China Panda - Hadley

My family has been dining at this restaurant for years, and it’s one of our top choices. During the COVID pandemic, they took great care to ensure the safety of customers and their food, which is why we frequently ordered take-out. The portion sizes are generous; we typically get two meals out of each dish. We purchase vouchers on the 20% off gift card days and use them throughout the year, making it quite budget-friendly. The staff is consistently friendly and professional, and the food is always delicious.

Came tonight with spouse and ordered the sweet potato cake, twice boiled pork with rag, and an eggplant dish. They were from the Aubergine, but they gave us green beans. Everything was so delicious and it was a lot of food! The person waiting for us was also very nice. We have to come back to try the eggplant! There were so many elements on the menu we want to try.

I had a hard time deciding what to order since the menu was extensive, offering everything from Polynesian rum drinks and fruit juices to noodles and sushi rolls! Ultimately, I settled on crab rangoons ($4.95), roasted rice with eggs ($7.25), and honeydew bubble tea ($4.50). The food came out surprisingly quickly—within just five minutes. The crab rangoons arrived in a generous portion of six. These golden, crispy bites, filled with a rich cream cheese mixture, were delightful when dipped in the sweet and tangy sauce. As for the fried rice, I’m usually picky about it, but I was pleasantly surprised with Panda East’s version—it brought back memories of home. My honeydew bubble tea, however, was a bit underwhelming; the large tapioca pearls tasted bland and the overall flavor was average. On the plus side, cold water was provided free of charge and was consistently refilled. The total bill came to $17.87, including tax, which I found reasonable for a solo dinner. I decided to leave an 18% tip, bringing the total to $21.08. I would say this place is a hidden gem in downtown Amherst, as many people tend to choose Oriental Flavor or Formosa for authentic Chinese cuisine. Additionally, Panda East is tucked away in a complex of local restaurants, making it a bit off the main road. A couple of tips: the dishes are served in large portions, so don’t let your eyes deceive you; be ready to ask for some takeout containers. I also recommend trying the cubed chicken with Kung Pao after speaking to the lady. The prices are extremely student-friendly, making it great for group gatherings. A fortune cookie is provided with the bill, too!

I had lunch here a few days ago with two good friends. The restaurant is quite spacious and has a lovely atmosphere. Honestly, the service was excellent and fast, and the food was quite good as well. There was no wait time at all. I tried a scorpion dish for the first time, and I'm curious to learn more about it. When we received our bill, my friends and I were a bit confused about whether the service charge and tip were already included in the total, so I would appreciate clarification on that to avoid any misunderstandings. Afterward, we enjoyed a nice walk home.