Mala mapo tofu rice bowl at Panda Dim Sum, a Yeonnam-dong restaurant

An unusual Chinese restaurant find in Yeonnam-dong: Panda Dim Sum

While looking for something different to eat in Yeonnam-dong, I found Panda Dim Sum, a Chinese restaurant that stood out for one big reason: Peking duck, which isn't easy to find in Korea. I went with my mom and we both tried some dishes for the first time — and they turned out to suit our taste better than expected, so we left happy.

Where is Panda Dim Sum and what are its hours?

Panda Dim Sum is located on the 2nd floor of 22 Donggyoro38an-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul. It's open daily from 12:00 to 21:30, with a break time from 16:00 to 17:00 and last order at 20:10.

• 📍22 Donggyoro38an-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul (2nd floor)
• ⏰Daily 12:00 – 21:30
• Break time 16:00 – 17:00
• Last order 20:10
• 🚗No parking
• Directions: 8-minute walk from Exit 3, Hongik University Station

What is Panda Dim Sum like inside?

The Yeonnam branch of Panda Dim Sum had a cozy yet clean atmosphere. Black-and-wood interiors were dotted with panda-themed props here and there, giving it a stylish but cute touch. A projector was set up on one side, which made watching something while eating an extra bit of fun.

The open kitchen was a nice touch too. I went with my mom, and the place felt easy enough for a family meal, while also seeming like it could work for a date or a group gathering in Yeonnam-dong.

Ordering Half Peking Duck, truffle shumai and mala mapo tofu rice bowl

That day we ordered the restaurant's signature dishes: Half Peking Duck, truffle shumai, and mala mapo tofu rice bowl. Looking at the menu, the dim sum lineup was more varied than expected — the shumai alone came in flying fish roe, corn, or truffle versions to choose from.

How to wrap Peking duck in a wheat pancake

What I looked forward to most was, of course, the Peking duck. It came with vegetables and sauce to pair with the wheat pancakes, and the staff kindly explained how to eat it.

I put the duck on the pancake with sauce and vegetables, and it really worked well together. The duck's own flavor was lifted by the sauce, and the cool, crisp vegetables cut through the richness, so I kept reaching for more.

What I especially liked was that you didn't have to eat it just one way. Mixing and matching the duck, sauce, and vegetables kept the taste and texture changing throughout the plate.

And they recommended dipping the duck skin in sugar — the skin was so crispy it felt almost like a cracker, and with a light dip of sugar it turned sweet and nutty, a real treat.

Mom's top pick at Panda Dim Sum: truffle shumai

Among the shumai varieties, we picked the truffle one, and its subtle truffle aroma made it feel distinctly different from regular shumai. It was also my mom's first time trying truffle, and she enjoyed it, saying the flavor was really good. Truffle shumai was my mom's number one pick!

Is the mala mapo tofu rice bowl too spicy for a mala first-timer?

Then there was the mala mapo tofu rice bowl we ordered as our main dish. Honestly, I was a little worried when ordering, since it was almost my mom's first time trying mala — I thought the spice or aroma might be too much for her. But once we tried it, the spicy mala flavor actually complemented the mapo tofu nicely, so it wasn't overwhelming at all. If you're the type who wants to try something unusual you don't normally eat, like us, I'd recommend it!

The verdict: who should eat at Panda Dim Sum?

Panda Dim Sum is a great place to visit when you want something more special than the usual jjajangmyeon-style Chinese food. Having a half-portion Peking duck option was a big draw since it didn't feel like too much, and being able to order dim sum alongside a main dish meant we could build a varied meal.

If you're looking for Chinese food in Hongdae's Yeonnam-dong and want to try something different, or you're after an unusual meal or a solid spot for a gathering, I'd recommend giving it a try!