Little Pig in Portland, Maine

Little Pig is a small, family-run Thai spot in Portland where the menu is short but the flavors run deep. They specialize in Southeast Asian street food, grilled Laos sausages, choo-chee banh mi, panang curry, made with real spice and seasoning. Expect to wait a bit during busy hours and plan for outdoor seating only, but regulars say the food justifies the trip.

• Beef panang and choo-chee banh mi with real depth.
• Grilled Laos sausages with sticky rice, perfectly executed.
• Generous portions; half a banh mi can fill you up.
• Family-run, focused menu means nothing is an afterthought.

Start with the grilled Laos sausages paired with sticky rice, or go straight to the choo-chee banh mi with fish or tofu. The beef panang has seasoning and spice that stands out. Order the chive cakes and dumplings as sides, they're substantial enough to share. The tofu banh mi works too if you want lighter protein; the pickled vegetables and sauce make it.

Outdoor seating only, small and intimate. Expect a small wait during peak times and come prepared to eat outside unless weather makes takeout the smarter call.

This isn't a polished dining room, it's a cash-and-carry kind of place where you grab a seat outside (weather permitting) or take your order to go. People drive across town for it. The parking can be a hassle and waits happen, but no one seems to mind.

Diners rave about authentic flavors and generous portions. One recent visitor said the beef panang seasoning and spice were 'top notch.' People tell friends about the drive and the parking hassle, then come back anyway.