Panda Express Menu Guide to Dishes, Locations, and Timings
When it comes to fast and flavorful Chinese-American cuisine, Panda Express stands out as one of the most recognized restaurant brands in the world. The restaurant offers quick service, signature wok-fired dishes, and friendly hospitality. This article explores the Panda Express menu, its founders, restaurant details, reviews, locations, timings, and full menu tables for your complete reference.
The Plimsoll Menu Guide London’s Pub Dishes, Reviews & Hours — When it comes to fast and flavorful Chinese-American cuisine, Panda Express stands out as one of the most recognized restaurant brands in the world.
About Panda Express: Restaurant Overview and Ownership
Panda Express is a U.S.-based restaurant chain founded in 1983 by Andrew Cherng and Peggy Cherng. They started with the vision to bring Asian flavors to the American fast-food scene. The restaurant’s first location opened in Glendale, California. Today, Panda Express is operated by Panda Restaurant Group, Inc., headquartered in Rosemead, California.
The founders are both Chinese immigrants who transformed Panda Express into the largest Asian dining concept in the United States. The restaurant emphasizes fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and quick service, making it a top choice for millions of customers every day.
Panda Express has grown beyond the U.S., with over 2,400 locations worldwide. It serves customers in Canada, Mexico, the Philippines, South Korea, and Japan, among others. The brand has become synonymous with casual Chinese dining, offering dishes like Orange Chicken, Beijing Beef, and Kung Pao Chicken.
Panda Express in the UK: Locations and Presence
Although Panda Express is famous in the United States, it currently has no official restaurants in the United Kingdom. However, the company PANDA EXPRESS (UK) LIMITED is registered in London, which indicates possible future expansion.
Many British diners still search for the Panda Express menu because of its international reputation. Some independent restaurants in the UK use a similar name, but they are not officially linked to the American chain. For example, a “Panda Express Chinese Takeaway” operates in Havant, UK, offering a variety of Asian dishes but not the authentic U.S. Panda Express recipes.
For now, UK fans can only enjoy Panda Express when visiting international branches. However, the brand’s popularity continues to grow in Europe, and there is speculation that Panda Express may open UK outlets in the coming years.
Customer Reviews and Popular Opinion
Panda Express enjoys mixed but mostly positive reviews from diners. Many love its Orange Chicken, describing it as crispy, sweet, and addictive. The Beijing Beef and Kung Pao Chicken also receive praise for their balanced spice and texture.
On Google Reviews, customers often highlight the restaurant’s speed and cleanliness. Most Panda Express locations score between 4.0 and 4.5 stars. A reviewer from Los Angeles wrote, “Fast service, consistent taste, and always hot food. The Orange Chicken never disappoints.”
However, on Trustpilot, some users expressed disappointment about portion sizes and pricing. They mentioned that certain branches offer smaller portions compared to previous years. Still, most customers appreciate the restaurant’s ability to deliver reliable Chinese-American food quickly.
Overall, Panda Express maintains a strong reputation for convenience, flavor, and affordability, especially among students, travelers, and office workers.
Popular Entrées on the Panda Express Menu
The Panda Express menu revolves around signature entrées that combine Chinese flavors with Western influences. Below is a table summarizing the most popular entrées served across the world.
| Entrée | Description |
|---|---|
| Orange Chicken | Crispy chicken tossed in a sweet and tangy orange sauce. The restaurant’s best-selling dish worldwide. |
| Beijing Beef | Fried beef strips with bell peppers and onions in a rich, sweet, and spicy sauce. |
| Kung Pao Chicken | Spicy stir-fried chicken with peanuts, chili peppers, and vegetables. |
| Broccoli Beef | Tender beef slices cooked with fresh broccoli in a savory soy-based sauce. |
| Honey Walnut Shrimp | Crispy shrimp glazed with honey sauce and topped with caramelized walnuts. |
| Black Pepper Angus Steak | Juicy steak pieces stir-fried with onions, mushrooms, and black pepper sauce. |
| String Bean Chicken Breast | Lean chicken with green beans and onions in a light garlic sauce. |
| Mushroom Chicken | Light and flavorful dish with mushrooms, zucchini, and chicken. |
| SweetFire Chicken Breast | Crispy chicken breast tossed with sweet chili sauce and pineapple. |
| Eggplant Tofu | Vegetarian dish with tofu, eggplant, and bell peppers in a sweet sauce. |
These entrées are available in combo meals like the Bowl (1 entrée + 1 side), Plate (2 entrées + 1 side), or Bigger Plate (3 entrées + 1 side). Customers can mix and match dishes according to taste.
Side Dishes and Add-ons
No meal is complete without the delicious sides that balance out Panda Express’s rich entrées. The Panda Express menu includes several options for sides, which pair perfectly with main dishes.
| Side Dish | Description |
|---|---|
| Chow Mein | Stir-fried noodles with onions and cabbage, light and flavorful. |
| Fried Rice | Classic rice stir-fried with eggs, peas, and carrots. |
| Steamed White Rice | Plain rice that complements spicy entrées. |
| Brown Rice | Healthier whole-grain option with a nutty flavor. |
| Super Greens | A blend of broccoli, kale, and cabbage for a light, healthy side. |
Some locations also offer extras such as Cream Cheese Rangoons, Vegetable Spring Rolls, and Chicken Egg Rolls. These appetizers are crunchy, savory, and perfect for sharing.
Drinks and Desserts
The dessert and beverage selection at Panda Express is simple but satisfying. Every meal comes with a fortune cookie, a fun and traditional end to the dining experience.
| Category | Items |
|---|---|
| Drinks | Soft drinks, bottled water, iced tea, and lemonade. |
| Desserts | Fortune cookies, occasional seasonal sweets, and small cookies. |
Though limited, these options complete the Panda Express experience and cater to quick-service dining needs.
Special Meals and Family Options
Panda Express also offers Family Meals, which include 2 large sides and 3 large entrées, designed to feed around four people. These meals are cost-effective for families and groups.
There is also a Panda Cub Meal™ for children, featuring one kid-sized entrée, one junior side, and a drink. It provides a balanced option for young diners.
The restaurant frequently introduces limited-time dishes to keep the menu exciting. Examples include Firecracker Shrimp, Spicy Tuna Poke Bowl, and Plant-Based Orange Chicken. These innovations show Panda Express’s commitment to evolving customer tastes.
Nutrition and Health Information
Panda Express provides nutritional transparency for health-conscious customers. Each dish lists its calories, protein, and sodium content. For example:
| Dish | Calories (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Orange Chicken | 490 |
| Kung Pao Chicken | 290 |
| Broccoli Beef | 150 |
| Fried Rice | 520 |
| Chow Mein | 510 |
Super Greens remain the healthiest side with about 90 calories per serving. The company’s website also offers a nutrition calculator to help customers build balanced meals.
Opening, Closing, and Delivery Times
Panda Express restaurants generally open around 10:00 AM and close between 9:30 PM and 10:30 PM. However, hours vary depending on the location.
For example, the Panda Express outlet in Ashland, Virginia operates from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, while university campus locations often close earlier at 8:00 PM.
Delivery services are available through DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub, depending on the region. Delivery hours typically match restaurant operating hours. Some locations also offer curbside pickup and drive-thru service for added convenience.
| Day | Opening Time | Closing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Monday – Thursday | 10:00 AM | 10:00 PM |
| Friday – Saturday | 10:00 AM | 10:30 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM | 9:00 PM |
Delivery availability may vary during weekends and holidays.
Why the Panda Express Menu Stands Out
The Panda Express menu succeeds because it balances flavor, affordability, and familiarity. Its iconic Orange Chicken remains a symbol of fast-casual Asian food. Unlike traditional Chinese restaurants, Panda Express focuses on consistency and speed without sacrificing taste.
Customers can choose meals within minutes, ensuring a quick and satisfying experience. The brand’s global popularity stems from this unique balance between tradition and innovation. Gloria London Menu Guide to Dishes, Locations, and Timing — Panda Express may not yet be part of the UK’s dining scene, but it continues to influence many Asian fusion restaurants in London.
Moreover, Panda Express continues to expand its healthy menu options, including plant-based entrées and vegetable-rich sides, appealing to modern dietary preferences.
Final Thoughts
The Panda Express menu offers something for everyone—whether you prefer classic comfort dishes like Orange Chicken or lighter sides like Super Greens. Though the chain is not yet available in the UK, its reputation as a leader in Chinese-American cuisine continues to grow worldwide.
With transparent nutritional information, customizable meal options, and convenient delivery, Panda Express remains a favorite for millions seeking quick, tasty, and affordable food.
As international expansion continues, it’s likely that British diners will soon experience the real Panda Express. Until then, food lovers in the UK can only imagine enjoying those signature sweet, spicy, and savory flavors in their own neighborhoods.
