A NEW Chinese restaurant has opened its doors in Southampton, and the owners are looking forward to seeing what the future holds.

Kwai Chung and Qin Chung have opened Panda on Bedford Place, serving traditional and authentic Chinese dishes. 

The couple is not new to the business; they were among the first in the city to open a Japanese restaurant and an open-kitchen Chinese takeaway.Daily Echo: Kwai Chung and Qin Chung Kwai Chung and Qin Chung (Image: Newsquest)

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Kwai, who has over 30 years of experience, said his love for food was passed down to him from his parents, who were both chefs in Hong Kong. 

The 54-year-old told the Daily Echo: "My mum and dad both used to work in restaurants before they came to the UK." 

He laughed and added: "My dad was a better cook, and he was really good at roasting." 

At the age of 21, Kwai opened up The New Gourmet in Shirley, which he says was the first open-kitchen Chinese takeaway in the city. Daily Echo: Kwai Chung and Qin Chung with their chef and staff member Kwai Chung and Qin Chung with their chef and staff member (Image: Kwai Chung and Qin Chung with their chef and staff member)

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A few years later, he opened up Kachina in the same area and then Zen; the first Japanese restaurant in Southampton. 

While running these businesses, Kwai met his wife, Qin, who was working as a waitress at one of his restaurants.

Now they have two teenage children who help them at the restaurant during their spare time and at weekends. 

Qin, 46, said: "It's very hard to run this business, but we as a family just do our best." 

Panda's owners have said they love to challenge themselves and go the extra mile for their customers. Daily Echo: The dining area inside Panda. The dining area inside Panda. (Image: Newsquest)

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On a busy Southampton road, the restaurant offers diners a range of noodle dishes. 

Inside the warm and cosy eatery, food lovers can order hearty soups and rice-based dishes. 

Soft drinks, tea, coffee, bubble tea, and other alcoholic drinks are also available on the menu. Daily Echo: Kwai Chung inside the kitchen Kwai Chung inside the kitchen (Image: Newsquest)

While times are tough for everyone due to the cost of living crisis, Kwai and Qin are urging people to support local independent businesses. 

The father of two added, "Come to our restaurant, and we'll make sure you enjoy your time and food." 

Panda is open Monday to Saturday from 12pm until 9pm.