¡BoMba! 101

The story behind ¡Bomba! Sabor Y Ritmo — The heart of our concept and strategy in our branding.

BOM · BA

noun

A traditional Afro-Puerto Rican music and dance form developed by enslaved Africans as a means of communication, celebration, resistance, and cultural preservation through rhythm and movement.

An expression, of resilience, identity, and cultural pride. This living tradition is handed down through generations, continually evolving while respecting its origins.

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Sabor | Flavor

Like many passionate cultures, Puerto Ricans see food as a vital expression of identity—deeply rooted in history and shaped by African, Taíno, and Spanish influences. In Portland, a city celebrated for its diverse and adventurous food scene, ¡Bomba! brings the vibrant flavors and spirit of the island to the table.

The restaurant blends Puerto Rican culinary traditions and staples, with local Pacific Northwest ingredients, celebrating heritage and community through its dishes.

A male chef preparing food in a restaurant kitchen, surrounded by fresh vegetables and dishes, with colorful wall art and brick walls.

RitMO | rhythm

“Ritmo” draws from the art of bomba, a musical tradition that emerged in 17th-century Puerto Rico among enslaved Africans. Defined by the call-and-response between drum and dancer, bomba embodies resilience, expression, and joy.

Passed down through generations, its rhythms continue to shape Puerto Rican culture and it influences modern music and movement. Bomba transforms pain into empowerment and community into celebration—remaining as relevant today as ever.

A vibrant painting of a woman dancing with a man playing a drum during a lively street celebration at sunset, with palm trees and colorful buildings in the background.

At its core, bomba is a conversation — and that idea lives at the heart of what we’re creating. At ¡Bomba!, the dialogue happens between the kitchen, the bar, the music, and the people in the room. Energy moves back and forth: plates hit the table, cocktails spark, the room responds, and the vibe shifts in real time. Nothing is static. Every night has its own rhythm….

A lively scene in a restaurant kitchen with chefs preparing food on the left, and a dancer gracefully twirling in a flowing dress with a band playing drums on the right, surrounded by warm, swirling lights and musical notes.

Just like traditional bomba, our concept is built on rhythm, call-and-response, and shared experience. our space is driven by community, storytelling, and connection — honoring the past while letting the present moment lead.

Click here to meet the founders of ¡BoMba!