Panda’s Pantry is a family-owned gem nestled in the heart of Somerset West at the Somerset Decor Centre in Jigger Avenue, Paardevlei.
Spearheaded by Sarah Pon, Panda’s Pantry is not just a retail store – it’s a vibrant gateway to the authentic and diverse flavours of Asia.
“We pride ourselves on several exceptional characteristics: authenticity, a diverse selection, quality assurance, curated imports and culinary inspiration,” she related, adding that they look forward to serving the Helderberg and surrounding communities at the recently opened store.
Pon, originally from Johannesburg with stints in London and Blouberg, and now settled in Somerset West, proudly embraces her third-generation Chinese-South African heritage.
With a background in travel and tourism, she began her career in customer service with an airline, picking up some French along the way, then honed her skills in delivering exceptional experiences owning a bubble tea shop.
“The idea for Panda’s Pantry arose from a common query among friends about Asian cooking ingredients,” she shared. “Seeing an opportunity to fill this niche, I founded Panda’s Pantry, aiming to demystify Asian cuisine and make authentic ingredients accessible.
“Beyond business, I find joy in connecting with people from diverse backgrounds, discovering shared interests, and marvelling at the interconnectedness of our global community.
“I firmly believe that cooking is a universal language that transcends cultural boundaries, and through Panda’s Pantry, I hope to inspire others to explore and enjoy the richness of global culinary traditions.”
On the authenticity of the store, Pon said they offer a wide range of authentic Asian groceries and imported goods sourced from Asia, ensuring you experience true flavours. The diverse selection includes pantry staples, speciality ingredients and unique treats, among others, Pon pointed out.
“Our shelves are stocked with everything you need to explore Asian cuisine,” she said. “We are committed to the highest standards of quality, guaranteeing freshness and authenticity in every product. Shoppers can explore a thoughtfully curated collection of imported goods, including cookware, snacks, and gifts, perfect for every occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice cook, Panda’s Pantry is your gateway to discovering and enjoying the rich and diverse tastes of Asia.”
Apart from the extensive product range, store management is also proud of its “Great Wall of Ramen”, which boasts a wide variety of tasty Ramen noodles that is sure to delight all lovers of Asian cuisine.
The store also boasts a neat and uncluttered design, Pon added, with products displayed to enhance customers’ shopping experience. What’s more, the Panda’s Pantry website hosts a number of recipes using stocked products to cater to all tastes.
Customer service and satisfaction is high on the priority list of Panda’s Pantry, with its helpful staff members geared with expertise, passion and multilingual skills. They are committed to providing friendly personalised assistance, whether it’s helping customers find specific ingredients, suggesting recipes, or offering cooking tips.
“We provide attentive service to our customers and are proud of our five-star Google rating, and our faithful Instagram and Facebook followers. We wanted to provide a premium shopping experience for Asian groceries,” Pon related.
“Our staff members are knowledgeable about Asian cuisine and products, offering valuable insights and recommendations to enhance your shopping experience.
“They have a genuine passion for Asian culture and food, which translates into exceptional customer service and a willingness to share their enthusiasm with customers.
“Our staff are born and bred South African, and speak English and Afrikaans to facilitate seamless communication and catering to diverse customer needs.”
Future plans for Panda’s Pantry includes the establishment of an online shop, but for now Pon invites locals to visit the store, where vibrant flavours and authentic essence of Asia is brought directly to locals.
“With a commitment to quality, community, and culinary tradition, we invite you to explore our wide selection of Asian groceries and imported goods,” she said. “Whether you’re a seasoned chef or an adventurous home cook, Panda’s Pantry is your trusted partner in experiencing and enjoying the diverse tastes of Asia, right in your own kitchen.”
- For more information on Panda’s Pantry and its offerings, call 063 343 4866 or visit www.pandaspantry.co.za.
