The former Sweetheart Donuts building on Southeast Third Street has undergone quite a transformation. These days, instead of maple bars and bear claws, the little storefront is serving steaming bowls of ramen, colorful bento boxes, fresh sushi and a menu packed with Japanese comfort food.
PAN Japanese Kitchen, opened a few months ago by the owners of Thai Table, fills a niche that Bend can always use more of — quick, affordable takeout that does not sacrifice quality or presentation. While there is a teeny, tiny seating area with just a handful of tables, PAN is clearly designed with takeout in mind. Fortunately, they seem to have put as much thought into how the food travels as they have into how it tastes.
The menu is surprisingly extensive for such a compact operation. Bento boxes, donburi rice bowls, noodle soups, sushi rolls, sashimi, appetizers and desserts all compete for attention. Popular items include the Chicken Teriyaki Bento and Salmon Ginger Soy Bento, both loaded with a variety of components and priced reasonably at around twenty dollars.
Appetizers range from familiar favorites like crispy gyoza and miso soup to more intriguing options such as Takoyaki, those beloved Japanese fried octopus balls topped with savory sauce and dancing bonito flakes. Furikake potato tots add a playful touch, while the Bronze broccoli offers a vegetable option that deserves far more attention than broccoli usually gets.
Chef tasting bento boxes come with chicken, beef, seafood, vegan and gluten free options, while rice bowls and curry dishes range from simple comfort food to the impressive PAN Omakase Chirashi, featuring a chef-selected assortment of fish over sushi rice. The noodle soup lineup is equally appealing. Choices include chicken shoyu, spicy Miso, creamy vegan udon, and the creamy chicken, a rich chicken broth topped with crispy chicken katsu, bamboo shoots, wood ear mushrooms, green onions and a soft boiled egg.
Then there is the sushi menu. You can keep it simple with a California roll or spicy tuna roll, or venture into specialty territory with options like the Dragon roll, spicy soft shell crab roll or one of several Chef’s Select creations. Premium offerings include seared tuna truffle, featuring bluefin tuna and truffle oil and a Kaisen tostada layered with spicy marinated fish, shrimp, seaweed and avocado atop a crispy wonton.
For my visit, I stopped in to pick up a late lunch. After a recommendation from the chef, I ordered the Bronze broccoli and the creamy chicken noodle soup with udon noodles. The broccoli was outstanding. Chopped into perfectly sized pieces, flash fried just enough to maintain texture and coated in bright yuzu ponzu and crispy garlic, it delivered layers of flavor that elevated a humble vegetable into something memorable. The citrus notes from the yuzu added freshness while the savory elements brought balance and depth. I would order it again without hesitation.
The creamy chicken soup impressed me before I even took a bite. The takeout packaging was one of the smartest designs I have encountered. The hot broth sat securely in the lower portion of the container while the noodles, chicken, vegetables, and egg rested neatly above it in a separate compartment. Everything stayed beautifully arranged during the drive home and there was not a drop of leakage.
Once assembled, the soup delivered exactly the kind of comfort food experience its name promises. The broth was rich and flavorful without becoming heavy. The thick udon noodles absorbed the creamy flavors beautifully. The crispy chicken katsu remained surprisingly crisp and featured tender pieces of panko crusted chicken breast. Even as someone who does not always gravitate toward breaded chicken, I found myself enjoying every bite. I stirred in the little chili sauce that came on the side and it added just the right touch of spice to the soup.
The soft boiled egg provided that perfect jammy center ramen lovers chase, while the mushrooms and vegetables added texture and balance. Most impressive was the portion size. There was easily enough food for two servings, making it an excellent option for sharing or for tomorrow’s lunch. My total came to $28 before tip. Considering the quality of ingredients, the generous portions and the fact that I essentially got two meals out of the experience, the value felt entirely fair.
What stands out most about PAN Japanese Kitchen is the care. The food is thoughtfully prepared. The presentation is attractive even inside takeout containers. Service is friendly and efficient. The colorful interior, decorated with Japanese artwork and banners, creates a cheerful atmosphere despite the restaurant’s small footprint.
The biggest question may be the location itself. Third Street offers visibility and easy vehicle access, but it is not exactly a strolling destination. This feels like the kind of place that might thrive in a more pedestrian friendly neighborhood where people could casually wander in for a bowl of ramen or a quick sushi fix. That said, residents of nearby neighborhoods such as the Old Farm District may find it particularly convenient, and pulling in and out of the parking lot was pretty darn easy, despite the usual Third Street hubbub.
With such a large menu, my single visit barely scratched the surface. The bento boxes are calling my name. So is the Katsu curry rice. And there are plenty of sushi rolls still waiting to be sampled. For now, PAN Japanese Kitchen succeeds at what it sets out to do. It offers fresh Japanese comfort food, generous portions, fair prices and thoughtful execution. If you are craving ramen, rice bowls, bento boxes or sushi and want a quick, satisfying meal without sacrificing quality, this sweet little spot on Third Street is well worth a visit.
PAN Japanese Kitchen
Tue-Sat 11am-9pm, Sun Noon-9pm
210 SE Third St., Bend, OR
panbend.com
Call/text 541-919-4656
This article appears in the Source June 11, 2026.
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