Purple Panda Filipino aims to represent Filipino cuisine in the Ozark area, but the overall experience leaves much to be desired. The food is mediocre, especially when measured against the standards of authentic Filipino cooking.
From the flavors and preparation style, it seems the restaurant draws inspiration from the Visayan region of the Philippines. However, even with that assumption, the dishes lack the bold flavors, proper seasoning, and slow-cooked care that traditional Filipino food is known for. Most disappointing was their version of adobo, which is considered a national staple. The balance between vinegar and soy sauce was off, and the meat lacked the tenderness and richness that comes from proper marination and simmering. It did not capture the depth or comfort that adobo should deliver.
The service was also disappointing. While the restaurant has great parking and a decent exterior, the wait time for food was unnecessarily long. More noticeably, the staff and owner appeared to be much friendlier and more attentive to people they seemed to know personally. New customers, or those not part of their inner circle, received minimal interaction and were made to feel like outsiders. This uneven hospitality gives the impression that many of the positive reviews may be coming from family and friends rather than unbiased diners.
In terms of value, the food is overpriced. The portion sizes are small, and the quality does not match what you are paying for. The dishes feel rushed and lack the detail that makes Filipino food so satisfying and soulful.
Purple Panda Filipino has the potential to bring authentic Filipino flavors to southwest Missouri. But to build a loyal and diverse customer base, the restaurant must improve its consistency in the kitchen, treat all guests with equal warmth, and pay closer attention to the details that give Filipino...
Read moreThis was my first time eating Filipino food and I'm in love. The presentation of the food placement was so clean and colorful for a to go tray. The beef Tapsilog which is a breakfast dish with fried eggs is delicious for anyone craving asian breakfast. Not too oily or heavy. The pork adobo meat was so tender and juicy. The adobo sauce was so savory and the amount of soy sauce was not overwhelming at all. Eat a full spoon of the rice and pork adobe together then take a bite of the red chill will change your life if you are down for something spicy. The shrimp garlic butter was my most favorite out of three dishes I have tried. It was BOMBING. The garlic butter sauce was buttery and plenty. I even mixed in the rice with the sauce and if you know, you know. The idea of having the whole body shrimp was clever because asian don't like wasting food. The shrimp head enhanced the garlic butter sauce and i think that is the sparkle on the cake. So delicious. Suck the head on the shrimp because all the flavors are there. Try it. The pork lumpia should not be eaten by it self. Dip it in the sweet and spicy sauce that comes with it. I love how crunchy each bite was. The cucumber salad elevated the food making each bite taste more fullfilling. The vinegar sauce balance so well with the Tapsilog and Shrimp garlic butter. I dipped the meat in the vinegar sauce and eat it. I was afraid the vinegar may be too strong but it is just perfect. Their ice cream machine was out of service so I didn't get to try the panda cone, but I will forsure make the hour drive to eat great...
Read moreIf you're craving Filipino cuisine and find yourself in the Ozarks, make sure to pay a visit to Purple Panda Filipino Food Restaurant. This hidden gem truly impressed me with its delightful dishes and warm hospitality.
First and foremost, let's talk about the food. We ordered a variety of dishes, including lumpia, crispy pork belly, grilled chicken, and a pan sit canton noodles. Each item was simply amazing. The lumpia was perfectly crispy on the outside and filled with a flavorful blend of ingredients. The pork belly was melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the grilled chicken boasted a delicious smoky, charred flavor. The noodle plate was a delightful medley of flavors and textures. Every bite left us wanting more.
Now, let's move on to dessert—the ube ice cream. Oh my, it was a true delight! The vibrant purple color was eye-catching, and the taste was heavenly. Creamy, rich, and with a hint of sweetness, it was the perfect ending to our meal.
Apart from the delectable food, the owners of Purple Panda are incredibly friendly and welcoming. They made us feel right at home and were happy to provide recommendations and answer any questions we had. The portions were generous, ensuring we left the restaurant with satisfied appetites.
In summary, Purple Panda Filipino Food Restaurant is a must-visit for food enthusiasts. With their amazing dishes, delightful ube ice cream, friendly owners, and generous portions, this place truly deserves recognition as a hidden gem...
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