diff --git a/sdk/python/feast/on_demand_feature_view.py b/sdk/python/feast/on_demand_feature_view.py
index 0c50b25009..ecefc58302 100644
--- a/sdk/python/feast/on_demand_feature_view.py
+++ b/sdk/python/feast/on_demand_feature_view.py
@@ -350,7 +350,7 @@ def from_proto(
             ],
             sources=sources,
             feature_transformation=transformation,
-            mode=on_demand_feature_view_proto.spec.mode,
+            mode=on_demand_feature_view_proto.spec.mode or "pandas",
             description=on_demand_feature_view_proto.spec.description,
             tags=dict(on_demand_feature_view_proto.spec.tags),
             owner=on_demand_feature_view_proto.spec.owner,