Tita's Kitchen, the last remaining Peruvian food truck tied to Portland's small but lively Latinx food scene, is packing it in after this weekend. Owner Fabiola Chipoco Poulsen announced on Thursday that the truck's final service at Troutdale Station is set for Sunday, closing a run that began during the pandemic and shrinking the already limited options for Peruvian sandwiches, bowls and snacks around town.
In an emotional Instagram post, Poulsen shared that "this business gave me community, purpose, and my family back," as reported by The Oregonian/OregonLive. She wrote that she launched Tita's Kitchen because she "missed home" and used the post to thank customers who kept showing up over the years.
From Portland Mercado To Troutdale
Tita's Kitchen started as a cart at Portland Mercado in October 2020, when Poulsen rolled out the concept inside the Latinx market pod, according to Portland Mercado. The Mercado's market hall was later badly damaged in a January 2024 fire that disrupted many vendors' operations and reshaped where cooks could park and prep, per OPB.
Over time, Poulsen expanded into multiple carts and related projects, but earlier locations in Gresham and Happy Valley had already gone dark, leaving the Troutdale truck as the final outpost, as reported by The Oregonian/OregonLive. For regulars craving pollo a la brasa, lomo saltado and yuca fries, the closure is a reminder that small mobile operations can be surprisingly fragile, even with a loyal fan base.
A Family Business, Multiplied
Poulsen also spun Tita's Kitchen into brick-and-mortar counter concepts, including Blends Juice Bar and Lil' Funky Donuts, which operate at Pine Street Market and in Troutdale, according to ALIST. Those ventures helped broaden the brand beyond a single truck, but local listings and the owner's own words suggest they were not enough to keep the mobile operation rolling indefinitely.
Last Chance To Visit
The truck's final service is scheduled for Sunday at Troutdale Station, located at 151 SW 257th Drive in Troutdale, according to Troutdale Station. Diners hoping for a last round of Peruvian comfort food should double-check hours before heading out, since Poulsen noted the specific final weekend schedule in her closing announcement.
