Panda — Restaurant in Catania

Nestled in the heart of Catania, Panda Korean Restaurant offers an exciting fusion of Korean flavors with a contemporary twist, and it proved to be a delightful spot for vegan options. During my visit, I sampled the Tofu Superbao and Kkappungi, paired with a Korean Bon Bon Grape Juice—a meal that left a lasting impression.

The Tofu Superbao was an absolute star, boasting perfectly cooked tofu nestled in a fluffy bao bun. The balance of textures was impeccable—the tofu was crispy yet tender, complemented by a tangy, savory sauce and fresh, crunchy vegetables. Each bite was a flavor explosion, making it a satisfying and hearty vegan choice.

The Kkappungi, a crispy, savory dish with bold garlic and soy notes, was another standout. Although traditionally made with chicken, the vegan rendition featured expertly prepared tofu or another plant-based protein, coated in a light batter and tossed in a rich glaze. The depth of flavor and slight kick of spice elevated the dish further, making it a memorable experience.

To wash it all down, the Bon Bon Grape Juice offered a refreshing and nostalgic touch. Its sweet, fruity notes with the surprise of real grape pieces were a perfect counterpoint to the bold flavors of the meal.

The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating, making it a versatile spot for any occasion, whether you’re looking for a cozy meal or a breezy dining experience. Vegan options are clearly marked on the menu, making it easy to navigate for plant-based diners.

Panda Korean excels in capturing the essence of Korean cuisine while catering beautifully to vegan diners. The vibrant atmosphere and friendly service only add to the experience. If you’re in Catania and looking for vegan-friendly options, this spot is...

An honest review:

First of all, be advised, this is not a Korean chef but someone who has lived near Seoul and returned to Sicily.

Second, authentic Korean ingredients are extremely hard to obtain. It's already difficult enough to get high quality ingredients in cities with a relatively large Korean minority; I can't imagine how difficult it must be in Sicily.

That said, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the kimchi and bulgogi. Some of the other dishes lacked salt and garlic, but that was easily rectified by ordering extra chopped garlic.

The mandus were deep-fried; while tasty, they were a bit generic of the store-bought type, but I enjoyed them anyway.

A bit of a minus point for the bibimbap - it was a bit dry and some weird sauce was served along with it instead of gochuchang that is normally served, but that's probably because regular gochuchang would be impossibly spicy for most Italians 😉

All things considered, I'd still give it 5 stars, especially under the circumstances that the...

Panda is a hidden gem in the heart of Catania for anyone craving authentic Korean cuisine. The restaurant’s atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, with a modern twist that blends perfectly with traditional Korean elements.

The menu offers a wide variety of dishes, from classic bibimbap and kimchi to mouthwatering Korean BBQ. Each dish is freshly prepared with high-quality ingredients and presented beautifully. The flavors are rich and authentic, a true delight for those familiar with Korean food and an exciting discovery for newcomers.

The staff is incredibly friendly and attentive, always ready to explain the dishes and make recommendations based on your preferences. The service is prompt, and the prices are reasonable considering the quality of the food and the central location.

Whether you’re looking for a casual lunch or a special dinner, Panda is an excellent choice for Korean food lovers. Highly...