This Birrieria takes Portland by storm.
Often a new food trend will first arrive at a modest storefront diner or a local food truck.
As it’s discovered by locals, it will become a favorite among foodies in the area and someone will perfect it by combining it with fresh local ingredients or adding a local twist.
This is the case with the Birria.
This delicious traditional food is a Mexican Beef Stew that is cooked slowly for hours with seasonings and spices. It is often integrated into many other foods, creating a layer of flavors that is unparalleled.
Traditionally served with rice and beans, the Birria is made for special occasions like weddings or family gatherings. Now, this unique experience can be found in Portland at a local food truck.
Birrieria La Plaza is taking the Portland area by storm.
Their recipe is perfection.
Doña Sofia was born in Jalisco, Mexico in the ’60s on a small ranch. She grew up in the kitchen, absorbing the cooking techniques of her mother and elderly relatives that frequently joined them.
They cooked over an open woodfire, with only a few basic pots and utensils. There were no measuring spoons or written recipes and much of the cooking was done by feel. She learned to cook with her senses, judging the temperature by how the food smelled or tasted.
Everything she learned was handed down by oral tradition through the generations, including the selection of fresh ingredients.
When she came to the United States with her family in the ’80s she dreamt of building something for her family that would bring these traditions to her new country. Beginning by cooking for her new friends, Doña Sofia earned a reputation for her ability to know exactly when the seasoning was perfect in a dish.
They call that Buen Sazon or a Good Seasoning Hand. Sazon means ‘the point of maturity of things’, which perfectly describes the level of knowledge she brings to this culinary art.
Her gently spiced birria recipe is the reason the family launched the food truck Birrieria La Plaza.
There’s a layered tradition in the name. Plaza means one thing in North America, but in Mexico, it reflects a central gathering place, where nearby friends and family gather and celebrate events. Delicious homemade food is a big part of any family celebration.
Of course, the traditional braised beef Birria de Res is the customer favorite, but there are additional dishes to be considered.
A Quesabirria is a cheesy version that combines a gooey sometimes crispy cheese with slow-braised beef.
They also serve crisp and cheesy vampiros, cups of steamy consommé to take away, and plates of delectable tacos all wrapped up with cilantro and onions.
The food coming from this location is some of the city’s best, because of the foundation of Doña Sofia’s birria.
All of their tacos, quesadillas, and tostadas gain a new dimension of flavor when dipped in birria.
It’s a popular place. There’s a persistent traffic jam outside the Birrieria La Plaza, which tells us it’s the place to be at the moment.
“Seating options are limited to a pair of picnic tables and a small shed lined with bar-style accommodations. Glenfair Park is a few blocks away if you’re looking for a more peaceful place to enjoy your platter.”
Mulita- Our amazing Birria topped with cilantro & onion in between two corn tortillas with melted cheese. Dip this delicious Mulita in some consommé.
Quesataco- One corn tortilla with melted queso, topped with scrumptious Birria cilantro & onion.
Quesadilla- Tasty Birria, cilantro & onion, on top of a layer of oozy cheese on a flour tortilla
Consommé- The savory broth that comes from cooking the Birria which is infused with spices & seasonings. Comes with Cilantro, Onion.
600 SE 146th Ave., tacoslaplaza.com. 10:30 am-7 pm Wednesday-Friday, 9:30 am-7 pm Saturday, 9:30 am-5 pm Sunday.
Birrieria La Plaza remains open for takeout.