Asian Restaurants, Bend Oregon

Asian Restaurants in Bend Oregon - I wish we had enough restaurants from the Pacific Rim in Bend to not just lump all of Asia into one group. You know, China and Japan are two different countries.

Below are the Asian Restaurants in Bend Oregon that I've reviewed:

SOBA Asian Bistro
945 NW Bond Street
Bend, OR 97701
Ph: 541-318-1535
http://www.eatsoba.com/


Angel Thai Cuisine
1900 NE Division St., Bend
541-388-5177

Kanpai Sushi & Sake Bar
990 NW Newport Ave
Bend, OR 97701
541-388-4636

Double Happiness
2115 NE Hwy 20
Bend, OR 97701

Toomie's Thai Cuisine
119 NW Minnesota
Bend, OR 97701
541-388-5590

Deep
821 n.w. wall street, suite 100
bend, oregon 97701
telephone: 541.323.9841

Ode to Deep by MC Arl

Hong Kong Restaurant
530 Se 3rd St
Bend, OR 97702
(541) 389-8880

Chan's Chinese Restaurant
1005 SE 3rd Street
Bend Oregon 97702
541-389-1725

Sumi's Japanese Restaurant
1444 NW College Way, Suite 1
Bend Oregon

A Taste of Thailand
696 NE Greenwood
Bend, OR 97701
541-815-0180

Typhoon!
Franklin Crossing Building
550 NW Franklin Ave., Suite 148,
Bend, OR 97701
541-385-8885

Mongolian BBQ
61535 S Hwy 97
Bend, OR 97701
541-318-8500

Shoji's
62929 N. Hwy 97
Bend, OR
(541) 389-0701

Szechuan
1600 NE 3rd
Bend, OR 97701
541-383-9033

Bend Oregon Asian Restaurants that I have NOT reviewed:

China Sun Buffet
Bend River Mall
Bend, ST 97701
541-382-1122

Red Dragon
61247 S HWY 97
Bend, OR 97702
541-389-9888

Royal Thai Cafe
2210 NE Hwy 20
Bend, OR 97701
541-312-2240

Yoko's Japanese Restaurant
2670 NE Hwy 20
Bend, OR 97701
541-382-3300

If I've missed a restaurant in this category. Please submit a restaurant via email.

deep Restaurant - Bend Oregon

deep Restaurant

When we heard about a new Japanese restaurant called deep opening up in Bend, the wife and I couldn't wait to try it out. We are big fans of good Sushi so when we are out of town we grub it up. In Bend we will normally head to Kanpai for happy hour.

We started with some drinks and the special appetizer of Hamachi Kama (the collar of a yellowtail tuna) which was delicious and a good portion. The wife is very good at finding every scrap of meat on this sucker and we have to keep sending the staff away when they try to take it from us too soon. They see it as done but the wife knows there is more meat hiding in there...and she's always right. The seasoning was spot on, salty, peppery perfection.

We ordered some nigiri and a specialty roll, the Golden Dragon: Crisp Soft Shell Crab with Mango, Peanuts and Thai Chili Sauce. I would have preferred that the sweet chili sauce was presented more on the side of the roll instead of putting the roll directly on top of the sauce as I like to be in control of the amount of sauce used.

We also ordered the Sashimi Salad with Cucumber, Crisp Salmon Skin and Sesame-Daikon Vinaigrette. For an $11 salad, the three pieces of sashimi makes it worth while.

And one of the main reasons I wanted to go to deep was for David's Crisp and Angry Lobster:


Again, the sauce was all over the place but I rather enjoyed it's flavor, the wife did not. The presentation was pretty cool as you can see. This plate is not filling by any means and for $22 I guess it's more about the presentation than anything. The lobster actually was a bit dried out. I'm not sure how they prepare it but it seems to have been boiled, cut into chunks for easy eating but then seasoned and flash fried to give it that crispiness.

I thought it was a clever way of presenting lobster but I think once was good enough.

I know everyone is apparently sweating deep and praising Jody for bringing sushi and another fine dining establishment to Bend but I wouldn't be me if I didn't have a complaint, critique, or some smart ass thing to say.

The service was great overall but one thing I think they REALLY need to work on is the timing of the plates. I'm used to ordering everything that we want right off the bat and with sushi and Japanese cuisine in general, you don't really follow the appetizer, main, dessert style. There are small, hot, and cold plates, sushi rolls, nigiri, sashimi, and so on.

We placed our order for an appetizer, cold plate, a few pieces of nigiri, a specialty roll, and the angry lobster. The plates start coming, first the Hamachi Collar, then the nigiri and specialty roll. Now our tiny table (and the tables are insanely small) is full. On this tiny table we now have our drinks, our individual plates, the dishes to dip you sushi in (where you put the wasabi and soy), a couple of rocks (for resting your chopsticks on which are useless to me once a plate arrives or you mix your wasabi and soy sauce), and three rather large plates with the items above.

That's enough for now but while we're chatting and enjoying what we have, the Sashimi salad comes out. We haven't finished the Hamachi yet (which might be our bad but I explained that we really go to town on that one). So we have to stop what we're doing for roughly 2 minutes while we adjust everything on the table to accommodate the salad. It was extremely cramped and rather uncomfortable.

I just wish the pace at which the dishes were brought to the table would have been spread out evenly. Other than that and the fact that it's rather expensive (see their menu) I don't have any other complaints. We'll be back but it will be more for special occasions unless they offer a happy hour.

Wait, I just read on their menu that they have Tempura Bacon...I'll be there tonight!

deep
821 n.w. wall street, suite 100
bend, oregon 97701
telephone: 541.323.9841
fax: 541.323.9843
hours of operation:
open 5 p.m. daily
http://www.deepbend.com/

Chan's Chinese Restaurant - Bend Oregon

Chan’s Chinese Restaurant

We finally gave Chan’s a try since Szechuan is no longer an option for us and Double Happiness has moved out East. The wife was running a bit late so I got the sampler appetizer. Most of the dish was as good as expected, the BBQ pork, the prawns, the egg rolls were all just fine. Now this little nugget wrapped in the foil was not so good. I have no idea what paper wrapped chicken is supposed to look like but paper and aluminum foil are not the same...are they? I did not like it. I do not recommend that stuff.



When the wife arrived we ordered the Calamari. Not good. The breading was oily and lacked flavor. It was described as salt and pepper calamari but I think it could have used more salt and less pepper. The squid was rubbery and tough. 0-2 there Chan’s.



The twice cooked pork, the mandarin chicken, and the beer were all great and we had enough leftovers for a couple meals. The hot and sour soup was also ok, I liked Szechuan’s better but, then again, there was that one time.




So if you have a large group to feed, or are in the need for some average Chinese food, Chan's is for you. I need to go back to Double Happiness again.

Chan's Chinese Restaurant
1005 SE 3rd Street
Bend Oregon 97702
http://www.chanschinese.com/

deep - Bend Oregon

I was forwarded the following press release about deep, a new restaurant in downtown Bend featuring modern Japanese cuisine from the chef/owner of Merenda Restaurant and Wine Bar. I can't wait to try the Crisp and Angry Lobster...that just sounds right.

Bend, OR—Jody Denton, chef/owner of Merenda Restaurant and Wine Bar, will open Deep, his second restaurant in downtown Bend in late May, 2007. Deep will feature modern Japanese cuisine, inventive, contemporary dishes along with creative and traditional sushi. Located in the heart of downtown, ½ block from Merenda on Wall Street, Deep’s opening adds another chapter to Denton ’s long and distinguished career as he strives to raise the bar once again in Bend.

“Deep has been in my mind for a long time. I knew that one day I’d be able to do it. And to have it downtown is really important. This is where most locals and visitors come to dine. It’s the energetic heart of the city. "

The restaurant will seat 100 people within its main dining room and bar as well as its upstairs private dining room. High ceilings, a glass and steel water canopy that suspends above the dining room, and an overall modern design will make Deep wholly original to Bend’s ever-growing restaurant scene. “I’m extremely excited with how the architecture turned out,” says Denton. “Atmosphere is so much of a restaurant’s capacity to provide an experience. That, along with the food and service, makes for the total event that eating out should offer.”

Deep will be open seven nights a week and recommends reservations, which will be available only after the opening date. For more information, please contact Jody Denton at 541-323-9841 or visit www.deepbend.com

A FEW ITEMS COLD DISHES
Kumamoto Oysters with Cucumber Lime Ice
Tuna, Cucumber and Avocado Sashimi Roll with Truffle Ponzu
Hamachi Carpaccio with Jalapeño Ponzu
Hot Oil Seared Snapper Sashimi with Chilies and Scallions
Monkfish Pate with Miso-Dijon Sauce
Oregon Kobe Beef Tatake with Toasted Garlic
Sashimi Salad with Cucumber, Crisp Salmon Skin and Sesame Daikon Vinaigrette
Green Salad with Yuzu Vinaigrette

HOT DISHES
Stir Fried Edamame with Togarashi and Garlic
Awase Miso Soup with Shiitake Mushrooms
Shrimp Tempura Udon with Oxtail Broth
Yuzu Pepper Shrimp with Three Mushrooms
Oregon Kobe Beef and a Hot River Rock
David’s Crisp and Angry Lobster
Sweet Miso Cured Black Cod
Chili Crusted Calamari and Scallions
Crispy Air Dried Duck Salad
Lacquered Pork Short Ribs
Grilled Oregon Kobe Beef Steak

Kona Mix Plate, Bend Oregon

Does anyone know where you can find Kal-bi ribs in Bend? I do. Kona Mix Plate located in the Reed Lane Plaza offers authentic cuisine from the Big Island. The entire crew is from Hawaii which is good if you are offering authentic Hawaiian food.

The menu is pretty confusing when you first walk in (and their website doesn't help much either, yet) so I grabbed one of their printed menus which made it easier for me. They were more than helpful and very patient with me while I tried to make up my mind.

I decided on the Kal-Bi (Cal-bee) ribs and the Chicken Katsu. That's right I MIXED IT UP which is encouraged. Getchyur, getchyur, getchyur MIX ON! Like that mixed tape you made for that 9th grade hotty that's all chuck full of hits from Boys to Men and Fine Young Cannibals, you can add two or three of Kona's hits to one mixed plate for $8.50 and $11.50 respectfully. For some weird reason that even I can't explain, the results you get from your mix at Kona is more satisfying than when you get that "Oh, a mixed tape, uh, thanks?" response as she tosses it into her locker before heading off to Algebra 1-2. B#*ch.

HAHA ok ok, that last part was uncalled for...just jokes people. Moving on.

I started off with a Fire Rock Pale Ale from the Kona Brewing Company which apparently is huge on the Big Island. I've never been to Hawaii so I have no idea what I'm talking about when I'm ordering it.

"Duh...Is um, Kona Brewing Company associated with this restaurant" I ask thinking that Kona Mixed Plate and Kona Brewing are the same company...idiot...gosh!


I wouldn't go as far to say that it was a "Pint of Paradise" but it was a great beer that went well with my meal. It went down smooth and I wish I had time for another pint but the service was too fast...maybe next time I'll just drink faster...yeah that's smart.

With your meal you get the choice of rice or fries as well as a choice of Grandma's famous PotatoMac or a tossed green salad. Why is there a choice between PotatoMac or a freakin green salad? I'll personally smack you across the back of your neck if you choose the latter.

The wife was running late to meet me so I order for her and got the Kal-Bi ribs and Shrimp Tempura. She normally gets the Bulgogi, my bad. She didn't complain though, this junk is the bizzomb!

We devoured our perfectly prepared ribs in no time. The Chicken Katsu was light for being a deep fried piece of chicken. The PotatoMac was awesome and I don't even like potato salad or macaroni salad. I chose it cause I thought it would be cheesy like macncheese. Obviously my brain was not firing on all cylinders.

With a menu this big, I can guarantee that I will be posting a few more times on Kona Mix Plate. I can't wait to try the Chicken Teriyaki sandwich...can't say I've seen that on a menu before.

Kona Mix Plate
A taste of Hawaii in Bend! Call for Pick up - 633-7378
61470 S. Highway 97, Bend, Oregon.
Open Monday - Saturday 11am - 9pm, Closed Sundays.
http://www.konamixplate.com/

Mongolian BBQ

A long time ago I went to the Mongolian BBQ over by Fred Meyers and was disappointed that it wasn't "all you can eat" like other Mongolian BBQs I have been to. So it has been a long time since I have been back and now I sort of regret it. I like this place.

For those that don't know, Mongolian BBQ features "create your own stir-fry" using a variety of meats, vegetables, and sauces. You start off with the size of bowl you want, pack it with the ingredients you want, finish it off with ladles of sauces and hand it to the grill guy.

He'll throw it on the massive flat stove as seen here:

I guess this style started with Mongolian warriors cooking food on this inside of their shields. Not sure if that's accurate or not and I'm too lazy to look it up.

When it's done they'll slide it back into a bowl and you're ready to eat:

What I found amazing about their set up is the order in which they lay out the bar. Starting with the bowls your first options are the vegetables. The broccoli and cabbage are huge and will take up quite a bit of room in your bowl. Before you know it, you've got a bowl full of crappy vegetables and you haven't added your meat. That's how they "get" you.

I decided that I wasn't going to conform to the order and sort of jumped around from section to section. After a couple vegetables I hit the meat section. I went a little overboard with beef, pork, and shrimp. I should have stuck with only one main meat for better flavor. But I've always been a fan of eating as many animals as possible. I know that sounds barbaric but it's the truth.

At El Caporal I LOOOVE the Tres Cobaios (not sure if that's spelled right, I think it means Three Horses...mmmm horse (kidding)). It's skirt steak, chicken breast, and prawns wrapped with bacon, rice, beans. Oh man, sooooo good! Beef, Pork, Shrimp, Chicken...am I missing something?

I was having too much fun adding all the different stuff and not following the "proper" order of things that I forgot to add noodles. DUH! So I ended up with this massive stack of noodles on top. It worked out ok since most of the ingredients cook down, plus they drop some like you see in the photo, and it all fit back in the bowl just fine.

It's not necessary to have all you can eat since the big bowl is plenty big. You don't need more than that.

If you do visit Mongolian BBQ, I recommend going HEAVY on the ladles of sauces. I had the big bowl and put in what I thought was a lot of sauce but mine still came out a tad dry. It was good, I just would have preferred a little more sauce is all.

Also, I'm not sure I'd recommend the Mongolian BBQ if you are allergic to anything on that bar. I didn't add any peanuts to mine but the other dish that was on the grill at the same time must have cause I had no less than three peanuts in my bowl while I was eating.

All in all, for the money, it's a pretty good deal. Dinner prices are around $7-$10. You get exactly what you want (and maybe an extra peanut or two) and your eating pretty soon after you come in. I'll be back there.

Mongolian BBQ
61535 S Highway 97, Bend, OR
(541) 318-8500

Kanpai Sushi and Sake Bar

Kanpai

It's not often that I get out to eat sushi in this town being that there is only one acceptable restaurant in town and it's expensive. Kanpai had a bad reputation for the wait staff and the sushi chefs being extremely rude. Customer service in general used to be horrible. The last couple times that I've been to Kanpai have been the opposite. The service has been quite good.

I'm sure everyone has their horror stories from Kanpai. I know my first time going there I almost walked out without paying. But, like I said, I've been satisfied the last couple times.

On the last visit I started off with Hot Sake. That's right I said HOT Sake. You can keep your fancy pants cold sake with the high prices and your "knowledge" of "traditional" sake. I like the cheap stuff and served hot.

Now I don't know my fancy wine's and I don't know one cold sake from the other. I know what I like and what I like gets me tossed and feels good in by big belly. I don't drink enough cold sake (or sake in general) to know one from the other. Kanpai should do a sampler and maybe I'd try em out. Until then, I'll stick with my hot sake and be plenty happy.


When I do go to Kanpai I try to get there early and during the week to take advantage of their Happy Hour Menu. Unfortunately, I have zero self control especially when I think I'm getting a deal so I still spend way too much.

The photo above and below are the only two I was able to get before it got too dark for me to take photos without using the flash. I'm lying, I took these with my cell and it doesn't have flash.


The tempura at Kanpai is good but has a really really light batter. I like a little heavier mix but it's still pretty good and you get a large selection of vegetables.

We also had the Hamachi Kama (I'm not going to pretend to say the definition but I'm pretty sure it's the cheek) which is insanely good. Get it!

And of course we had some nigiri. All good stuff but man, that bill took a toll on the old wallet. Fortunately the left overs provided enough for lunch the following day.

Anyway, if you have a chance to swing by Kanpai for some sushi or sake or both (my choice), I recommend it. Yes Shannon, I'm going to try Shoji's eventually. If you haven't been back to Kanpai since your bad experience (also Shannon, I think your post was the last one I've read where you had terrible service) I think you might be pleasantly surprised by their improvement.

Kanpai Sushi and Sake Bar
990 NW Newport Ave.
Bend, OR 97701
541-388-4636
http://www.kanpai-bend.com/

Edamame

I just wanted to take a moment to discuss edamame. Edamame is not good. It doesn't taste good, doesn't look good, doesn't even smell good, yet you want it cause it's neat, different, cool, hip, edgy, whatever. I get it, you want to feel cool, you want people to think that you're a world traveler, you want to impress your date, you want the waitress to know you are on top of things, so you order edamame in your best "I know what I'm talking about" voice in an attempt to blend in and look hip. Yeah...you're awesome.

The only reason anyone orders or attempts to eat edamame is because it's called edamame. I'll admit, it's a fun name to say. Ed Eh Mom May. It rolls off the tongue and sounds cool. Go on, say it out loud right now. Now say it like you want to say it....edamammmmehhhhhhhh. You think you're so high class, so with it.

Edamame would not be as popular if it we called it by it's real name - Boiled Soy Beans. Think about it, would you have even clicked on the link to read this blog post if I titled it Boiled Soy Beans? I doubt you would have. Boiled Soy Beans...that doesn't sound good. You don't salivate over boiled soy beans. You don't want to pay $3 for some boiled soy beans. You don't suggest to some friends you're having over to watch American Idol that you can go boil some soy beans if any one's hungry.

"Hey fellas, thanks for coming over to my Superbowl party. For an appetizer we have some boiled soy beans with a nice dose of sea salt and some Zima's chilling on the deck."

HAHA Zima. If you're a guy and you order edamame, you might as well pour yourself a nice cold Lime Zima, Nancy.

Boiled soy beans...I just paused typing to actually give a big thumbs down motion to the wife...she just sighed and went about her business not giving me another thought. She loves edamame.

Soba's Edamame:

Kanpai's Shrimp and Vegi Tempura with Edamame in the background:

Please feel free to post your comment on who has the "best edamame" in town...suckers. Like you can have the best soy beans.

"Man, have you tried the soy beans at Shoji's?"
"Nah dogg, I'm still hooked on them soy beans over at Yokos"

Might as well rate who has the best can of green beans on the shelf at Rays. Soy beans = yuk face.

Shoji's - Bend Oregon

The wife and I were watching a rerun of the holiday party episode of The Office (yes the American version) where they go to Benihana's for lunch and some Nogasaki's (one part egg nog, three parts Saki). It gave us the idea to try out Shoji's on 97. We have never been to the one in Bend and I have never been to one of these style of restaurants where they cook right at your table, throw things, make jokes, ect.

Well, let me start off by saying that we had a decent experience, served up heaping portions of food, and had an all around good time. The food was alright. It wasn't anything to write home about but I'd probably go again.

Now, the people sitting at the table with us did not have the same experience.

So we walk in and meet Sam, a hilarious host who's sassy and extremely friendly to all. He tells me he needs five minutes but doesn't ask my name. So another guy comes to the register and I give him my name and then go to sit in the sushi bar. No one was eating sushi but it appeared that this is where you wait for a table. There was a group of three that had been waiting already.

Sam comes back and asks us to follow him. As we sat down at the table we thought it was odd that the other group of three were passed over...they ended up joining our table about 5 minutes later. Across from us was another couple calmly sipping their fruity beverages and playing with the little umbrellas hanging on the rim of their glasses.

The waiter comes over and asks us for drinks and appetizer orders to which we ordered an appetizer of pot stickers. The group of three ordered the same. Our drinks came out and shortly after our pot stickers (gyoza) came out....but none for the group of three.

The wife and I took advantage of the special of New York Steak and Chicken - 2 for $29.95. "All meals include: Dinner salad with a vegetable sunomono, scrumptious fried rice, garden fresh zucchini, mushrooms, onion, and bean sprouts, all stir fried with creamy butter and toasted sesame seeds. "

Sounds like a good deal to me. The two guys in that group of three next to us ordered the same. When the Chef prepared the rice there was quite a bit left over and he asked if anyone wanted it. The guy across from me accepted and when no one else said anything, I said sure. I passed on the zucchini, mushrooms, and onions so I didn't mind taking more rice. I like rice.

So the Chef is doing his thing cooking up our meat and I notice there are only a couple of chicken breasts on the grill. I thought no big deal about it figuring they serve up about half a breast per portion on this deal. But when he dished us up only the wife and I got chicken (this is after he had already served everyone their steak and even hooked me up with the extra...I'm loving it).

So the two guys next to us thought they were getting chicken but the waiter had written it down wrong. The Chef cleans the grill thing while explaining that the waiter is new and young. Then bolted.

That's it. No remorse, no attempt at preparing the food that they claimed to have ordered, no nothing. Everyone at the table heard them, the waiter made the mistake but that wasn't the chef's fault. So he took off. Then a waitress comes over with our bills.

The guys took a look at their check and almost lost it. They were in good spirits and explained that not only did they not get what they asked for, but were charged for two individual steak dinners at $18.95 a piece. I looked at my bill and noticed that our dinner was priced incorrectly as well but I waited to say anything, these guys were about to go nuts.

They were calm and laughed at the situation. How they didn't get the appetizer, didn't get the dinner requested, charged MORE money, and were getting the cold shoulder. The waitress replied...."Oh just talk to Sam or Chris" and started to walk off. These guys were dying. They couldn't believe how no one cared or took any responsibility for it and I don't blame them at all.

They were from Eugene and don't know who Sam or Chris is. That was just hilarious! I was cracking up. We got seated first, served double portions, got what we asked for, cleared up the slight billing mishap and were on our way.

On top of all that, the couple across from us with the fruity umbrella drinks, they were sitting there for 30 minutes before even WE sat down! They told us that they were the first to get seated and then a group of 6 showed up and it was some one's birthday in that group. That group complained cause they didn't want to share the table with strangers and got their own table. While they were complaining, the table next to them started filling up. So now the couple that was sitting there first had to wait for the table next to them AND the group of 6 to get their food first until the group of three and the wife and I showed up.

How crazy.

Ahhhhh good times.

Shoji's
62929 N. Hwy 97
Bend, OR
(541) 389-0701
http://www.makeitshojis.com/

SOBA - Downtown Bend Oregon

SOBA Asian Bistro

I am a fan of SOBA especially the Downtown Bend location. Actually, I have only been to the downtown Bend location but I highly recommend it. They give generous portions and it's quite quick, when there isn't a huge line. Jess and Rose (who no longer work there as I update this post) are awesome, helpful, and friendly. I swear they are always working so you'll probably see them.

One of my favorite dishes is the Chicken Phad Thai.

I apologize for the to go box photo. I'll update the photo's the next time around. I normally will ask for extra peanut sauce which really makes a big difference. As I've said before, "George likes his chicken spicy" so I recommend getting some of that red sauce that's hot as balls. Some call it rooster sauce, some cock sauce, I just call it Asian hot sauce.

This phad thai is the best in Bend. Those suckers that sweat Toomies are just that, suckers. I like the Chicken Red Curry at Toomies, but their phad thai is like spaghetti with a peanut sauce and wayyyy too oily. Toomies does have some good stuff, don't get me wrong, I'm just bashing their oily peanut spaghetti.

If I don't get the phad thai, I also enjoy the Spicy Shrimp Noodle Soup. The soup comes with a ton of vegetables and I love the glass noodles. It was too hot today for soup.

The wife likes to mix it up which is normal. Today she went with the Tonkatsu with the Curry sauce. The photo doesn't do it justice, this dish is gooood. The crispy Tonkatsu (breaded and fried pork cutlet) mixed with a little curry sauce was a great combo. I know you can't see it but it's served over white rice.


SOBA Asian Bistro
945 NW Bond Street
Bend, OR 97701
Ph: 541.318.1535
http://www.eatsoba.com/

Other reviews of SOBA:

SOBA Crouching Tiger Hidden Noodle