Review: Exploring the Endless Buffet at Panda Mami York

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York is home to a fantastic range of restaurants, cafés and eateries, offering everything from independent food spots to well-known chains. Among them is Panda Mami York offering everything from sushi and stir-fries to desserts and freshly cooked dishes, they offer an impressive variety of food under one roof. Last week I was kindly invited to a press event, where I got to try Panda Mami for myself. I hadn’t visited for a good few years, so I was looking forward to finding out whether anything had changed and whether the food options were as good as I remembered. Here’s my experience of exploring this popular all-you-can-eat buffet.

Panda Mami brings together a large selection of international dishes, giving diners the chance to sample flavours from around the world in one place. Upon arriving at Panda Mami York, I was impressed by the welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff. The dining area itself was bright and organised, with plenty of tables. Despite it being busy during my visit, the restaurant was lively, but relaxing. The buffet stations were neatly presented and well stocked, which made for a positive first impress before I’d even started to choose which food I wanted.

The variety of food available may feel overwhelming to some, but taking the time to browse the different stations makes it easier to decide what to try. Due to the variety of cuisines from around the world, there is something to suit almost every taste. There was a selection of Chinese favourites, Indian dishes, freshly prepared sushi, pizzas, salads and desserts. The food stations were regularly replenished and there was the odd queue for some of the more popular dishes, during the times they were restocked, however these queues went down quickly. Whether you prefer a familiar comfort food or enjoy trying something new, the extensive selection means you can sample a little bit of everything. I particularly enjoyed being able to try several different dishes without having to commit to just one meal, which is one of the things I enjoy most about buffet style dining.

After taking some time to look around the buffet (and of course, photograph as much of the food as possible for this review), I began sampling a selection of dishes. My first plate consisted of a mixture of items that immediately caught my attention, including Chinese favourites such as prawn toast, alongside a selection of sushi. The food was fresh and flavourful, and I liked how the staff were quick to clear away empty plates, preventing tables from becoming cluttered. This then made room for my second plate, which featured pizza. There were approximately four or five different varieties available, again meaning there is great choice for fussy eaters like me.

Our plates were then cleared away again, and it was now time for the duck pancakes. This was one of my favourite parts of the dining experience. The duck was beautifully cooked, while the pancakes were soft and fresh. Combined with the traditional accompaniments, each bite was packed with flavour and were a reminder of why duck pancakes are such a popular choice.

By this point I was getting quite full, but it was time to move on to dessert. Much like the main buffet, the dessert stations offered an impressive range of options. From bite-sized cakes, such as cheesecake, to fresh fruit, warming puddings, ice cream and gelato, and the always popular chocolate fountain. I opted for the smaller desserts, such as blueberry cheesecake and chocolate mousse, both of which were the perfect way to round off my meal. The bite-sized options also meant I could sample multiple desserts without feeling overly indulgent after an already generous meal.

The pricing at Panda Mami York depends on the time of day and day of the week in which you visit, and the restaurant also offers seasonal promotions throughout the year. At the time of writing this blog post, standard prices start from £15.99 for an adult lunch during the week, making it a reasonably priced option given the extensive choice available. Weekend and evening dining costs slightly more, reflecting the various options available during this period. Drinks are charged separately from the buffet price. During my visit, I chose a mocktail which was an Apple Mojito, which was light and refreshing.

Overall, I think Panda Mami is a fantastic dining option with excellent value for money, for families, groups and anyone who enjoys trying different foods. The restaurant’s central location in York city centre also makes it a convenient place to visit while exploring the city. After experiencing the extensive buffet for myself, I can certainly understand why Panda Mami is such a popular choice among diners. My one comment I would like to add is the toilets are a little tricky to locate and it’s a bit confusing with the layout of the bathrooms.

Thank you to the team at Panda Mami York for inviting me to their event, for the gift bag and for making us feel so welcome throughout our visit. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and would happily return in the future. Having not visited for several years, this experience reminded me of just how much Panda Mami York has to offer, and I’ll be sure not to leave it so long before my next visit.