Chinese Panda (formerly known as Chin Chin) is located in Sector 29, close to McDonalds and is a small 50 odd cover restaurant. Due to some issues with the brand owners they have changed their name to Chinese Panda, from the earlier Chin Chin. The owner tells me that they are doing very well in the home delivery segment and are open for home deliveries till as late as 1 AM.

When I was invited to review the food, I almost had an idea what to expect – Chinjabi food, which most North Indians have grown up eating, at “Chinese Vans” and roadside kiosks. However, I was skeptical if the same thing could be reproduced at a proper restaurant kitchen. I was pleasantly surprised.

Seafood Soup (Rs 219) a steaming hot, thick and cloudy broth, in a white bowl was a visual delight. With tiny pieces of prawn and fish and some bits of crisp veggies, the soup was comforting, but a little too subtle for me and needed more seafood in it.  Maybe for that price, I was expecting a little too much though. However, few vinegar soaked green chilies and a healthy dose of red chili paste, and I was crying happy tears soon.

Stir Fried Prawns Dry Red Chili (Rs 684) had very good quality jumbo prawns, batter fried to a crisp golden and wok tossed with dry red peppers, bell peppers and spring onions. Delectably spiced. Very good prep.

Crispy Lamb (Rs 519) was a very addictive starter. Thin, crisp strips of lamb, tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce, garnished with spring onions and white sesame would have made for a very good chakhna if they had a bar. The pieces were well done, though the occasional chewy piece did trouble me. The portion was large and I had to literally stop myself from continuing to munch on it, if I were to do any kind of justice to the main course to follow.

Veg Home Style Noodles (Rs 269) was the restaurant’s answer to all those plates of vaishnav chowmein you have had at various chinese vans and neighbourhood chinjabi outlets, and what a fitting answer it was. Did not need anything - no sauces, no curries, no seasoning. This can make a meal in itself.

Mix Meat Fried Rice (Rs 363) was mildly spiced, with veggies, fish, prawn and chicken. Perfect colour and flavor. A treat for the rice lovers. Loved the tiny batter fried prawns in it. Peas could be avoided, though, but that could be my personal preference too.

Szechuan Chicken (Rs 475) was a delight. All those “schezwaan” dreams came true at once. Robust and spicy punjabi chinese flavor and colour.  Succulent chicken cubes, in a thick Szechuan sauce, tossed up with bell peppers and onions.  Highly recommended.

This little outlet is quietly doing their thing in this bustling marketplace and not making any noises about it. I was surprised I had not heard either good or bad about them for so long. Be warned though, if Authentic Chinese is your choice, this is not your destination. But if you’re craving for the street style Punjabi Chinese, without the dust and grime of a street side joint, this is what you’re looking for.

Please note: This review was done on an invitation from the restaurant to taste their food, and no bill was presented to the author. While the author assures you of objectivity, the review may be influenced by the personalized attention the author got.

Ratings (Out of 5)

Food: 4.0 | Ambience: 3.0 | Service: 3.5 | Value: 3.0

Meal for two: Rs. 1500 | Alcohol: No | Credit Card: Yes

Address: Chinese Panda, SCO 33, Ground Floor, Main Market, Sector 29, Gurgaon, Tel - 011 33105569