KUALA LUMPUR: Guangzhou-based fast-food brand Panda Tata has opened its first Malaysian restaurant at NU Sentral, introducing its “Freshly Baked Chewy Bun” concept to the local market.
The restaurant’s buns are kneaded and baked fresh in about three minutes. Customers can watch the preparation through a kitchen window, said Operations Manager Daniel Leng.
Panda Tata, which operates more than 400 outlets in China, selected Malaysia as its first international market. Leng said Kuala Lumpur’s strategic location and access to public transport, including the Monorail and MRT, made it a suitable starting point.
The company plans to focus on shopping malls rather than conventional roadside premises for future outlets. It aims to open 20 to 30 branches in Malaysia next year and reach 100 outlets within three years.
“Our expansion model is through franchising in collaboration with local partners,” Leng said. However, the company has not yet opened franchising to the public, as it wants to ensure the first outlet is operating smoothly. "we are aiming to expand big in the next three years and definitely looking at other countries in the South-East Asia region."
Each outlet is expected to require an investment of about RM1 million, making careful cost planning important to the expansion.
The menu features nine main burger options, around 10 snacks and soft drinks with unlimited refills. Choices include chicken, fish, shrimp and beef burgers, including a satay-flavoured option. A la carte burgers are priced from RM13 to RM15, while set meals range from RM18 to RM25.
Leng said Panda Tata is preparing to apply for halal certification in accordance with established procedures. The company sources its raw materials and products from local suppliers holding valid halal certificates.
The NU Sentral restaurant, located on the concourse level in Brickfields, is open daily from 10am to 10pm. Online food delivery is expected to be introduced within the next two to three months.
