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Welcome to Little Panda

About Little Panda

Nestled on the quaint streets of Cherokee, Iowa, Little Panda offers a delightful splash of Chinese culinary art right in the heart of the town at 212 W Maple St. Stepping into this cozy eatery, the inviting aromas immediately arrest the senses, offering a promise of a memorable dining experience. Little Panda presents a menu that's rich and diverse, featuring Chinese classics and exciting innovations. It's a little bit like being transported to a bustling market stall in Beijing with each dish more tempting than the last.

Begin the gastronomic adventure with their spring rolls—crispy on the outside, packed with fresh vegetables and a hint of ginger that gives them a warm, spicy kick. Move on to the dumplings, either gently steamed or pan-fried to golden perfection. These little parcels are filled with a blend of pork and Chinese cabbage that's delightfully juicy. Those who appreciate the bold, fiery flavors can dive into the Kung Pao Chicken. This dish boasts tender pieces of chicken stir-fried with crunchy peanuts and vibrant vegetables in an aromatic chili and soy sauce.

For those who find comfort in the classics, the Sweet and Sour Pork is a must-try, with its balanced flavors of tangy sweetness enveloping succulent pieces of pork. Vegetarian options are no afterthought at Little Panda. Their Mapo Tofu is a standout, offering a hearty and spicy punch that leaves one yearning for more.

Little Panda isn’t just about food, it’s about an experience that extends beyond the plate. The ambiance is warm and welcoming, perfect for a relaxed evening meal or a quick bite during a lunch break. Striking that perfect balance between traditional and modern, the decor enhances the dining experience without being overwhelming.

It seems that locals and visitors alike have taken notice. Glowing reviews have praised not just the delicious fare but also the friendly and attentive service that makes one feel like a cherished guest. Patrons often praise how every visit to Little Panda feels both like a new adventure and an embrace of familiar, comforting food.

In all, Little Panda stands out not just as a place to eat but as an unmissable destination in Cherokee for those who love authentic Chinese flavors. It's the kind of place that makes you wish for one more bite, one more visit. So, for those passing through, or even lucky enough to call Cherokee home, a stop at Little Panda promises to satisfy cravings and provide a wonderful walkthrough of Chinese cuisine.

Features & Amenities

Service Options

  • Takeout
  • Dine-in

Highlights

  • Great tea selection

Popular For

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings

  • All you can eat
  • Comfort food
  • Quick bite

Dining Options

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Seating
  • Table service

Amenities

  • Restroom

Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Quiet

Crowd

  • College students
  • Groups
  • Tourists

Children

  • Good for kids
  • High chairs
  • Kids' menu

Parking

  • Free parking lot
  • Free street parking

Reviews

Average Rating
4.2/5
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 — Kaylee
Amazing orange chicken. Always served fresh! I love how much work the family puts into there restaurant.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 — avery
very good, good job enzo i love this place. Food is so good. I would crack it.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 — Ashley Stueven
Wow, let me just say this place was much better than I anticipated. A small Chinese restaurant in the middle of Iowa seemed like something would be wrong, but the food was amazing! The service was great! And everything seemed very clean. Although the buffet was small, the food was always fresh and it was delicious! They had some of the best sweet and sour chicken I have had in a long time.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 — Jeff Fuhrman
Unpretentious. Tasty. Uncle Roger would say "correct" a lot here.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5 — George Riata
I was pleasantly surprised, for a Chinese buffet the food was good. The selection wasn't massive like some Chinese buffets but the quality is better, and the price is right. The servers were very pleasant and we felt right at home. The sign on the door says no debit or credit cards so I think you need cash.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 — James Westcott
Very good food joint in cherokee, one of the best selections we have in this town. Great customer service. Only pickup right now, no in restaurant dining. Requires a mask to pickup your food. The personal use their masks properly. The owners take the time to greet their customers and make sure that you are welcome when the dining is open to the public before the pandemic and are active community members. I would recommend this place to people.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5 — Mike Luken
Only Chinese food place in Cherokee. The food is first rate. The buffet is simple and, on a chinese buffet scale, a small buffet. But great quality food. They can be very busy and when they are they struggle to keep the buffet full. Family run business and the kids are in the back. No worries. Off the menu items are fresh and great quality. Their take-out business is off the charts. Over all, a great place for lunch or dinner.

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Opening Hours

  • Monday: 11 AM–2 PM, 4–8 PM
  • Tuesday: 11 AM–2 PM, 4–8 PM
  • Wednesday: 11 AM–2 PM, 4–8 PM
  • Thursday: 11 AM–2 PM, 4–8 PM
  • Friday: 11 AM–2 PM, 4–8 PM
  • Saturday: 11 AM–2 PM, 4–8 PM
  • Sunday: Closed