4.8 – 63 reviews • Restaurant
Tico Pura Vida – Bold Chinese & Costa Rican Fusion in Downtown PDX
Tico Pura Vida blends bold Chinese flavors with the heart of Costa Rican street food in downtown Portland. Enjoy favorites like General Tso’s Chicken, Yakisoba noodles, Chifrijo, Casado, and Arroz con Pollo—always cooked fresh, packed with flavor, and served in generous portions. Our diverse menu also includes vegetarian options, crispy shrimp tempura, spring rolls, and refreshing drinks. Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner, Tico Pura Vida delivers quality, value, and fast service. A must-visit food truck loved by locals, students, workers, and tourists exploring PDX.
✔️Lunch ✔️Dinner ✔️Take out
Menu Photos
wa.me
Photo Gallery
Related Web Results
Reviews
Aon
This food truck has the best orange chicken in the area. The prices were very reasonable for all the items I’ve seen in the menu and the service was top-notch. I would definitely be back to try more items from their menu.
… moreK Feagins
What a fantastic little gem of an Asian food truck in downtown! My husband and I ordered the teriyaki chicken and chicken yakisoba. I was floored by the amount of food you get for $10! Everything was so flavorful and delicious! Service was excellent. I was impressed that the truck was only run by one man — and he really slayed in that kitchen! We will definitely be returning here to try more dishes soon!
Update: My husband and I returned to what is now Tico Pura Vida today, 3/18/2025. My original review was about 6 months ago. The new chef, Alan, is so kind and the food is still fantastic! He gave us a sample of his Arroz con Pollo to munch on while he cooked our order and it was delicious! So happy to see this food truck still going and thriving.
… moreGabriela Segal
My husband and I got the arroz con pollo, the yakisoba, and general tso’s and everything was a 100/10. Very flavorful, well seasoned, and delicious. We talked with the chef, Alan, for a little and he was so kind and friendly. I will be recommending this food cart to all my friends!
… moreDave Danner
This cart has some amazing yakisoba and fried rice! The portion size is incredible and the food, delicious. With prices ranging from $8 to $15, I consider them quite affordable. Everything is made to order by just the one man operating the cart, so expect a small wait. But it is well worth the time! The cart operator, Peter, is very nice and even made me 2 dishes 30 minutes after closing time! I’m only mildly embarrassed to admit I haven’t tried much else to eat… YET. But if these dishes are any indication, it will be a wonderful experience to look forward to.
… moreBrandon Green
Fast friendly and delicious food. Alan the owner is in his zone. If you don’t eat here you are missing out. I don’t just give reviews to anybody. Unless they are above and beyond or way below. This food establishment is cloud 9.
… moreViet L
Incredible food. Large portions. Very friendly person behind the counter! Love this place so much! I can get 2 meals worth of food for $10 or less.
Edit to add: his cooking techniques can embarrass many restaurant chefs. Everything from the rice to the vegetables is well balanced and perfect textures. He makes everything fresh to order. And very quickly at that.
… moreCharles Garcia
Ive spent countless months looking for this food cart again and I finally found it tonight ! Best yakisoba I ever had ! Amazing chef ! Amazing customer service ! I’d support this food cart anyday ! I love it !
… moreMitchel Johnson
Really solid Chinese food. It is made fresh to order and it quick too. The guy taking orders and making the food is really nice. After seeing reviews I’ll be trying the black bean chicken next time but this was good solid comfort food. Definitely worth checking out if you are in downtown.
Update: the black bean chicken is incredible
… moreNelly Liu
Lived in Oregon for 6 years, as a Chinese, Peter is the best Chinese chef you can find from Portland food cart. It’s authentic, flavorful and he is super nice. Do not miss it.
Favorite: black bean chicken.
… moreJ. Gold
Yakisoba was absolutely drowning in black pepper which is a pretty yucky way to make noodles. Just didn’t taste very good
… more … View more