Friday 19 March 2010

Panda Panda


Panda Panda, 8 Deptford Broadway (apologies for lifting the photo from your Facebook page btw!)


Latest cafe/restaurant to open in Deptford is Panda Panda, which managed to sneak in unnoticed by the Dame until a couple of nights ago when I walked past it to Deptford Bridge.

This is a very exciting addition to Deptford's eateries, and very nicely complements my existing favourites - the daily specials and fast service of the Albany cafe; the consistently tasty but rather slower-paced Deptford Project, and the Mediterranean-inspired flavours of the Deptford Deli.

Panda Panda is billed as an 'oriental sandwich bar', but don't let this fool you into thinking it's just chicken sandwiches with some nasty imitation-thai-curry sauce included.

This food is fresh, tasty and delicious and as well as offering Vietnamese-style sandwiches with fillings such as char siu pork, chicken satay and vegetarian options, it sells noodle dishes (topped with peanuts, coriander, chilli, fish sauce and lime juice, natch), soups and salads, summer rolls and fish ball sticks. The dishes are assembled to order and with as much or as little chilli as you like.

What I particularly like about Panda Panda is its range of fresh fruit juices, teas and desserts. If you are feeling adventurous, try the 'Dancing Tea' which comes rolled in a tight ball. When the hot water is poured on (in a glass rather than a mug!) you can watch the flowers and leaves unfold, very pretty and charming. Other drinks include Bubble Tea with mango or watermelon, iced tea, chocolate milk shakes (choose from 15 different chocolates!) and rainbow tea.

There is a range of desserts that I intend to work my way through. Mango sago, Taro coconut, Tofufa and Tong Yun (glutinous rice balls filled with red bean) as well as fresh fruit salad and a range of Chinese cream cakes.

You can eat in as well as take out, and the interior is clean and tastefully decorated. Opening hours are Tues-Sunday, 11am till 11pm, so you can even go there for dinner.



Prices are very reasonable - baguettes start at £2.95 and you can snack on fish ball sticks for just £1.45. Puddings are mostly £2.45 each, drinks start at just £1.45 for English or Jasmine tea.

13 comments:

shipwright's palace said...

sounds good loos even better..Saturday breakfast, can hardly wait! thanks.

shipwright's palace said...

that was meant to be "looks even better"! are there any loos?

DDKK said...

I don't know, I was taking away!

CarolineLD said...

Ooh, I hadn't seen this - I'll definitely be trying it soon.

John said...

I went in there today following your review. I had the pork and noodles. It was very light and very nice. The bloke who served me seemed very pleasant. My one criticism is that there is very little food available on the menu. But at least they don't try and sell a bottle of Meantime London Porter in a cheap box for £10 like the pretentious Deptford Deli!

eleanargh said...

I had the mango sago the other day. Flipping lovely, I could become addicted.

Anonymous said...

Just checked the link and they have your review on their website. They have even updated the menu for you!

Will be checking out over the next couple of weeks

Hollow Legs said...

Awesome. I am getting myself down there pronto.

Panda Panda said...

Thank you Deptford Dame for your kind review. We are are extremely pleased to know that you enjoyed the food, drinks and desserts. We hope to see you again soon. Please introduce yourself next time you are in.

Ps. we do have a loo in the back!

GG said...

I popped in today (Sunday) around 4 ish and tried the mango sago and a juice based on this review - very nice. A welcome addition and hope they do well.

Cate said...

I tried this after reading your review. Really enjoyed my Banh Mi and bubble tea. I don't leave in the area but intend to make another trip very soon.

Anonymous said...

Well that should have read 'live' in the area. Guess that is what I get for not previewing my comment.

biff bifferson said...

i've been twice now and it's been ace both times - the special baguette is just right for squashing a hangover