Japanese, French and American baking traditions are mixed to create delicious, one-of-a-kind baked goods at Oyatsupan Bakers, a new brick-and-mortar bakery located in Portland’s ethnically diverse suburb of Beaverton. A longtime fan of Japanese foods and culture (ever since I spent an amazing month years ago exploring Japan) I was delighted to visit recently and taste this unique bakery.
photo by Carrie Uffindell
Oyatsupan (pronounced oy-aht-sue-pan) was opened in May 2016 by Japanese-born owner and head baker Hiroyuki Horie after he discovered a lack of traditional bakeries and breads available in the area, despite its large Asian population. One of the biggest differences between Japanese and European-style baking? “Soft breads and buns,” says Horie. “They are more popular in Japan.”
Located near SW Walker Road and 158th Ave., the bakery is in Beaverton’s Five Oaks neighborhood. The first thing you’ll notice when you walk in – besides the delicious aroma – is its bright, modern, welcoming interior that’s filled with lots of white and light wood.
photo by Carrie Uffindell
Then head to the long white shelves situated against the wall across from the main counter, where most of Oyatsupan’s goodies are available for self-serve. Grab a set of tongs and a tray then peruse the shelves’ bins, which are filled with inventive sweet and savory baked goods, including sweet buns, cream puffs and deep-fried donuts that incorporate a myriad of flavors, including green tea (matcha), melon, curry and red bean (adzuki) paste.
photo by Carrie Uffindell
After loading up my tray with a variety of pastries, I enjoyed some serious taste-testing. My favorite sweet pastry reminded me of the desserts I enjoyed in Japan: a sweet roll with red bean paste, while the cream and matcha custard sweet bread epitomized Oyatsupan’s deft blending of Japanese and French flavors. For savory-lovers, I highly recommend the deep-fried, panko-crusted donut filled with Japanese curried beef. Oishii!
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