Saucy Porka

“Thanks to the visionary spirit of my sister Amy Le, Saucy Porka burst onto the scene 12 years ago in Chicago. Amy's vision was clear: to fuse the bold, intricate flavors of Asian cuisine with the vibrant, distinct spices of Latin food. It was a celebration of cultural harmony, served up on every plate. The mission was to introduce this extraordinary fusion of Asian and Latin flavors to a new audience, eager for culinary adventure. The inspiration behind Saucy Porka's menu is deeply rooted in our love for both Asian and Latin cuisines – a testament to the power of culinary creativity.

By highlighting successful role models and stories of resilience, determination, and contribution, it empowers young people and encourages them to pursue their dreams and make their mark on the world. Events and activities organized during Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month provide opportunities for people to connect, share experiences and build a sense of community. This fosters friendships and collaborations that extend beyond the month, contributing to a more cohesive and supportive society.” –Phil Le, Saucy Porka Co-owner & Chef

Three years in the making, created the vision Phil and I conjured in our heads for our St. Louis mural. Khanh is our cousin and an incredible artist who has had his worked displayed and showcased in portrait gallery, DC Facebook office, and art galleries throughout the country. It means the world to us that he took time from his hectic schedule to create a custom portrait to be displayed at our Saucy Porka STL location. The portrait is based on Phil and I’s childhood photo from his 8th birthday party. It also includes imagery and symbols that represent St. Louis and our journey to America. It was at this birthday party we begged our parents to buy White Castle burgers to serve to our friends because we didn’t want them to serve rice and Vietnamese egg rolls. Even at an early age we realized how powerful food could be to express who we wanted to be and how we wanted the world to see us. 30+ years later we have come to appreciate the importance of our Vietnamese heritage and continue to love the country that raised us. These two worlds coexist everyday in our food, family and life. We also need to send a special thanks to for framing and installing the portrait. It was a full circle moment to have and his family part of this process as they have been part of our lives since we were kids.

March is Women’s history month. As we honor the incredible women who have inspired and led us, it is only fitting that we take a moment to celebrate the Saucy Porka matriarch and OG herself, Mama Loan. If you visit any Saucy Porka location, you can find her picture adorning the walls of our restaurants. Behind my mother’s beautiful, bright, smiling face there is a story of resilience, strength and hardship. Read more about our mother’s story at link below. Cheers to all the women who impact our lives this month and everyday after.

Cheers To Saucy Women | Saucy Porka - Asian Latin Flavors March is Women’s history month. As we honor the incredible women who have inspired and led us, it is only fitting that we take a moment to celebrate the Saucy Porka matriarch and OG herself, Mama …

Thanks in naming us among the best restaurants for delivery and take-out. Next time you need a night to stay in and binge Netflix, it will be so much better noshing on some bacos and double dipping our egg rolls in that savory jalapeño aioli.

Thank you STL TV and Angela H. for letting us show you all how we roll… chorizo egg rolls that is. We had a blast chatting about our love for food, St. Louis and how we started our little family owned restaurant. Check out the full episode here https://youtu.be/SgENWeODMyQ

Thanks Time Out Chicago for listing Saucy Porka #8 on your best Loop restaurants!

The best restaurants in the Loop The business district offers plenty of dining options.

Over 10 years ago I met when I first quit my job and started a food truck. She was slinging cupcakes from a renovated mail truck and I was cruising Chicago hustling my banh mi sandwiches. It was the beginning of a sisterhood that involved late nights helping each other bake, prepping food for massive events and handing each other lots of tissues when everything got too much. When I first opened Saucy Porka 10 years ago I didn’t have a cashier for opening day, but Lupita showed up and hand wrote every order that came in the door. As we kick off Saucy Porka’s 10 year anniversary next week, it was only fitting that and I would be back in the kitchen doing what we do best—-supporting each other. She recently opened her
pop-up sweet shop in Northbrook. It was there we reminisced of the good old days and baked you all these special piggy cupcakes to give away next week at our Chicago Loop and Hyde Park locations. Thankful for the journey we’ve been on. But even more thankful for the people that have been there through it all to offer support.

The Best Fusion Restaurants in Illinois! Fusion restaurants: the solution for those who can never settle on the kind of cuisine they’re in the mood for. With combinations such as French

Thanks for the #14 on the list of best Chicago Loop Lunch spots! Feeling honored to be among such amazing company on 2023 list.

The best lunch spots in the Loop Make the workday better with a delicious meal.

Most days you will find Phil and I in the kitchen cooking, washing dishes are buried in paperwork in our office. But every once in a while we get to do cool things. Last week we sat down with Alexis Zotos and chat with her about what inspires Saucy Porka and why St. Louis was the perfect city to expand outside of Chicago. And maybe how our ancestors guided us on this crazy journey. You can check out the full podcast below.

https://www.kmov.com/2023/02/20/episode-222-saucy-porka/

Episode 222: Saucy Porka Saucy Porka just celebrated its one-year anniversary here in St. Louis.

A dream starts with a vision. But that vision doesn’t become a reality without a whole lot of love, sweat and tears. Thank you to everyone (staff, family, friends, builders, contractors, and vendors) that made it possible for us to launch Saucy Porka STL one year ago! And thank you especially to the STL community who have welcomed us with so much love and warmth. Phil and I are two hometown kids who get to live out our dreams and share our love for food and cooking because of everyone who has supported us along the way. Cheers to Saucy Porka STL’s first anniversary and many more to come!

Saucy Porka serves up more than just delicious pork dishes. We offer an assortment of vegan friendly options. Check out our favorite picks in Feast Magazine.

https://www.feastmagazine.com/restaurants/article_7da76ff0-a0e5-11ed-b829-9b87fbc03b07.html?fbclid=PAAaYmFw1-kC-VMtLQkjyeUsz0pYpX-ffgYXCmCbCpSaDSms9JmGpaaGCJg-A

3 Mexican restaurants with plant-based dishes everyone will crave No meat, no problem: At these three Mexican restaurants, you'll never miss the meat in their plant-based dishes.

When STL Saucy arrives in CHI. Besties Reunited.

Saucy Porka’s chorizo egg rolls are for sure a comfort food everyone should enjoy at home! Thanks Thrillist for the mention!

https://www.thrillist.com/eat/chicago/best-comfort-food-chicago

The Best Chicago Comfort Foods to Enjoy from Home Dinner from these local institutions tastes better under a blanket.

For the past 10 years Chef Memo has been my right and left hand. From the days of the food truck when it was just the two of us cooking and slinging banh mi sandwiches in our cramped little truck to launching 3 restaurants together, he’s always been by my side. But now the time has come for him to create more opportunities outside the restaurant industry. He will be more than missed. He is one in a million. His kind heart, work ethic and moral compass helped guided me on this journey. For now we don’t say goodbye, we say see you on that beach when we can finally enjoy that beer together. The Saucy Porka family love you and will miss you Chef Memo.

Why be anything else???

When the dish is the hero. Fall in love this season with our Mexi pho. It will warm your heart and belly.

Another dish in our wide variety of vegan options: The Puerto Rican Rice Bowl. Choose between Panang curry tofu, soy ginger tofu, black bean garlic tofu, or grilled veggies for a delicious meal!

Here are some more pics from Chicago Today show! Love getting to feed & .

What an awesome time on the Chicago Today show feeding Matt Rodrigues & Courtney Hall. Thank you all for letting us feed you and sharing our story.

https://www.nbcchicago.com/entertainment/chicago-today/hyde-park-restaurant-saucy-porka-serves-up-unique-combinations-of-latin-asian-flavors/2947270/

Hyde Park Restaurant Saucy Porka Serves Up Unique Combinations of Latin, Asian Flavors We invited the chef and owner of Saucy Porka, Amy Le, to take us through some of her tasty dishes.

Who knew getting saucy could look this good. Well, we did. Our tripple threat of sauces: Mojo, Chipotle aioli and jalapeño aioli.

You don't?
Don't worry... we'll teach you! 😉

Pescatarian meet Vegetarian. How you doing? Tempura fried shrimp baco topped with corn salsa and crispy soy ginger tofu baco with Asian pickled slaw. Our menu offers more than just pork.

The Guajillo Pork Bánh Mì looks almost too pretty to eat! Just kidding, you should definitely eat it. Slow cooked pork butt, braised in our house made soy marinade, and then finished with a guajillo sauce, topped with kimchi and jalapeno aioli and served in a toasted Bánh Mì. Art is for the belly.

Say it louder for the people in the back 👏👏👏
Now, what to choose on our menu...

What does wallpaper have in common with a neon sign?

Our Panang Curry Chicken Curry Baco: slow braised chicken in a Panang curry sauce and topped with pickled carrots and daikon. Try to find something wrong in that sentence!

Asian Paella: Jasmine coconut rice with Sazón seasoning, Chinese sausage, mild sausage, guajillo pork, edamame, and scallions. The ingredients just scream amazing fusion!

Happy BAOday!
Saucy Hyde Park is celebrating our 1st Anniversary!

Free Bacos for our Birthday
Pick 1: Guajillo Pork, Panang Chicken, or Soy Ginger Tofu baco. Free with dine-in purchase.