Jolyn Chen is a Taiwanese-American restaurateur and interior designer, known as one half of Xiao Ye, a restaurant located in Portland, Oregon. She is also identified as a chef and is a business and life partner with...
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SteakhouseThaiModerateBrunchDinnerCasual
Last updated: 7/30/2026, 4:22:52 AM
Key Information
Xiao Ye, pronounced 'shi-ow yeh,' is a cozy neighborhood restaurant in Portland, Oregon, specializing in 'First Generation American Food.' This concept translates to American comfort food elevated with creative Asian elements, offering an innovative and memorable dining experience for both brunch and dinner.
Customer Perception
Customers consistently praise Xiao Ye for its unique and creative take on Asian-inspired American cuisine, often describing the food as 'unreal,' 'life-changing,' and 'ridiculously good.' Standout dishes like the Khao Soi Radiatori and Strangolapreti en Pozole receive high acclaim. While some dishes might be noted as rich or acidic, the overall consensus highlights the innovative flavors and satisfying experience. The service is frequently described as impeccable, with staff being genuinely kind, knowledgeable, and passionate about the menu, contributing to a warm and modern atmosphere.
The restaurant's name, Xiao Ye, is pronounced 'shi-ow yeh.' It aims to offer a dining experience that feels both innovative and familiar, blending diverse culinary influences into a cohesive 'First Generation American Food' concept.
Xiao Ye offers dinner service Monday through Thursday from 5 PM to 9 PM, and Friday and Saturday from 5 PM to 9:30 PM. Brunch is available on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 AM to 2 PM. Reservations are recommended, especially for larger parties, and can be made via OpenTable.
5
We had a great experience at Xiao Ye. What stands out about this place is its unique take on Asian fusion. Pastas and East Asian sauces are blended together liberally.
That being said, not every dish was created equal. The Khao Soi was easily the highlight of our meal and is a must order. We found the three cup chicken a bit heavy / salty and the bean appetizer a little too acidic. That being said, all still tasted great and wouldn’t expect a restaurant taking such risks to perfectly cater to everyone’s palette.
We ordered 4 dishes which for two people was plenty.
In all, would definitely recommend coming here for a take on Asian American cooking you won’t forget.
An absolutely delightful experience!! A group of 4 was perfect to share 7-8 different options!
The fried oysters are divine, the crudo was a table favorite, loved the chicken, and the Steak frites was the stuff of dreams. 10000/10
Don’t miss out on dessert!!
Best dinner I’ve had in Portland. The food was unreal. The Strangolapreti en Pozole was honestly life changing, and everything else we had was just as dialed in, especially the Three Cup Chicken and the Khao Soi Radiatori. Creative, memorable, and just ridiculously good.
James was our server and was awesome. Super down to earth, polished, and genuinely great at what he does. He absolutely has a future in hospitality if he wants one. Julia was great too and exactly the kind of person you want taking care of guests.
Can’t wait to come back.
A Portland Gem! Incredible Asian-Inspired American Cuisine & Flawless Service
I found another absolute gem in Portland! If you’re looking for American comfort food elevated with creative Asian elements, this is the place. Every dish felt innovative yet familiar and comforting. It was truly one of the most satisfying dinners I’ve had in a long time.
✨ The Standouts
• The Madeleines: Do not skip these! Think of them as a cloud-like, ultra-soft version of jalapeño cornbread.
• Taro Puff: It reminds me of a classic dim sum taro puff but much creamier. The sauce is a brilliant balance of spicy and tart—it really wakes up your palate.
• Big Bean Panzanella (My Absolute Favorite!): This was the star of the show. The texture of the semi-dried tomatoes, the nuttiness of the beans, and the way the crispy sourdough soaks up the dressing... pure perfection. The salty pop of feta cheese makes every bite a "perfect bite."
• Khao Soi Pasta: A must-try reinterpretation. The crispy chicken skin adds amazing texture, and the Thai curry-infused pasta topped with fresh cilantro and Thai basil is incredibly fragrant and refreshing.
• Sorbet: The perfect palate cleanser to end the night on a clean, bright note.
🍺 Drinks & Pairing
The Taiwanese Beer was surprisingly refreshing! Its crisp profile paired beautifully with every single dish on the table.
💬 Service & Vibe
The atmosphere strikes the perfect balance between warm and modern. Beyond the food, the service was impeccable. Our server was genuinely kind and clearly proud of the menu—his recommendations were spot on. Meeting the chef was also a highlight; you can feel the passion and philosophy behind the food through that warm, energetic smile.
Final Verdict: 10/10. Every element—from the philosophy of the kitchen to the hospitality on the floor—was top-tier. I’ll be thinking about that Panzanella for a long time!
Waiter was super friendly! And great service. Food was amazing, the cinnamon roll is sooooo good, and the banana bread is amazing, breakfeast sandwich with sausage and avocado had the ultimate pack of protein and high quality. Pancake was super fluffy and golden crispy . Amazing food, amazing service! 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!
