Simply, the name conjures up glistening chow mein and steaming trays of vibrant orangy chicken. For those looking for an affordable, quick, and satisfying taste of Americanized Chinese cuisine, it’s something of a culinary haven.
So how much do you really know about this fast-casual juggernaut?
Come and join us on a gourmet exploration of the Panda Express menu, from humble origins to nutritional nuggets, and tempting yak mac specials.
The Story of Panda Express
With that said, let’s take a quick trip down memory lane. In 1983, the idea caught the entrepreneurial spirit of Andrew and Peggy Cherng and set itself on the path to becoming Panda Express.
As a modest eatery nestled in the Glendale Galleria in California, their popular dishes and portion sizes did not take long to gain their first location.
Jump fast forward to today; from that one Panda Express location in Glendale, it’s grown to become the largest Chinese restaurant chain in the United States with over 2,000 locations!
You can’t get enough of their take on classic Chinese-American flavors, it’s a testament to the staying power of their concept.
Panda Express Menu
It is a fast-casual Chinese store with an American taste of Chinese food known as Panda Express. Appetizers, entrees, sides, and desserts are all available on the menu. If you’re looking for something quick and cheap, Panda Express is a good choice.
Panda Express Appetizers
Panda Express offers a variety of appetizers, including:
Egg Rolls: Crispy rolls filled with vegetables, meat, or seafood deep-fried.
Spring Rolls: They are in essence like egg rolls, with thinner wrappers and more often than not filled with just vegetables.
Fried Tofu: This is a Vegan appetizer, and I am guessing, popular due to the use of soft tofu, deep fried till golden brown.
Chicken Potstickers: They are chicken and vegetable-filled dumplings, cut into a half-moon shape, that are either pan-fried or steamed.
Entrees
Panda Express offers a variety of entrees, including:
Orange Chicken: Chicken stir-fried in a sweet and tangy orange sauce is a popular dish.
Sweet and Sour Chicken: Another popular chicken dish made stir-fried in a sweet and sour sauce.
Beef and Broccoli: So this is classic Chinese beef and broccoli stir-fried in a savory sauce.
Mongolian Beef: It is a hearty stir-fried Mongolian beef made with beef and stir-fried in a thick and flavorful Mongolian sauce.
Kung Pao Chicken: This is a hot & flavorful sauce with chicken, peanuts, and vegetables stir-fried.
Chow Mein: This is a fast food consisting of stir-fried noodles and vegetables.
Fried Rice: This is a rice stir-fried dish with egg, meat, veggies, and all.
Vegetable Chow Mein: Chow mein is stir-fried noodles and vegetables (this is a vegetarian version).
Sides
Panda Express offers a variety of sides, including:
Steamed White Rice: This is a white rice-based simple and healthy side dish.
Fried Rice: This is rice plus vegetables with eggs and meat side dish.
Chow Mein: Stir-fried noodles, vegetable dish.
Egg Rolls: Crispy fried crispy rolls over vegetables, meat, or seafood.
Spring Rolls: These are the same as egg rolls in that the wrapper is thinner, and the filling is usually vegetables only, but these are much smaller in size.
Desserts
Panda Express offers a variety of desserts, including:
Fortune Cookies: These are little crispy cookies that contain a fortune.
Mochi: This is a Japanese rice cake stuffed with a sweet filling.
Ice Cream: Vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry are the flavors that Panda Express has to offer.
Panda Express Menu With Prices
The pricing at Panda Express varies depending on your location and the specific items you order. However, the restaurant is known for its affordable prices and generous portions. Combo meals are a popular option, as they offer great value for money.
Panda Express also offers a variety of promotions and discounts throughout the year. Keep an eye out for student discounts, senior citizen deals, and seasonal promotions.
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Special Offers and Deals
A lot of times Panda Express has special deals, new menu items, or cheap prices. So, if you are looking for that optimal experience at Panda Express without the perfect money, you’ll want to do this!
Check out their tempting special offers! Amidst all this, the chain never fails to roll out limited-time promotions—new menu items, combos at discounted prices, and more.
Don’t forget to look at their site, the app, or the social media feeds to be sure to take advantage of the latest deals on your favorite dish or dish for a fraction of the cost.
Panda Express serves this role better than most: simple, affordable, and convenient. Well, if you are looking for a great tasting and filling meal, stop by this lane towards the nearest Panda Express and make your way onto a culinary mission!
Panda Express Nutrition
Panda Express does a bang-up job of serving delicious, if a bit sentimental, Chinese-American food at a very convenient price, it’s important to be aware of what’s inside. While like most fast-casual restaurants some of their meals have a high calorie, sodium, or fat value due to things like rich sauces or frying techniques.
Here’s a breakdown to help you make informed choices:
Key Nutritional Considerations:
- Calorie Content: Options like Beijing Beef or Orange Chicken are on a 400 to 500 calorie per serving range while String Bean Chicken Breast or Mushroom Chicken is leaning towards 200 to 300 calories.
- Sodium Levels: Most soy sauce and other flavoring agents are high in sodium, and many dishes contain large amounts. If you’re keeping an eye on your salt, this is something to remember.
- Fat Content: Fried dishes, and those with lots of sauce, have higher amounts of fat. Low in fat, grilled or steamed versions are preferable.
Panda’s Healthier Options:
Panda Express does offer some healthier choices, including:
Grilled Teriyaki Chicken: This entree is a lower-calorie entree that is a good source of protein.
String Bean Chicken Breast: It’s low in calories and fat and counts as one serving of veggies.
Mushroom Chicken: Another way to eat something with fewer calories and more vegetables.
Mixed Vegetables: Contains fiber and vitamins.
Steamed White Rice: It’s a flavorful, simple side dish with relatively low calories.
Conclusion
Panda Express has successfully captured the essence of Chinese cuisine and adapted it to the fast-paced American lifestyle. With its diverse menu, affordable prices, and convenient locations, Panda Express continues to be a popular choice for casual dining.
