Christopher Atkinson
Google
I've been chasing the Red Panda Noodle for years. When this place first opened, it was the talk of the town, and it's been solid in quality ever since. I guess I just don't get out and about to the right places, but I was at the right place at the right time this time. They were at the Florida Fringe Festival parked right on the lawn. It was finally my time.
The initial encounter was a little bit of a downer. I ordered the Biang Biang noodles, and they took my money, but then a few minutes later, it was oops, we're out. I was slightly distraught, but luckily, they had another banger on their menu.
So I ordered the Spicy Chicken Katsu (Crispy fried chicken takes a dip in yellow curry udon. Bell peppers, mushrooms, carrots—like a bento box went to Burning Man). And we also ordered the Skewers (Sticky, garlicky, ranchy mystery on a stick. We’re not explaining it. Just eat it).
The skewers were omg delicious. Covered with two different sauces, sitting in another sauce, all the flavors blended seamlessly into a sweet, spicy, herbaceous, wonderful bite. The description didn't say what kind of meat it was, I didn't ask, but it was crispy and juicy and also good. Just a solid skewer.
Then it was time for the main event. That Katsu. A good sized cutlet, very crispy, perfect thickness, very moist chicken. The curly udon noodles were well-cooked. A nice bounce, a nice chew. Coated in the hot curry sauce. This curry was definitely hotter than average, so be forewarned. But it's not stupid hot. It's a very pleasant burn, and delicious. Get this dish.
Overall, I was blessed by the food truck gods when I stumbled upon the Red Panda. Great food, definitely two standard deviations above most food truck food out there.
