The braised pork belly is a traditional Chinese dish that involves many procedures. First you have to boil the pork to half cooked, the marinate with dark soy sauce and deep fry for crispy skin. Next step is to slice it and place it well in a bowl to steam for few hours. The result is melt in mouth meat wand fat that brings you to heaven. Given the complicated cooking method, we are happy to try the braised pork belly in here - and it delivers. For the other two dishes- beans are average Chinese restaurant quality and claypot rice is surprisingly good.
Overview
Panda Kitchen 雅園小廚 is a hidden gem located at 119 Meadowland Drive, Somerville, Auckland 2014, New Zealand. This cozy spot has gained a loyal following thanks to its flavorful, authentic Chinese dishes and warm, inviting atmosphere. If you’re on the lookout for a casual yet unforgettable dining experience, Panda Kitchen should definitely be on your radar.
The restaurant’s menu is diverse, with a variety of traditional dishes that cater to different tastes. From aromatic dumplings to stir-fried noodles and rice, the options here are endless. One standout dish is their sweet and sour pork, which strikes the perfect balance between tangy and savory. The pork is crispy on the outside, yet tender and juicy on the inside, making it a fan favorite. Another must-try is the sizzling Mongolian beef, where tender strips of beef are cooked to perfection, served with a medley of vegetables that complement the dish’s rich, flavorful sauce.
What makes Panda Kitchen 雅園小廚 stand out from other local eateries is its focus on quality ingredients. They take great pride in sourcing fresh produce and premium cuts of meat, which is evident in the flavors that shine through in every dish. Whether it’s a classic fried rice or an elaborate banquet-style feast, you can taste the commitment to freshness in every bite.
The restaurant also offers a selection of hot pot options, where diners can cook their own ingredients in a flavorful broth. This interactive dining experience adds a fun twist to your meal, allowing you to customize your own hot pot with your favorite ingredients. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a hands-on experience while savoring a delicious meal.
In terms of ambiance, Panda Kitchen 雅園小廚 exudes a laid-back yet elegant vibe. The simple decor, featuring traditional Chinese elements, enhances the overall dining experience. The restaurant’s friendly staff adds to the welcoming atmosphere, ensuring that every guest feels at home. Whether you're coming in for a quick lunch or a leisurely dinner, you’ll be treated with exceptional service and a warm smile.
The restaurant is also known for its affordability. Despite offering such high-quality dishes, the prices remain reasonable, making it an excellent choice for both casual dining and family gatherings. Whether you’re dining solo, with a friend, or with a group, you’ll find that the portions are generous and the prices are just right for the value you receive.
For those who prefer to enjoy their meal from the comfort of their home, Panda Kitchen 雅園小廚 also offers takeaway and delivery services. This flexibility means you can enjoy their flavorful dishes in the convenience of your own space, whether you're hosting a dinner party or just craving a quiet night in. Many customers rave about the ease of ordering and how quickly their meals arrive, still hot and delicious.
Customer reviews consistently praise the restaurant’s consistency in delivering excellent food and service. One patron mentions, "I’ve been coming here for years, and it’s always a treat. The flavors are authentic, and the portions are generous. Every time I bring someone new, they leave impressed!" The loyal customer base speaks volumes about the quality of both the food and the experience at Panda Kitchen 雅園小廚.
In addition to the food, Panda Kitchen 雅園小廚 offers an inviting atmosphere perfect for gatherings. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a meal with loved ones, the restaurant provides an experience that goes beyond just the food. The combination of friendly service, delicious dishes, and an inviting environment ensures that it’s a dining destination worth revisiting time and again.
If you’re in the Somerville area, Panda Kitchen 雅園小廚 is an absolute must-try. From its extensive menu to its high-quality dishes and exceptional service, it’s clear that this restaurant has earned its reputation as one of the top spots in the area for authentic Chinese cuisine. Whether you're a longtime fan or a first-time visitor, you’ll be sure to leave with a satisfied stomach and a smile on your face.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-in ✓ DeliveryPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible entranceOfferings
✓ Quick bite ✓ Small platesDining options
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ CasualCrowd
✓ GroupsPlanning
✓ Accepts reservationsChildren
✓ Good for kidsParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Free parking lot ✓ ParkingPhotos
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Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 228 reviews
An absolute delight dining in this tiny restaurant out in East Auckland. Upon arrival, we were greeted by a friendly voice. We ordered a clay pot of rice and cucumber pickles. Both were very yummy. The menu has many different dishes and desserts. The restaurant was full with patrons. We will certainly return for more dishes especially in this cold winter.
Best stone rice pots I’ve had. Authentic stone pots, yummy selection, generous portion, super tasty!! Efficient service, atmosphere I rated well cos it’s your typical ‘messy’ but hearty Asian congregation table layout for a feed. Always satisfied with the stone pots, special shout-out to salted fish and pork. Won’t be disappointed! Consistency in the dishes is always spot on as well, have been a few times now and still happy with the food each time. Best congee and rice dishes as well, love panda kitchen!!
First time trying here. I love claypot rice so definitely tried it here. We had the claypot chicken and mushroom, claypot salted fish with pork and also salted fish with eggplant on rice. My favourite was the claypot chicken and mushroom, the rice was nicely separated but good texture. The mushroom and chicken adds good flavour to the rice and also tasted good themselves. The claypot pork was not as good, the pork texture I feel was the wrong type of pork, probably would be better using pork belly, as well as the salted fish was too bony but I quite like the saltiness. The eggplant salted fish was not bad also, but I feel lacking sauce and for this dish the salted fish was not salty enough, therefore I am not sure if there are multiple batches of salted fish in this restaurant. Anyway I still quite enjoy my meal here and price is ok.
The most authentic Cantonese dishes are found here! Very tasty rice and noodle dishes with genuine ingredients and unbelievable price! Please be patient as the place is small and always full house especially in the weekend! Very nice Cantonese rice dumplings!
The food was super tasty and worth the price! The service was also excellent but was slightly lacking in atmosphere as the place is relatively tiny and tight, so I had to share a table with others. Nevertheless, I will be back again.