Mr. Pan Bistro brings Taiwanese comfort food to Redwood City

Braised pork rice, sizzling black pepper beef and other Taiwanese favorites are on the menu at Mr. Pan Bistro’s new Redwood City restaurant.

First established in 2023 in Cupertino, Mr. Pan Bistro has been serving Taiwanese lunch boxes, individual hot pots and milk tea from its new Redwood City location since Sept. 17. The former tenant, Redwood Bistro, permanently closed in June after nine years in Redwood City. 

Paul Lai, a server at Mr. Pan Bistro who spoke on behalf of owner Jimmy Pan, said the restaurant relocated due to its lease ending in Cupertino. Pan – the restaurant’s namesake, chef and owner – has 20 years of experience cooking Taiwanese food, Lai said.

Popular items include the Taiwanese braised pork rice, a classic Taiwanese comfort food made of pork belly slow-cooked in a savory and sweet soy-based sauce served over rice ($9.90); Taiwanese sizzling black pepper beef or chicken, served piping hot on a metal cast-iron plate with a peppery sauce ($17.98); and popcorn chicken rice, consisting of deep-fried, crispy chicken pieces served with rice ($17.98).

Mr. Pan Bistro also offers individual hot pots, with a variety of inclusions such as beef or pork, meat balls, fish balls, crab sticks, pork blood, rice cakes, fried fish cakes, popping fish balls and more ($18.98-$21.98).

Various tea-based beverages are also available, including milk tea, tea lattes, iced teas and honey teas, plus noncaffeinated drinks and slushies ($5.50-$7).

The restaurant seats about 50 inside, with no outdoor seating available. 

Lai noted that there’s significantly fewer Taiwanese restaurants in Redwood City than Cupertino and said that he hopes that Mr. Pan Bistro can provide a convenient and tasty lunch option for the Redwood City community.

Mr. Pan Bistro, 711 El Camino Real, Redwood City; 650-362-3258. Open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

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