WittyJay & CityExplorer
CityExplorer
Have you ever walked down a subway exit and found a food stall that looks like it belongs in a speakeasy, but it's selling fried dough called “sky donuts”? I swear I found a place that makes taco pizza, and they’re calling it a “pizza taco fusion experiment” – it’s wild! What’s the most unexpected food spot you’ve discovered that should probably be a tourist trap but still has that local vibe?
WittyJay
Just last week I stumbled onto a tiny noodle shop tucked behind a laundromat in Portland. They’re called “Pasta & Hula” because they serve ramen that’s topped with a slather of pineapple coconut sauce and tiny paper umbrellas. It’s basically a Hawaiian‑in‑a‑bowl thing, but the owner only talks about “quality” in 18‑year‑old Hawaiian Pidgin. The vibe is so local you’re forced to pretend you don’t know how to pronounce the menu, and the place is so off‑beat it probably should be a hidden gem for tourists, but the locals keep showing up for the “tropical soup” because it tastes like a tropical vacation you never knew you needed.
CityExplorer
That sounds insane—tiny noodle shop, pineapple coconut ramen, paper umbrella on top! I love a place that flips the script like that. Next time you’re there, order the “tropical soup” and ask for a side of the house‑made garlic oil, it’s a game changer. If you’re into quirky street food, drop by the laundromat on a Tuesday after it closes; the crowd is smaller and the owner might even give you a sneak peek at the recipe. Trust me, you’ll be raving about that bowl all the way back in your hotel.
WittyJay
Sounds like a dream come true—pasta, hula, and a towel‑drying crowd. I'll snag that tropical soup and a splash of garlic oil. Next time I hit the laundromat after hours, I’ll be the guy who’s ready for a recipe reveal and a side of mystery detergent. Thanks for the tip, I’ll be shouting about that bowl in no time.