The Painted Panda in the China pavilion is a popular food studio – but we never really understand why. The lines here are always so darn long, but the prices are high and the food and drinks aren’t the best.
This year, we found the drinks to be slightly less off-putting than previous years, so I guess that is a positive.
As for the food, it just is…not great. “A” for presentation, but for flavor or even temperature (some things that were supposed to be hot were served to us barely thawed), we have to give it a “D”.
Read on for more details:
Overview
The Painted Panda Booth Menu
Food
GF = gluten friendly, PB = plant-based, KF = kid friendly
Beverages
Photos & Reviews
General Tso’s Chicken Shumai
General Tso’s Chicken Shumai.
Our Thoughts
Shannon: Not bad. Good portion. Slight kick to the flavor.
Heather: Holy crap this is cold. Is it supposed to be? Idk. But the cold is off putting and makes the dough so chewy.
Felicia: Don’t taste General Tso in this, but has a very slight spice to it. Kind of just taste meaty. Decent size I guess?
Char Siu Pork Bun
Steamed barbecue pork bun.
Our Thoughts
Shannon: Good portion, but hard to cut, sauce is way too sweet, and filling lacks flavor.
Heather: It is extra sweet and has that greasy flavor pork sometimes can have.
Felicia: Super dry bun and the pork tastes like BBQ pork (with an extra sugary BBQ sauce). It’s not terrible but not great.
Sesame Balls
Sesame Balls with Red Bean Paste.
Our Thoughts
Shannon: Ratio of sesame outer vs filling felt a little too heavy on the outside, but the flavors aren’t too bad.
Heather: Difficult to eat, the paste is bland, and the ball is super chewy.
Felicia: Tastes like chewy dough with sesame seeds and odd shots of sugar.
Black and White Bubble Tea
Black and White Bubble Tea with Black Tea, Milk, Chocolate and Black & White Boba Pearls.
This is non-alcoholic.
Our Thoughts
Shannon: Didn’t mind this at all. Great portion and loved the Oreos on top. Good non-alcoholic option for chocolate lovers.
Heather: Tasty bubble tea in a cute presentation! I love the Oreos on top.
Felicia: Nothing about this is for me – I don’t like milky things, I don’t like sweet drinks, and I don’t like boba exploding in my mouth. But, even with all of those elements, I recognize this is a perfectly fine drink for people who like that. Tasted like chocolate milk to me but has adorable Oreo Mickey ears. Didn’t taste the tea. Good value on the DDP.
Lucky Foo Pale Ale
This is an Asian-style lager brewed in Florida.
Our Thoughts
Shannon: Not a great ale. Lots better options available in Epcot.
Heather: Citrusy hop flavor, not too heavy and a decent ale choice if that is what you are looking for.
Felicia: It’s a fine pale ale. Slightly hoppy and not too bitter. It’s meh.
Silk Road Hard Lemonade
Cocktail made with with Vodka, Lavender-Coconut Syrup and Lemonade.
Our Thoughts
Shannon: Pink sugar rim and pink drink are cute. Didn’t hate the flavor, but it’s artificially sweet.
Heather: Super refreshing, sweet without feeling like you’re being assaulted by alcohol. I enjoy the lavender coconut notes!
Felicia: Hints of pineapple, nice crunch and sweetness from the sugar rim, and it’s absolutely adorable and sparkly. These sort of drinks aren’t my thing, but I think this is overall a good mix of being tasty and interesting while also being pretty and sparkly.
Butterfly Blue
Butterfly Pea Flower-Infused Cocktail with Vodka, Light Rum, Lychee Syrup and Magic Boba Pearls.
Our Thoughts
Shannon: Beautiful drink and good size, but really awful combos of flavors. Like gasoline or something?
Heather: Honestly if you love a sweet cocktail you will likely love this. It isn’t my favorite, but I’m giving it a 4 because I recognize it will appeal to a lot of people
Felicia: Giving it this rating for cuteness and for not being offensive in the mouth. But it’s rather sweet. Not a bad deal overall, though.
Curious about all the other booths? Make sure to read over our collection of 2024 Epcot Festival of the Arts Menus, Photos, and Reviews. We’ve reviewed every booth at this year’s festival, and we definitely have some opinions and advice to share. And, if you’re heading to the festival this year, you’ll also want to check out our Complete Guide to the Epcot Festival of the Arts. It will provide you with valuable insights on what to expect, tips on planning your visit, and plenty of other useful information.