Topical
I recently popped in to catch up with Spiros and the crew and just had to eat because I love the food here so much. Spiros told me “We’ve been really busy with Takeaway and Delivery”, explaining “It seems a lot of people discovered Little Panda over the lockdowns” I laughed … ‘now they all understand why it’s one of my favourite Asian eateries in Napa’!
Asian Fusion
This is an excellent choice if you love both Chinese and Japanese cuisines, and can’t decide where to go, especially if you’re anywhere near Ayia Napa. To be honest, Little Panda, should have been called Giant Panda, because the menu is absolutely massive, almost as big as their heart. Here you’ll find an unusual fusion of Chinese and Japanese cuisine and then Spiros proudly told me about their ‘Sushi Belt’, the first of its kind in Cyprus, what a cool idea, and we can’t wait to give it a go!
Sushi Belt
Spiros explained; “It’s become a really popular way to enjoy a party or special event with a fusion of Japanese cuisine, but here we’ll add a selection of Chinese favourites … it’s a sort of ‘Bits & Pieces’ extravaganza of our specialities all gliding along in front of you on the belt and returning for seconds if you’re lucky, whilst the next course is added … including Prawns, Spring Rolls, Chicken Terriaki, Chicken Satay on the skewers, plus Crab Salad, Crispy Duck on Pancakes with all the trimmings, and occasionally a few seasonal surprises if Spiros finds something to add when he’s shopping … You’ll need at least 12 of you to book the All you can Eat Sushi Belt … and btw, Spiros said, “expect the same quality on the belt as from the a’la carte menu”!
Tried & Tasted
I’ve known owner Spiros since 1999 when he opened Petit Palace Chinese Restaurant and, to call him ‘extraordinary’ would be an understatement. Opening this little gem, Little Panda in 2011, he was the first person brave enough to mix these two Asian cuisines together! With over 40 years experience in catering, it shows through, in the way he has created his menus, explaining; “it’s my hobby to find new authentic recipes on the net, then I cook them, taste them, and I invite my chefs to taste, and if we all agree, the dish becomes a ‘Special of the Day’, until eventually it gets added to one of our menus!” … brilliant!
Authentic
Their chefs are from China and Japan, fully qualified, extensively and authentically experienced. Using only the finest fillet cuts, local and imported produce, the proof is in the pudding, and main courses, and the starters and I’ve never had reason to complain in all the years we’ve been eating here! This really is truly authentic and tbh, one of the best Chinese eateries I’ve ever dined in!
Spinning Tables
Out front, there’s a small terrace, where you can dine while you watch the world go by. Inside it’s bigger than it looks, the décor is pleasantly simple, with really comfortable seating, beautifully laid tables, some big enough to seat 10 people, with revolving centres, for that spinning meze style buffet of your selected dishes, all cooked to perfection and ready to share with your friends.
Menus
The Main Menu has over 150 selections, then there’s a separate Lunchtime Menu, now with bigger portions. The Set Meal Menus, change regularly, see below, and the spectacular New Sushi Menu, is fabulous if you love Sushi, oh and, there’s a really cool Kids’ Menu with things like Chicken Balls on a skewer, served with Chips, and I just love the signature dishes, you won’t find anywhere else! Oh, and be warned, the portions are very generous and presented with a little extra finesse.
Starters
There’s too much to choose from, so here are a few of my favourites … You must try the fresh crispy Japanese style salads, or something completely different, the Hot & Sour Soup or my favourite has to be the delicious Lobster Soup, or if you want to share, try the Imperial Platter for two … But the Spring Rolls, always cooked fresh to order, are just the best and an absolute must!! … or you can really spoil yourself with their Tom Yam Fresh Lobster … Mmmm!
Mains
The selection of main courses is massive, and I’m not sure where to start? Hmm? … Of course, I just love the Crispy Duck with Pancakes or the Crispy Lamb Chops Chinese Style, they’re a taste bud explosion … The Lamb Shanks, so tender, The Platters are brilliant and great value for money … oh, and The Wild Buffalo Ribs, if you fancy something a little different, so too the Salt & Pepper Crispy Chicken.
Signature Dishes
Their signature dishes are to die for, starting with The Duck or Prawn Teriyaki or the Caviar King Prawns, but my absolute favourite has to be, the Fresh Octopus in Oyster Sauce it’s always just perfect! … if only I could resist the Duck with Honey Sauce … or the Angus Steak Chinese style … hmm
Sushi
This is where things get really good, a specialist Sushi Chef prepares the freshest of fresh Sushi, using only the finest products and presented with finesse! From an extensive, separate Sushi Menu, you must try the Crunchy Roll without Nori, or The Salmon Flower, beautiful, Inside Out Maki … I just love the presentation!
Veggies & Vegans
You’ll be in your element here … so, you must try the Seafood Salad, or the Broccoli in Fresh Garlic which is honestly the best broccoli we’ve ever tasted!!! … oh, and the fried Vegetable Szechuan, a mind-blowing experience, to say the least!
Set Menus
Starting with a selection of their ‘Easy Lunch Menu’ for only €9.95 or 8 different Lunch Boxes for only €10 … The Friends Share Pack, The Lovers Share Pack, The Seafood Share Pack and the Family Share Pack, are all excellent value for money … so too, the Sushi Boxes for only €15 … If you’d like to pre-order, please download their Full Menu here!
Mix & Match Meze
New last year; you can be more adventurous, The Chinese Meze, includes a variety of starters and main courses and the Mixed Meze includes Sushi for starters and a variety of Chinese dishes for your main course.
Behind the Bar
A fully stocked bar with all your favourite tipples, mixing a tasty Mojito. A wonderful compliment for Sushi is of course a delicious Plum Wine from Japan amongst a carefully selected cava of wines from Greece, Italy and Cyprus … and naturally, you’ll also find Tsingtao Chinese Beer here too!
Parties, Take Away & Delivery
Welcoming parties and special events and romantic couples especially on Valentine’s Day, oh, and ask about their Gift Cards, who knows you might even get invited and don’t forget, they do Take Away and delivery… Please note; the minimum number of people required to book the Sushi Belt for an All You Can Eat Party’ is 12 people at only €30 per person
Trip Advisor
Why not take a peek at their reviews on Trip Advisor before you go … and check out my recent Live Video …
Open all year
Summer
Daily: 12 midday ’til 12 midnight
Winter
Daily: 4 pm ’til 12 midnight
Directions
You’ll find them at 12, Nissi Avenue, Ayia Napa, it’s on the sea side of the road, opposite the newly built shopping complex, just to the left of Gary’s Bar … Click the Google Map Icon Below …
GPS: 34.987436, 33.992589
Cooked with Passion!
Presented with Finesse
To Perfection!
More …
