China Panda Garden: Experience Authentic Chinese Cuisine in El Cajon

Easily the best Chinese food I've ever had. Crispy beef, curry beef, usuals like Kung Pao, Orange chicken all amazing and worth a repeat. Smaller dining room so call ahead with big parties if you want to sit together. We do both dine in and take out but it's amazing food everytime. Owner and fam is super friendly.

China Panda is my go-to spot, and it never disappoints! The food is consistently fresh and full of flavor, and the service is genuinely amazing, friendly, fast, and always welcoming. Their crispy beef is incredible, perfectly crunchy on the outside, tender inside, and packed with flavor. The orange chicken, fried rice, and chow mein are always made just right, and the portions are generous. Highly recommend!

I came here yesterday and ate here, I wanted to write a review on how well the food tasted and how excellent our service was as well. As I was reading the reviews I came across a recent one written by Jessica Cooper who said she had a "jaw dropping experience" she continued to say how the service was rude, unprofessional, and so disappointing. She said it was also her "go to" before and during pregnancy but clearly not. I was there when I witnessed the way she walked in and disrespectfully talked to our amazing and sweet server, couldn't catch her name. She asked for a table for five while our server said she was sorry but they need to make an appointment for tables 5 or more. (it is also mentioned they need knowledge in advance for tables 5 or more, and is on their website). Jessica rudely replied in a very sullen tone after and said "you don't have room?!" (keep in mind literally every table was taken). Our server apologized AGAIN and repeatedly told her no and she is sorry as they both stare at a full house. Because our server had trays in her hand, and the restaurant was packed, she left Jessica to take care of genuine customers because she already made her point clear that they cannot eat here. The server was so diligent, professional, sweet, and on top of it, she was amazing. I think people like Jessica need to use their heads and check their website before eating at a restaurant for a party they know is pretty big in size, especially for an extremely small restaurant. I don't even know how Jessica didn't see the signs that say parties of 5 or more cannot eat there without a reservation, I mean I did.

It's a very casual and small eatery we checked out the reviews for. ISO Crispy Beef. We were delighted it's quite possibly the best I ever had. Nothing disappoints me more than soggy Beef when it says Crispy, which has become the norm in most Chinese restaurants IF it's on the menu. My sister ordered a side of Mandarin Noodles which were also delicious. I'm sad I live on the other side of our country and can't be a regular.

Solid local gem hidden in the shopping center. First time trying it and it was really good. We got the beef and broccoli, and the chicken lo mein and they were both excellent full of flavor and very tasty. The service was good and quick for to go orders. I would recommend ordering ahead of time now.

China Panda is easily my absolute favorite Chinese Restaurant. I have lived in many states and have tried many Chinese Restaurants and to this day, 25 years later, China Panda still holds the crown. FOOD: We had my two favorite items, Medium Orange Chicken with Fried Rice, and Chicken Lo Mein. The Orange Chicken is so unique and the flavor is outstanding. The Chicken Lo Mein also has a unique flavor that I never forgot. The Egg Flower Soup with the crispy noodles is so comforting. The Fried Rice and the Springs Rolls are also fantastic. SERVICE: The service that I received was outstanding. It had been almost 15 years since I had been to China Panda and as soon as I walked in, Cindy instantly recognized me. She was excited to see me and I was able to introduce her to my family that I now have. ATMOSPHERE: The atmosphere is calm and relaxing with traditional Chinese art and music playing softly in the background. The seating was not the best and was a little tight. Parking was not too bad. The area definitely shows it's age. Overall, China Panda is a place you go if you want GUARENTEED delicious Chinese food. Everything we ate brought back the nostalgia from 2000 when I was 16 years old and we first found this place. Seeing Cindy and the rest of her family really hit home with home much I missed this place. I HIGHLY recommend China Panda.

I was in the mood for crispy beef, coming from Imperial Valley, I used to cross to Mexicali where they had the best Chinese food but I decided to find all the restaurants that had crispy beef and looked at the reviews and this place won. The food was fresh and delicious and d the reviews and the restaurant did not disappoint. There was only one waitress so she was busy to give attention but she was sweet and she did a good job.

Food was delicious. Chinese food feeds a lot of people. It’s always great for the whole family for dinner. Keep up the great work!