Panda — Restaurant in Bowling Green

Yikes.

I have always said that there is a place in life for "good bad Chinese food". In this usage, "good bad Chinese food" refers to a type of Chinese food that is not 5-star restaurant level fanciness, or necessarily the most authentic to traditional cuisine, but packs a great taste and great value.

Unfortunately, my visit to Panda yielded what I can only refer to as "bad bad chinese food". Not only is the restaurant not remotely fancy, but the food is quite tasteless, and ultimately presents a bad value. Having lived in the Bay Area, and being new to Kentucky, I wasn't quite sure what to expect for its Asian food, but all of the Yelp reviews of Chinese restaurants that offered takeout in the area left me thinking that Panda was the best option. After experiencing Panda firsthand, I really really hope that there are better options in Bowling Green that I just happened to miss.

The Chicken Fried Rice is 110% the most bland Chicken Fried Rice I've ever had in my life. If I was at home, I would have definitely taken what I recieved from this restaurant, and re-fried it, with some seasonings that actually add flavor. I am almost to the point where I'd say that I wouldn't be surprised if they weren't actually frying the rice, but just taking some steamed rice, adding chicken and food coloring, mixing it, and sending it out in nice little takeout boxes.

If you are absolutely in a pinch and for some reason can't find other Chinese food, give Panda a shot, but I honestly cannot recommend this restaurant in any...

This evening we placed our order over the phone as it’s been requested due to the pandemic. When we pull up to the window to pay for our meal, there is a sign reading “a 5% covid-19 surcharge will be added”. I feel this should be told upfront before an order is placed. When my husband and I had pulled into a place to eat down the road, we noticed forks were not placed in our to go bag. I called the restaurant ahead of time letting them know we were coming back for our forks. The woman said they have never placed forks in to go bags before and that I should have asked. When I was persistent explaining I had always received forks over the years from them on to go orders, she said that they just happened to be busy and forgot to place them in our bag. I can understand that. What I can’t understand is the fact that she was trying to lie to me about forks, instead of just saying they would have forks ready for us to pick up. When my husband went in to get the forks, they said we needed to “go home and eat and use your own forks”. Disgusting...

Updated review (May 2023): If you order your food online, be very cautious. My total was 12.61. My card was charged 12.65. I asked why at the window. After pressing the issue, the man said “sometimes we round up”. REALLY? A few cents isn’t gonna bankrupt me, but I looked at my statements, and they’ve been doing that for several years. I disputed every charge with the bank all the way back to 2020 and would encourage everyone else to. It isn’t the few pennies that bother me. It is the principal. I’ve been coming here for about 8 years and this is the dishonesty I get. This place is getting too expensive for the quality they dish out. Used to not be like this.

Original review (2016): Everything is cooked when ordered, which is awesome! I love their egg drop soup and they have some delicious healthy options on the menu. This place is mainly a drive-thru and carry-out, however they have plenty of seating. It tends to get quite loud inside...a lot of loud...