Salt & Straw is a beloved ice cream brand that has been making waves across the U.S. for its creativity and commitment to high-quality ingredients. Originally founded in Portland, Oregon, Salt & Straw has grown into a cult favorite for anyone with a sweet tooth looking for a unique ice cream experience. Known for pushing the boundaries of flavor combinations, Salt & Straw’s menu offers an array of adventurous and indulgent options. Whether you’re a local or visiting Portland for the first time, a trip to Salt & Straw is an essential part of your food exploration.
The Origins of Salt & Straw
Before diving into the menu, it’s important to understand the foundation of Salt & Straw and what sets it apart from other ice cream brands. The company was founded in 2011 by cousins Kim and Tyler Malek in Portland, Oregon. Their vision was simple: create an ice cream that wasn’t just delicious but also memorable and exciting. Salt & Straw’s goal was to take traditional ice cream and infuse it with bold, unexpected flavors using the finest local ingredients.
What started as a small pushcart operation has grown into a renowned ice cream company with locations all over the country. But even as it expanded, Salt & Straw remained dedicated to offering unique, seasonal, and locally-inspired flavors, while maintaining a commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing.
Salt & Straw’s Approach to Flavor
Salt & Straw is known for its adventurous approach to ice cream flavor creation. From the very beginning, the brand set itself apart by offering flavors that are anything but ordinary. Classic ice cream flavors are given a unique twist, and new combinations are regularly introduced, many of them inspired by Portland’s local food scene and the Malek cousins’ own experiences.
Some of Salt & Straw’s most iconic flavors feature ingredients like honey, olive oil, sea salt, and even caramelized onion. But the brand doesn’t stop at the expected; it also introduces flavors that evoke the spirit of the Pacific Northwest, with ingredients like wild-harvested hazelnuts, fresh fruit, and locally sourced dairy products. At the heart of Salt & Straw’s success is its commitment to crafting ice cream with layers of flavor, ensuring that every bite offers something new and exciting.
Salt & Straw’s Signature Menu in Portland
The menu at Salt & Straw in Portland is a reflection of the brand’s adventurous spirit. Here’s a closer look at some of the signature offerings on their menu that you won’t want to miss.
1. Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons
One of Salt & Straw’s most popular and classic flavors, Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons is a perfect balance of sweet and salty. The rich, creamy vanilla ice cream is swirled with ribbons of gooey, caramelized caramel, and the touch of sea salt brings out the flavors in a way that is both surprising and delightful. It’s a perfect example of how Salt & Straw uses simple ingredients in an extraordinary way.
2. Honey Lavender
Honey Lavender is another standout flavor that captures the essence of Salt & Straw’s ability to experiment with unusual combinations. This ice cream is made with a delicate blend of honey and French lavender, resulting in a light and fragrant treat that’s perfect for those who appreciate subtle, floral notes. It’s a refreshing flavor that brings a sense of calm and relaxation, making it an ideal choice for a warm day.
3. Stumptown Coffee & Burnt Caramel
Stumptown Coffee & Burnt Caramel combines two of Portland’s favorite elements: coffee and caramel. The ice cream is rich and indulgent, with the deep, roasted flavor of Stumptown coffee perfectly complementing the burnt caramel swirl. The combination of bitter and sweet is balanced perfectly, making this flavor a fan favorite. It’s a great choice for coffee lovers looking for something a bit more adventurous.
4. Chocolate Gooey Brownie
Chocolate lovers rejoice—this decadent flavor is a rich, creamy chocolate base filled with chunks of gooey brownie. The texture is indulgent and smooth, and the chocolate flavor is deep without being overly sweet. This is a perfect choice for those who want a treat that feels like a warm, comforting dessert in a bowl. The brownie pieces add an extra layer of texture that takes the experience to the next level.
5. Salted Caramel Turkey Crackle
One of Salt & Straw’s more unique and quirky offerings, the Salted Caramel Turkey Crackle is a perfect example of the brand’s fearless approach to flavor. This ice cream is made with sweet and salty caramel ice cream, with the addition of a surprising ingredient: turkey. The flavor comes from a crackling turkey skin that adds a crispy, savory texture. It’s a bold choice that might raise eyebrows at first but is worth trying for those looking for an unexpected experience.
6. Miso Butterscotch Pie
This flavor brings together the rich sweetness of butterscotch with the umami depth of miso, creating an intriguing fusion of sweet and savory. The result is a flavor that’s both complex and comforting. The buttery base is complemented by miso’s umami notes, offering a unique ice cream experience that’s sure to intrigue adventurous eaters. This flavor is especially popular in Portland, where the city’s culinary scene embraces unexpected pairings.
7. Apricot and Oatmeal Cookie Dough
Apricot and Oatmeal Cookie Dough is a seasonal flavor that features chunks of chewy oatmeal cookie dough and swirls of sweet apricot preserves. It combines the texture of homemade oatmeal cookies with the vibrant tartness of apricot, offering a delicious contrast of flavors. The creaminess of the ice cream brings it all together, making this flavor an irresistible option for those who enjoy fruity and nutty combinations.
8. Strawberry Honey Balsamic with Black Pepper
This bold and complex flavor combines the sweetness of strawberries with the tangy richness of honey balsamic vinegar, and a hint of black pepper for a touch of heat. The result is a balanced combination of sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy, offering a truly unique taste. This flavor reflects the influence of Portland’s foodie culture, where experimentation with ingredients is encouraged, and the results are often surprising and delightful.
9. Potato Chip Sundae
Another popular quirky flavor, the Potato Chip Sundae combines salty, crispy potato chips with a rich, creamy vanilla ice cream. The crunch of the chips adds an unexpected texture, while the saltiness enhances the sweetness of the ice cream. The blend of sweet and salty makes this an indulgent treat for anyone who loves the combination of both flavors.
10. Pear & Blue Cheese
Salt & Straw is known for incorporating savory elements into its ice cream, and Pear & Blue Cheese is a perfect example. The flavor is a rich, creamy pear base with the addition of tangy blue cheese. It’s a sophisticated pairing that is both sweet and savory, perfect for those who want to venture beyond traditional ice cream flavors. The blue cheese is subtle but adds an unexpected depth to the flavor, making it a standout option for more adventurous eaters.
Seasonal Flavors at Salt & Straw Portland
Salt & Straw’s seasonal menu is something that keeps locals and visitors coming back for more. These seasonal flavors reflect the changing ingredients available throughout the year, with some only available for a limited time. Whether you’re visiting during the summer or winter months, there’s always something new and exciting to try.
Summer Flavors
During the summer months, Salt & Straw often introduces fruity, refreshing flavors that reflect the abundance of fresh, local produce. Popular summer offerings include:
- Peach and Honeycomb: A creamy peach ice cream with crunchy honeycomb candy pieces.
- Raspberry Lemonade Sorbet: A tangy, refreshing sorbet that’s perfect for hot days.
- Fresh Strawberry Buttermilk: A sweet and tart ice cream made with fresh local strawberries.
Winter Flavors
In the winter, Salt & Straw leans into rich, warming flavors that are perfect for the colder months. Winter favorites often feature spices like cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg. Some of these flavors include:
- Cinnamon Snickerdoodle: A sweet, spiced ice cream with cinnamon and sugar cookies.
- Cranberry Sauce with Candied Orange Peel: A seasonal flavor that pairs tart cranberries with citrusy sweetness.
- Eggnog with Rum Caramel: A rich eggnog ice cream with a boozy caramel swirl.
Vegan and Dairy-Free Options
Salt & Straw recognizes the growing demand for dairy-free and vegan options, and they offer a variety of choices for those with dietary restrictions. Many of the vegan flavors are just as inventive as their dairy counterparts. Some popular vegan flavors include:
- Coconut Sorbet with Pineapple: A refreshing coconut base with tangy pineapple.
- Peanut Butter Fudge: A creamy peanut butter base with chunks of rich fudge.
These vegan options allow everyone to enjoy the innovative ice cream creations that Salt & Straw is known for, without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Conclusion
Salt & Straw has firmly established itself as one of Portland’s most iconic ice cream brands. Its menu is a perfect blend of creativity, quality, and locally sourced ingredients, making it an essential part of Portland’s culinary landscape. Whether you’re a fan of classic ice cream flavors or you’re looking to try something a little more adventurous, Salt & Straw’s menu offers something for everyone. So, the next time you’re in Portland, make sure to stop by one of their locations and experience these unique and unforgettable ice cream creations for yourself.
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