Daily Fuel

Daily Fuel, a food cart turned brick and mortar last year, has some of the healthiest food in Portland (vegan, naturally). On one of my visits I had the Power Bowl—grilled lentil tempeh, red potatoes, Brussels sprouts, mushrooms, spinach, grilled corn, tomatoes, purple cabbage, avocados, and more—a delicious rainbow in a bowl. I took half of it home for dinner that night as the portions are quite generous. The goal at Daily Fuel is to make the food as healthy as possible by using many different whole foods. Different colors equal different antioxidants. People rave about the Beastly Nachos, the Buffalo Mac, the jackfruit tacos, and the lentil tempeh burgers. The milkshakes are phenomenal, made with oat milk, 25 grams of pea/rice protein, and according to the menu, contains 55 vitamins and minerals. I had one for lunch on another visit, and I felt so satisfied and healthy afterward. The menu is quite extensive and changes seasonally.

Daily Fuel started as a roaming food cart in 2018. In their first year, they were named one of the top five food carts in Portland. The next year, they moved into the Hawthorne Asylum, a food cart pod, and became very popular. Last year they relocated to a storefront on SE Belmont Street. They completely renovated the space with a bright and funky vibe. The menu is even fun to read as it includes an extensive list of current and classic vegan documentaries and a page with an essay from 1927 with uplifting words that still resonate today.

The owners are Dax and Georgette. They love talking to customers and are happy to answer all your questions and help you order if you have food allergies or sensitivities.

Dax’s interest in food dates back to when he was young and was trying to make his weight for wrestling. During his 21 years as an athlete, he researched what foods would make him a stronger competitor. He continued learning more about the U.S. food system when he became a chiropractor. He was disturbed by how our food was becoming so processed and full of chemicals, and he saw how heart disease was increasing with our consumption of animals and processed food.

When Dax and Georgette decided to start a food cart, they wanted to create whole food plant-based comfort food with the freshest produce they could get. They wanted their dishes to be nutrient dense, bold in flavor, and delicious—and they’ve succeeded! Most everything is prepared in-house, with the veggies chopped to order. There is no freezer in the restaurant, but Dax goes shopping every day, looking for the best quality ingredients.

They say that every time you eat, you’re making an investment in yourself, and that’s definitely true when you fill up at Daily Fuel!