but creates a tingling sensation that opens up your taste buds.”

This numbing quality mixed with heat from dried chilies creates the famous “mala” (numbing-spicy) sensation in many Tasty Corner favorites. Their house-made chili oil shows this perfect balance. The team infuses oil with Sichuan peppercorns at specific temperatures before adding aromatic spices and premium chili flakes.

Traditional vs. modern preparation methods

The kitchen at Tasty Corner uses both traditional Sichuan techniques and smart modern adaptations. Traditional methods like dry-frying (gan bian) use hot oil to dehydrate ingredients before adding seasonings, which creates intense flavors. Their water-poached (shui zhu) dishes keep delicate ingredients perfect inside spicy broths.

Unlike other Portland restaurants, Tasty Corner stays true to authentic techniques while adjusting spice levels. This sweet spot between tradition and accessibility shapes their cooking philosophy.

“We don’t simplify the techniques—only adjust the intensity,” Chen notes. “The preparation remains authentic even if we moderate the heat.”

Ingredient sourcing and freshness

Quality ingredients are the secret to each signature dish. Pixian Doubanjiang—a fermented broad bean paste Chen calls “the soul of Sichuan cuisine”—comes straight from China’s Sichuan province. The restaurant uses premium rapeseed oil that matches the unfiltered oils common in Sichuan.

Fresh aromatics are the foundations of every dish. The kitchen team uses garlic, ginger, and scallions following classic techniques. They balance these bold flavors carefully with other key ingredients like fermented black beans, premium soy sauce, and aromatic black vinegar.

This careful attention to ingredients and techniques helps Tasty Corner create an authentic Sichuan experience. They honor tradition while making this amazing cuisine welcoming to new customers.

The dining experience at Tasty Corner

Tasty Corner’s warm atmosphere matches its authentic Sichuan menu. The restaurant sits in Portland’s bustling university district and has quickly become a hotspot for students and locals.

Ambiance and location near PSU

You’ll find Tasty Corner at 624 SW Hall Street in downtown Portland, where Chit Chat Cafe once stood near Portland State University’s park blocks. Students looking for quality Chinese food between classes love this spot. The restaurant’s simple, casual vibe lets diners enjoy their meals in a relaxed setting.

“We’re the new kid near the park blocks of Portland State University with food and drinks as ‘tasty’ as our name!” their website proudly announces. Chen opened this spot because he “longed for a good Chinese restaurant near campus” during his student days.

The restaurant serves lunch from 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM and dinner from 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM most days. Groups are welcome here, and they even let you bring your dog.

Customer service and community feedback

Despite being new to Portland’s food scene, Tasty Corner has earned praise from its diners. The team values community input and uses customer feedback to improve their menu.

Customers praise the restaurant’s blend of authentic flavors and simple menu choices. Online reviews mention that “Tasty Corner [is] for the ol dependable lower key night”, showing why people keep coming back.

How it compares to Duck House and others

Tasty Corner stands out in Portland’s Chinese restaurant scene. A Reddit user explained the difference between Tasty Corner and Duck House: “They are very different cuisines… Tasty Corner is basically all Szechuan dishes mixed with the expected American Chinese dishes”.

Many diners now choose Tasty Corner over other options. One reviewer noted “I personally prefer Tasty Corner. The non-asians seem to prefer Duck House though”. Another simply said, “Tasty Corner now, I just think the food is a little bit better”.

Portland Monthly magazine called Tasty Corner “one of the newer additions to Portland’s ever-expanding Chinese scene,” and praised how it “balances its menu of Chinese American lunch combos with an impressive showing of Sichuan mainstays”. This mix of familiar and authentic dishes strikes a chord with local food lovers.

Summing it all up

Tasty Corner proves how authentic cuisine can thrive when adapted thoughtfully to new audiences. Daniel Chen’s restaurant has grown from an initial concept to become a beloved local spot. His success comes from bridging traditional Sichuan cooking with Portland’s varied tastes. Diners now enjoy genuine Chinese flavors that don’t overwhelm them with unfamiliar intensities.

The restaurant sits near Portland State University, which helps its success by drawing curious students and faculty members. They’re eager to try food beyond typical American-Chinese dishes. Chen shows his dedication to culinary excellence in every part of his operation. He imports key ingredients like Pixian Doubanjiang and keeps traditional methods alive by hand-shaving noodles.

The real magic of Tasty Corner lies in its perfect balance between honoring Sichuan’s rich cooking heritage and making newcomers feel welcome. This smart approach explains why dishes like mapo tofu and dried pot specialties have gained cult status with Portland food lovers quickly. Many restaurants either water down traditional flavors too much or make them too intense for American tastes. Tasty Corner has found that perfect middle ground where everyone feels at home.

Despite being relatively new to Portland’s competitive food scene, Tasty Corner has created its own unique identity. Chen’s story appeals to many customers – from an international student missing home cooking to a successful restaurant owner sharing his love for food. This genuine connection, combined with outstanding dishes, suggests Tasty Corner will remain a Portland favorite for many years.

Here are some FAQs about Tasty Planner:

What type of cuisine does Tasty Corner serve?

Tasty Corner Chinese Restaurant specializes in authentic Chinese cuisine with a focus on traditional flavors and dishes. The Tasty Corner Portland location offers a mix of Sichuan, Cantonese, and American-Chinese favorites. Their Tasty Corner Chinese Restaurant menu includes everything from savory dumplings to spicy mapo tofu, satisfying diverse palates.

Where is Tasty Corner located in Portland?

Tasty Corner Chinese Restaurant is conveniently located in the heart of Portland’s dining district. The exact address of Tasty Corner Portland can be found on their website or popular review platforms. Many Tasty Corner Chinese Restaurant reviews mention its accessible location and cozy neighborhood atmosphere.

Does Tasty Corner offer vegetarian options?

Yes, Tasty Corner Chinese Restaurant menu includes several delicious vegetarian options to accommodate different dietary preferences. Their Tasty Corner Portland chefs prepare vegetable stir-fries, tofu dishes, and Buddhist-style vegetarian meals. Numerous Tasty Corner Chinese Restaurant reviews highlight their flavorful meat-free alternatives.

What are the most popular dishes at Tasty Corner?

According to Tasty Corner Chinese Restaurant reviews, their orange chicken and xiao long bao soup dumplings are customer favorites. The Tasty Corner Chinese Restaurant menu also features highly-rated Sichuan boiled fish and Peking duck. First-time visitors to Tasty Corner Portland often order these signature dishes based on recommendations.

How is the service at Tasty Corner?

Most Tasty Corner Chinese Restaurant reviews praise the friendly and efficient service at this Portland establishment. Staff at Tasty Corner are known for being attentive and helpful with menu recommendations. The welcoming atmosphere contributes to Tasty Corner’s reputation as a neighborhood favorite.

Does Tasty Corner offer takeout or delivery?

Tasty Corner Chinese Restaurant provides both takeout and delivery services for customer convenience. Their Tasty Corner Portland location partners with major delivery platforms for easy ordering. The complete Tasty Corner Chinese Restaurant menu is available for off-premise dining options.

What are the price ranges at Tasty Corner?

Tasty Corner Chinese Restaurant offers affordable pricing with most entrees ranging from $10-$18. The Tasty Corner Chinese Restaurant menu provides good value portions according to numerous reviews. Tasty Corner Portland maintains reasonable prices while using quality ingredients in their dishes.