Behind the Wok
Preserving iconic Chinese American restaurants from the Jade District and beyond
“Behind the Wok” is a tribute to the rich history and lasting contributions of Chinese American communities in Portland, with a special emphasis on the storied Jade District. Located along Southeast 82nd Avenue and Division Street, the Jade District has long served as a cultural and social nucleus where Chinese American families forged the community’s identity through the restaurants they built and maintained. These establishments provided vital gathering places, became enduring symbols of resilience, and offered spaces where generations built their livelihoods and formed lasting bonds.
Explore the Rich History of Portland's Restaurants
The Jade District stands as the cultural and social heart of East Portland’s Chinese American community. Recognized as a Neighborhood Prosperity Initiative by Prosper Portland, it is celebrated as the nexus for the highest concentration of ethnic communities in Oregon. As the Chinese American community transitioned from Old Town Chinatown to East Portland, the Jade District emerged as a vibrant neighborhood where diverse immigrant and refugee communities established enduring lives and businesses.This project is dedicated to capturing the concentrated story of community resilience and its lasting influence on Portland’s cultural and socioeconomic landscape.
With the acquisition and planned redevelopment of the historic Canton Grill site, APANO is committed to creating a space that pays tribute to the legacy of these restaurants and honors the spirit of the Chinese American community.
Let's start the journey through these six iconic Chinese American restaurants.
Hung Far Low, Canton Grill, Chinese Village, New Cathay, Legin, and Wong’s King—each selected for their deep influence on the Jade District and their important role in shaping the broader history of Chinese Americans in Portland.