Panda Garden

Panda Garden, located at 8089 Brooklyn Blvd in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, presents itself as a Chinese restaurant with a notable distinction: it appears to offer a variety of Hmong food alongside traditional Chinese cuisine, particularly in a buffet setting. This establishment can be contacted at (763) 391-8061 or via their mobile number +1 763-391-8061 for inquiries.

Based on recent online reviews, Panda Garden has shown significant improvement over the years, flourishing both before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. One customer who visited on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at the opening time of 11 am, noted that the adult lunch buffet was priced at a decent $16.99 plus tax. On this particular visit, an oven malfunction led to a 15% discount for all customers, with certain baked items like pizza and BBQ pork being unavailable. However, the reviewer indicated this was acceptable to them.

The quality of the food was highlighted as being much better compared to previous years. The stir-fry dishes were praised for their well-done flavors, not being overcooked, and appearing fresh and visually appealing. The buffet food bars were observed to be very clean and consistently maintained. A self-serve beverage bar is included in the buffet price, offering convenience to diners.

The noodle soups were also noted as being good – perhaps not exceptional, but well-prepared for a buffet setting and even better than some other restaurants. The freshness of the fruits and the quality and cleanliness of condiments like pepper were also appreciated by this reviewer.

In terms of service, there was a noticeable improvement compared to past experiences. The servers were described as very attentive and polite. However, the experience with the noodle bar attendant was less positive. This employee was characterized as appearing unhappy with their job, exhibiting abrupt behavior when preparing the noodle bowls and seeming unwelcoming. In contrast, a different employee at the noodle bar, who was identified as not being Hmong, was described as happy, friendly, and greeting customers warmly.

The same reviewer recounted an interaction where they asked the Hmong noodle bar attendant for fish sauce and received a response in Hmong ("Nyob tos rooj nes!"), which translates to "(Wait) at the table," delivered in a manner that felt rude, as if the reviewer should have known this already. Despite this negative interaction with one employee, the reviewer stated they would absolutely return to Panda Garden if craving a variety of Hmong food, but would not be tolerant of further rudeness from that particular individual. They also made a point to tip their server well due to the excellent service received from them.

Another customer expressed their excitement at finding Hmong food at Panda Garden, especially noting that it was unlike the food available where they previously lived. They found the prices to be fair and appreciated the self-serve format of the restaurant.

Based on these reviews, Panda Garden in Brooklyn Park offers a unique combination of Chinese and Hmong cuisine, primarily through a buffet service. A key feature appears to be the improved quality and freshness of the food, particularly the stir-fries and noodle soups. The cleanliness of the food bars is also a notable positive aspect. The self-serve beverage bar adds to the convenience and is included in the buffet price.

The environment seems conducive to a buffet-style dining experience, focusing on efficiency and variety. The positive comments about the attentiveness and politeness of most servers suggest a generally welcoming atmosphere, although there is an indication of inconsistency in customer service, particularly at the noodle bar.

The inclusion of Hmong food is a significant feature that differentiates Panda Garden and appeals to those seeking this specific type of cuisine. The positive reaction from a customer who was excited to find Hmong dishes suggests that this is a valued offering. The buffet format allows customers to sample a variety of dishes, both Chinese and Hmong, catering to different tastes and preferences.

Regarding promotional information, the 15% discount offered due to the oven malfunction on the day of one review indicates that Panda Garden may implement temporary promotions in response to unforeseen circumstances. However, there is no mention of ongoing specials, lunch deals (beyond the mentioned price), or other regular promotions in the provided text. Local users interested in potential discounts or special offers should consider contacting the restaurant directly or checking if they have any online presence where such information might be advertised.

In conclusion, Panda Garden in Brooklyn Park, MN, offers a buffet-style dining experience featuring a blend of Chinese and Hmong cuisine. Customers have noted improvements in food quality and service over time, with praise for the stir-fries, noodle soups, and the cleanliness of the buffet area. The inclusion of Hmong food is a unique feature that appeals to a specific customer base. While most of the service is reported as excellent, there is an indication of potential issues with the attitude of at least one employee. The price for the adult lunch buffet was $16.99 plus tax at the time of one review. Local users looking for a diverse Asian buffet experience with the option of Hmong dishes may find Panda Garden to be a worthwhile visit, keeping in mind the mixed feedback regarding one staff member.