Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

1. What is Panla?

Panla is a culinary commerce platform connecting food lovers with restaurants, chefs, caterers, food entrepreneurs, and unique culinary experiences. We make it easier to discover authentic African and global cuisines while supporting the growth of independent culinary businesses.

2. How does Panla work?

Panla helps you discover culinary businesses and request food, catering, and other culinary services. Simply explore our platform, submit your request, and our team will follow up to discuss available options, pricing, and next steps.

As our platform grows, we plan to introduce additional features that make discovering, booking, and purchasing culinary experiences even easier.

3. What types of cuisine can I find through Panla?

Panla celebrates diverse cuisines from Africa and around the world, including Nigerian, Ghanaian, Senegalese, West African, South African, East African/Swahili, Ethiopian, Caribbean, and other global culinary traditions.

Availability depends on our participating culinary partners.

4. Where is Panla available?

Panla is initially focusing on serving customers and culinary businesses in New York City, with plans to expand into additional cities.

5. Is Panla a restaurant?

No. Panla is a culinary discovery and commerce platform that connects customers with independent restaurants, chefs, caterers, and culinary businesses. Food preparation and fulfillment are handled by participating culinary partners unless otherwise specified.

Food Orders & Catering

6. Can I order food through Panla?

Yes! You can submit a food order request through our website. Tell us your preferred cuisine, dishes, delivery or pickup date, number of people, and other details.

Our team will review your request and contact you to discuss availability, pricing, and fulfillment options.

7. How do I place an order?

It’s simple:

1. Visit our Food & Catering Request page.
2. Select your preferred cuisine and tell us what you need.
3. Provide your requested date, location, number of people, and budget.
4. Submit your request.
5. Our team will follow up to discuss your options.

Please note: Submitting a request does not automatically confirm an order.

8. Does Panla offer catering services?

Panla connects customers with culinary businesses offering catering services for corporate events, private celebrations, weddings, family gatherings, holiday parties, and community events.

We can help you explore catering options based on your preferred cuisine, guest count, budget, and event requirements.

9. Can I order food for a large group?

Absolutely! Whether you’re organizing an office lunch, birthday celebration, family gathering, or large event, you can submit a request specifying the number of guests and your food preferences.

Our team will help identify suitable culinary partners.

10. Does Panla offer delivery and pickup?

Delivery and pickup options depend on the participating restaurant or catering partner, your location, and the size of your order.

Our team will confirm available options before your order is finalized.

11. How far in advance should I place my order?

We recommend submitting requests as early as possible, especially for catering, large orders, and special occasions.

Advance notice gives our team and culinary partners more time to review your requirements and confirm availability.

12. Can I request specific dishes?

Yes! You can include specific dishes in your request, such as jollof rice, egusi soup, suya, waakye, thieboudienne, grilled fish, or other favorites.

You can also tell us if you’re open to recommendations.

13. Can I request vegetarian, vegan, halal, or other dietary options?

Yes. Please include your dietary preferences, restrictions, and allergies when submitting your request.

We will share these requirements with potential culinary partners. Availability and allergen-handling capabilities must be confirmed directly before an order is finalized.

Pricing, Payments & Order Confirmation

14. How much does it cost to use Panla?

Browsing Panla and submitting a food or catering request is free.

The cost of food, catering, delivery, and other services depends on the culinary partner and your order requirements. Any applicable charges will be communicated before you confirm your order.

15. How will I receive a quote?

After reviewing your request, our team will contact you using your preferred communication method to discuss available options and pricing.

16. When is my order confirmed?

Your order is confirmed only after availability, pricing, fulfillment details, and any required payment arrangements have been agreed upon and you receive confirmation.

17. Can I cancel or change my order?

Cancellation and modification policies may vary depending on the culinary partner, order size, and preparation requirements.

Please contact our team as soon as possible if you need to make changes. Applicable terms will be shared before confirmation.

18. Can I communicate with Panla through WhatsApp?

Yes! You can use the WhatsApp contact option on our website, where available, to ask questions, discuss food requests, and communicate with our team.

Restaurants, Chefs & Culinary Businesses

19. How can my restaurant or catering business join Panla?

We welcome restaurants, chefs, caterers, and culinary entrepreneurs interested in reaching new customers and growing their businesses.

You can express your interest through our culinary partner registration form. Our team will review your information and contact you about the next steps.

20. What are the benefits of joining Panla?

Panla aims to help culinary businesses:

• Reach new customers and audiences.
• Increase online visibility.
• Receive food and catering inquiries.
• Promote menus, specials, and culinary experiences.
• Participate in marketing and community initiatives.
• Build opportunities for long-term business growth.

21. Is there a fee to join Panla?

Panla plans to offer basic business listings alongside optional premium promotional and commerce services.

Our team will provide details about available plans and any applicable fees during onboarding.

22. Can independent chefs and home-based food businesses join?

We welcome inquiries from independent chefs and culinary entrepreneurs. Participation in certain services may depend on applicable food business licensing, permits, and other requirements.

23. Can culinary businesses promote events through Panla?

Yes. Panla aims to help culinary partners showcase relevant experiences such as chef dinners, tastings, cooking classes, pop-ups, and food festivals.

Event participation and promotional opportunities are subject to review and availability.

Community, Culture & Partnerships

24. What makes Panla different?

Panla combines culinary discovery, cultural storytelling, community engagement, and business opportunities.

Our broader culinary initiatives have supported over 300 restaurants and chefs, helping businesses gain visibility, connect with customers, and participate in culinary events and promotional opportunities.

We’re building on those relationships to create a platform that supports culinary entrepreneurs throughout the year.

25. What is Panla’s relationship with African Restaurant Week?

Panla is a proud sponsor of African Restaurant Week, an initiative celebrating African, African-American, and Caribbean cuisine, culture, and culinary entrepreneurship.

Our support reflects our shared commitment to helping independent restaurants, chefs, and food businesses gain visibility, connect with communities, and explore opportunities for growth.

26. Does Panla work with community organizations and businesses?

Yes! We welcome opportunities to collaborate with cultural organizations, business associations, event organizers, corporations, and community partners interested in supporting culinary entrepreneurship and cultural experiences.

27. How can I stay connected with Panla?

You can visit Panla.com, follow our social media channels, and sign up for updates about culinary businesses, new experiences, special offers, and upcoming opportunities.

28. How can I contact Panla?

You can reach us through the contact form on Panla.com or use the WhatsApp contact option when available.

We look forward to helping you discover your next culinary experience!

PANLA — A Taste of Culture, Delivered.

Connecting people, food, culture, and opportunity.