Beat the tropical heat at Panda House

Panda House waffle maker/barista Jefferson Mateo and supervisor Samantha Salomon enjoy serving new and regular customers at Panda House.
(BEA CABRERA)

Since opening in February this year, Panda House (formerly Wowfull Waffles) has been setting off waves with flavored waffles and creating a reputation for helping beat the island heat.

Waffle-maker and barista Jefferson Mateo said their waffles are unique and not found anywhere else on island. “Our waffles and the available flavors are what sets us apart. It is a different offering on the island. Our milk tea is authentic in flavor, taste and our [tapioca] pearls are always fresh.”

The outlet also has a line of specialty desserts, from their bestselling mini-and regular waffles, to cones, regular and soft-serve ice cream.

Panda House also has frappes, milk teas, smoothies, and frappuccinos, and they also serve different kinds of coffee and hot tea, said manager Krystel Heddy Encinares.

Their waffle flavors include vanilla, matcha, chocolate, and strawberry.

“We also get creative with our waffles,” she said. On special occasions, Panda House comes up with themed waffles “which we recently did for Liberation Day.”

Their initial target market was the youth. “We achieved that and later on they started brining in parents and siblings. That eventually made every visit at Panda House a family affair,” Encinares said.

The store’s busiest days are Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

On Sundays, people go there after Mass, making it a family affair for desserts and quality time.

“Our store is strong in quality standards compliance and we aim for customer satisfaction all the time. Our regular customers are now like family,” said Panda House supervisor Samantha Salomon, who is in charge of quality assurance and customer service.

The place has also become a “nightcap” place for people after dinner and before going home.

The atmosphere at Panda House is conducive to family time, friends hanging out, and even corporate meetings. “Our shop is located in Garapan, offers convenient parking, comfortable seating, WiFi, and we have games like ‘jenga,’ Encinares said.

The owner of Panda House is Ming Sheu, who used to manage the Sharks Fin Restaurant in Chalan Kanoa. Right now, she is busy with Panda House and the grocery store beside it.

Future plans for Panda House include making available the “boat waffle,” which is meant to be shared by three people, opening Panda House at 7am to cater to coffee lovers to start their day before they go to work, and to add more food items in the menu that will go well with the desserts and drinks they already have.

Panda House is open Monday to Sunday, from 10am to 10pm. For more information, call (670)233-5527.

Panda House’s famous regular waffles in vanilla, matcha, chocolate, and strawberry flavors.
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)