PDX Dönerländ

PDX Dönerländ is located at the Piedmont Station pod (NE 7th Ave and Killingsworth) in Portland, Oregon.

My first trip to the Piedmont Station pod was on a Sunday, and honestly didn't provide me with many options. Most of the carts were closed at lunchtime, even the Le Tap beer cart was not an option when I was there. Fortunately, Dönerländ was open -- and receiving praise from the fish and chips cart owner next door.

Ron and Franziska opened this cart in early 2015. Franziska -- from Karlsruhe, Germany -- is usually the one found in the cart, as she wields over 20 years of experience as a chef. You can read more about their cart on their website.

In addition to Döner Kebab and a Veggie Kebab (contains falafel), Dönerländ also has a few salad options. Yup, even a Döner salad.

Of course, I went with the Döner Kebab ($9), a flatbread sandwich with lamb (or chicken), lettuce, tomatoes, red cabbage, onions, pepperoncini, and yogurt-dill sauce. You can also get a spicy red sauce (also yogurt-based). Sign me up for that as well.

The spit holding the lamb meat is inside the cart, off to the side. If the side door to the cart is open, you'll get a chance to see it.

One of the best Döner Kebabs I've had. Everything worked here. Some lamb shavings had that extra crispy doneness to it while staying juicy. A healthy portion of meat. The veggies were fresh and crunchy. Spicy red sauce has a sweetness thanks to some ketchup. Finally, there's also dried Aleppo pepper sprinkled on top, which I've compared to a spicy currant. This Döner Kebab is simply delicious.

I'm not sure how busy the Dönerländ gets during the winter, but this cart seems to deserve more foot traffic and exposure. They've been around for over a year, and the food speaks for itself.

This is the first time I've seen Aleppo pepper (dried or otherwise) at any food cart. It's such a great chile.

PDX Dönerländ is usually open five days a week, closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Check this awesome cart out! 9/10