Viking Soul Food (VSF) is a Scandinavian[1] restaurant in southeast Portland's Woodstock neighborhood. Previously, the business operated from an Airstream trailer on Belmont Street, in the Bite On Belmont food cart pod in southeast Portland's Sunnyside neighborhood.[2]
In 2020, Christen McCurdy of Willamette Week said the Black-owned restaurant serves "Scandinavian-soul fusion" food,[3] and the Portland Mercury's Robert Ham described the menu as "Nordic-inspired" comfort food.[4] The menu includes lefse (potato-based Norwegian flatbread) with meatballs with gravy or smoked salmon, dill, greens, and creme fraiche, as well as seafood chowder and lingonberry iced tea.[5]
History
Megan Walhood and Jeremy Daniels have operated VSF since August 2010.[5][6] The restaurant appeared on season 32, episode 11 ("From Vikings to Wings") of the Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.[7] In 2014, the duo announced plans to close and sell the Airstream.[8]
Some VSF menu options are also available at the duo's food cart The Wild Hunt, which opened in 2016.[9][10]
In 2022, owners announced plans to move to a brick and mortar restaurant in Woodstock, occupying the space which previously housed El Gallo Taqueria.[11] The restaurant opened on November 26.[12] In 2024, Walhood and Daniels confirmed plans to sell the 1958 Streamline trailer, and update the menu at the Woodstock restaurant.[13]
The Streamline trailer in 2013
Reception
Nick Woo and Brooke Jackson-Glidden included VSF in Eater Portland's 2021 guide to the city's "most outstanding" food carts.[5] Jackson-Glidden also included the smoked steelheadlefse in a 2024 overview of "iconic" Portland dishes.[14] VSF was also included in the website's 2025 list of Portland's best restaurants for mid-week lunches.[15]
