We recently caught up with Thomas Pisha-Duffly, known for his Portland restaurants, Gado Gado and Oma’s Hideaway. He shared his thoughts on craftsmanship, cooking, and the tools he trusts most—like his STEELPORT knives. If you’ve ever stepped into one of Tom’s restaurants, you know they’re more than just places to eat. Gado Gado welcomes guests with a warm, eclectic atmosphere that mirrors the vibrant flavors of its Indonesian-inspired menu. Bright colors, dynamic dishes, and a lively energy make it a place where meals feel like celebrations. The menu, rooted in Tom’s family recipes and Southeast Asian heritage, is a playful mix of bold flavors and creative techniques. Since opening in 2019, Gado Gado has earned major recognition, including multiple James Beard Award nominations (Best New Restaurant, Best Chef: Northwest & Pacific), and features in The New York Times, Forbes, GQ, and Bon Appétit. Oma’s Hideaway, Tom’s second restaurant, began as a COVID-era takeout window outside of Gado Gado before officially opening its doors in 2021. A nostalgic tribute to his grandmother’s cooking, it blends funky, playful energy with deeply personal flavors. Oma’s Hideaway has also gained national recognition, with a James Beard nomination for Best Chef: Northwest & Pacific, along with glowing praise from Bon Appétit, Esquire, and Portland Monthly.
Born and raised in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Tom’s journey to becoming a chef and restaurateur was shaped by a deep appreciation for shared meals and culinary traditions. From scooping ice cream and bussing tables as a teenager to working alongside some of the most respected chefs in the industry, Tom has always embraced the power of food to bring people together. After formative experiences at renowned establishments like East Coast Grill, Sportello, and Hugo’s, Tom took a life-changing trip to Indonesia, where he reconnected with his roots and fell in love with Southeast Asian flavors. Tom’s approach to food is deeply personal—each dish tells a story, weaving together tradition and innovation.
Honoring Craftsmanship Close to Home
Portland is home for Tom—not just for his restaurants, but for his family. That sense of place carries into the way he sources ingredients, collaborates with local makers, and chooses the tools he works with. “Portland has been an incredible home for my family, so I love supporting local companies. STEELPORT knives embody everything I appreciate—American-made with locally sourced materials, beautifully designed, and exceptionally functional. It’s the perfect marriage of form and performance,” Tom shares. Much like Tom’s approach to cooking, STEELPORT is about blending tradition and innovation. Our knives are made with care, precision, and a deep respect for craftsmanship—values that resonate with him as a chef. 
A Knife That Becomes Part of You
A chef’s knife is more than a tool—it’s an extension of their hand. The way it moves, balances, and feels makes all the difference. “One thing I love about STEELPORT knives is how they feel—perfectly weighted, with rounded edges and smooth wood that make every cut a pleasure.,” says Tom. That effortless, comfortable feel is what sets a great knife apart. When you spend hours in the kitchen, comfort and ease matter. A knife that works with you, not against you, makes all the difference. Tom goes on to share some knife handling pointers. “A knife should feel like an extension of you—not just a tool in your hand. Maintain a firm but natural grip, keeping it in line with your wrist and arm for control and precision. Just like shooting pool, the motion should come from your whole arm, not just your fingers or wrist.” 
At the end of the day, cooking is about connection. Whether it’s through the flavors of a dish, the stories behind a recipe, or the tools that make the process more intuitive, every detail matters. For Tom Pisha-Duffly, STEELPORT is part of that equation—a knife that honors tradition, elevates technique, and just feels right. Want to cook like Tom? Grab his favorite STEELPORT knives—the 8” Chef Knife and 4” Paring Knife. You can also catch him live and in-person at 11am this Saturday, March 29th, at STEELPORT for a Knife Skills Demo, where he’ll be slicing citrus supremes and preparing a Konbu Cured Scallop Tartare. RSVP for a chance to win a $50 gift card to Gado Gado or Oma’s Hideaway.