Serving mainly American Chinese cuisine, Panda Express is the largest American Chinese restaurant chain in the United States. The fast-casual restaurant chain is considered to be among the largest Asian restaurants in the United States.
With outlets in diverse places – from shopping mall food courts to standalone restaurants and in casinos, universities, and even military bases- the chain always has focused on Chinese-American favorites, which continues to contribute to its enduring popularity.
There are now more than 1,900 locations in all 50 states, including the District of Columbia, Canada, Mexico, Guam, and Puerto Rico. Every restaurant is also owned and operated by the company.
Panda Express was founded in 1973 by the Cherng family. The family included Ming-Tsai Cherng, his wife – Peggy Cherng, and their son – Andrew J. C. Cherng.
After 1983, Panda Express grew so rapidly that it opened in various locations and now is one of the most popular (Asian) fast-food chains in the United States.
In 1983 Andrew Cherng opened the first Panda Express at the Glendale Galleria in Glendale, California. Peggy Cherng customized the restaurant’s operating systems to ensure the very best food and service.
In 1987 Chef Andy Kao developed the Original Orange Chicken entree for Panda Express. His inspiration was gotten from the flavors of Hunan Province. This dish features crispy chicken bites in a spicy-sweet orange sauce.
In 1993 they celebrated their 20th anniversary by opening the 100th location on the UCLA campus. Since 2016, they have served well over 80 million pounds of the Original Orange Chicken.
Panda Express Menu Prices
| Food Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Create Your Plate | |
| Any 1 Side and 2 Entrees | $6.80 |
| Any 1 Side and 3 Entrees | $8.30 |
| Additional Charge – Premium Entrée | $1.25 |
| Bowl | |
| Any 1 Side and 1 Entrée | $5.80 |
| Additional Charge – Premium Entrée | $1.25 |
| Kid’s Meal | |
| Any 1 Jr Side, 1 Jr Entrée, 12 oz Drink and Cookie | $4.90 |
| Additional Charge – Premium Entrée | $0.75 |
| Family Feast | |
| 2 Large Sides and 3 Large Entrees | $30.00 |
| Additional Charge – Premium Entrée | $3.75 |
| A La Carte – Sides | |
| Mixed Veggies | Medium, $2.70, Large $3.70 |
| Chow Mein | Medium, $2.70, Large $3.70 |
| White Steamed Rice | Medium, $2.70, Large $3.70 |
| Brown Steamed Rice | Medium, $2.70, Large $3.70 |
| Fried Rice | Medium, $2.70, Large $3.70 |
| A La Carte – Entrees | |
| Orange Chicken | Small $3.70, Medium $6.90, Large $9.70 |
| String Bean Chicken Breast | Small $3.70, Medium $6.90, Large $9.70 |
| Black Pepper Chicken | Small $3.70, Medium $6.90, Large $9.70 |
| Kung Pao Chicken | Small $3.70, Medium $6.90, Large $9.70 |
| Broccoli Beef | Small $3.70, Medium $6.90, Large $9.70 |
| Beijing Beef | Small $3.70, Medium $6.90, Large $9.70 |
| SweetFire Chicken Breast | Small $3.70, Medium $6.90, Large $9.70 |
| Grilled Teriyaki Chicken | Small $3.70, Medium $6.90, Large $9.70 |
| Honey Sesame Chicken Breast | Small $3.70, Medium $6.90, Large $9.70 |
| Mushroom Chicken | Small $3.70, Medium $6.90, Large $9.70 |
| Premium Entrees | |
| Shanghai Angus Steak | Small $4.95, Medium $9.40, Large $13.45 |
| Honey Walnut Shrimp | Small $4.95, Medium $9.40, Large $13.45 |
| Appetizers | |
| Veggie Spring Rolls | Small $1.90, Large $9.70 |
| Chicken Egg Roll | Small $1.90, Large $9.70 |
| Cream Cheese Rangoons | Small $1.90, Large $7.50 |
| Crispy Shrimp | 3 Pc $1.90 |
| Drinks | |
| Fountain Drink | Small $1.60, Medium $1.80, Large $2.00 |
| Bottled Water | $1.80 |
| Juice | $1.90 |
| Bottled Drink | $2.10 |
Here’s how Panda Express breaks down its menu:
The main menu has an assorted set of items, an appetizer, and a dessert section. Panda Express’s main menu is composed of 16 items: the most popular from each category.
The menu includes chicken potstickers, the original orange chicken, chow mein, steamed dumplings, egg rolls, honey lime chicken, egg foo young, chow mein, sweet and sour pork, chow mein chicken, broccoli chicken, crispy beef, fried rice, and a sweet and sour sauce.
General Tso’s Chicken.
Shrimp Imperial Garden
A Spicy Shrimp & Chicken
Noodle Bowl
Slow Cooker Crispy Shrimp
Double Pork Egg Rolls
Carrot Beef Sliders
a Pork Orange Chicken
Boneless Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Bacon Mac & Cheese
Chinese Eggrolls
Advertisement Jerk Chicken Fingers
Award-Winning Taro Pesto Rice Bowl
Shrimp Louie
Spicy Sweet Chili Shrimp Bowl
Spicy Honey-Soy lazed Salmon
It’s hard to beat Panda Express for delicious, conveniently delivered Chinese food. Even more difficult to beat its nationwide Double Meat Feast.