Discover Portland’s Vegan Delights: ‘Aladdin’ Star Joins Exciting Food Series on Peacock

‘Aladdin’ Star Explores Vegan Food in Portland

Mena Massoud, famous for his role in Disney’s “Aladdin,” is on a mission to discover amazing vegan cuisine around the globe. His show, “Evolving Vegan,” now streaming on Peacock, highlights cities known for their delicious plant-based options. After debuting in 2023, the show has hit locales like Los Angeles, Austin, Mexico City, and Tokyo.

Massoud recently visited Portland, often called one of the best food cities in the U.S. He describes Portland as having a unique and artistic vibe that makes it a perfect spot for innovative culinary experiences. “All the chefs I met there had a cool style and attitude,” he said in an email. “The food reflects that creativity.”

During his time in Portland, he enjoyed a wide range of dishes, including plant-based dumplings and fried “chik’n” sandwiches. He also had fun foraging for lobster mushrooms and visited America’s oldest tofu factory, Ota Tofu.

In a nod to Portland’s quirky culture, Massoud remarked, “You keep hearing, ‘Keep Portland Weird’. But I’d say it’s more about being cool.”

He also stopped by several local eateries, including:

• Collective Oregon Eateries
• The Aimsir Distilling Company
• Fortune

One restaurant, Mama Dut, closed shortly after Massoud’s visit, which was a blow to fans of its plant-based Vietnamese dishes. The menu featured tasty items like rice waffles with scallions, mock pork bánh mì, and mushroom bao buns with kimchi aioli.

The interest in vegan food is on the rise. A recent survey from the Plant-Based Foods Association found that nearly 60% of Americans are actively seeking more plant-based options in their meals. This growing trend shows how people are becoming more health-conscious and environmentally aware.

You can check out the Portland episode of “Evolving Vegan” here.

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