Panda's Kitchen 喜悦川菜 — Restaurant in London

Having seen numerous positive reviews, I visited this Chinese restaurant in the hopes that it would live up to the praise. Unfortunately, the reality was far from what was promised.

Our visit started off on a positive note with a smooth ordering process. However, what followed was a frustrating experience marred by unacceptable delays and service inefficiencies.

After placing our order, it took an unreasonably long time for our only starter to arrive. Despite raising our concerns twice, we were merely offered prawn crackers as compensation. Meanwhile, three tables that arrived after us were served their starters before us, highlighting a significant issue with the restaurant's order management.

Once we finished our starter, we patiently waited for our main courses. Unfortunately, we witnessed another five tables being served before us, in a restaurant that only has around 12 tables in total. When our mains finally arrived, they did not come out together; instead, each dish was served with a 3-4 minute gap. This staggered service resulted in our curry arriving well before the rice, meaning our food had gone cold by the time we could actually enjoy it.

To add to our dissatisfaction, one of our dishes, which was specifically ordered as vegetarian, was served with oyster sauce. This careless mistake is completely unacceptable, especially when dietary preferences and restrictions were clearly communicated. Instead of acknowledging their oversight, the staff asked if it was acceptable, forcing us to request a replacement. The remade dish took even longer to arrive, further testing our patience.

While the restaurant’s ambiance was pleasant, the excessive waiting times and disorderly service overshadowed any positives. Watching other customers who arrived later being served before us was extremely frustrating and unacceptable.

Overall, this dining experience was disappointing, and despite the potential for a great meal, the service failures left us feeling neglected and...

I’ve lived locally for over 15 years and have tried most of the restaurants in the borough. When I heard about Panda’s Kitchen, I was excited at the prospect of a new Asian restaurant opening up. When they first opened they were really good! Fresh ingredients, interesting menu and relatively friendly staff.

After a few months, they switched the ingredients in certain dishes and replaced them with cheaper inferior alternatives. For example, they previously did a salmon fried rice, which they later reduced the salmon and replaced with vegetables. In some other fried rice dishes, they replaced ingredients with celery.

The staff can also be really rude at Panda’s Kitchen. They give a sense of not genuinely caring about their customers, and only caring about the money. They rush you to order, and ask you the same question over and over (do you want a can of coke for £2.99).

On one occasion, I ordered the braised pork belly from the lunch menu which finishes at 5pm. Because it was not from the regular menu they didn’t put broccoli in the dish, even though it’s pictured with broccoli on the menu. When I queried this, I felt the response was belittling. I had to ask the manager if he could add the broccoli as it was part of the advertised dish in the window/on the menu.

A friend, who is also a foodie, holds similar sentiments about the restaurant. He told me he’s had unpleasant experiences with them on a few occasions. Again, this is a person who has lived locally for years and tried a lot of restaurants in the borough.

I’m overall disappointed with my experiences at Panda’s Kitchen. I’ve even given them multiple chances, but they never seem to improve in the areas mentioned!

Do...

Tucked away in Harrow, central Harrow parade Station Road. Panda Kitchen is a delightful dining destination, particularly suited for special occasions like birthdays and celebrations. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, making it an excellent choice for gathering with friends and family.

During my recent visit, I was impressed by the attentive service provided by the staff. Despite the restaurant being busy with two distinct groups—meat eaters and pure vegetarians—the waitstaff managed to keep everything running smoothly. They were friendly, helpful, and keen to ensure that all guests were satisfied with their dining experience.

One notable aspect of our meal was the ordering of the main dishes. While the waiter was diligent in taking our orders, there was a slight oversight regarding one of the dishes. It wasn’t mentioned that the vegan chicken served was, in fact, a plant-based alternative. However, this turned out to be a pleasant surprise! The dish was incredibly well-prepared, boasting a texture that was soft and crispy, closely resembling traditional chicken. Those who ordered it were thrilled with the flavor and enjoyed the innovative approach to plant-based dining.

The variety on the menu is commendable, catering to diverse dietary preferences without compromising on taste. The fusion of flavors and creativity in the dishes makes Panda Kitchen stand out in Harrow’s culinary scene.

Overall, Panda Kitchen is a fantastic venue for any special occasion. The combination of good service, a welcoming atmosphere, and delicious food makes it a must-visit for anyone in the area. I look forward to returning and exploring more of...