Panda Express Menu (2026): Complete Guide to Prices, Calories, Popular Dishes & Ordering Tips

When it comes to American Chinese fast food, the Panda Express Menu remains one of the most popular choices for customers looking for flavorful meals, convenient combos, and a wide variety of Asian-inspired dishes.

Founded in 1983, Panda Express has grown into one of the largest Chinese fast-food restaurant chains in the United States. The brand is best known for its signature dishes like Orange Chicken, Beijing Beef, Honey Walnut Shrimp, Kung Pao Chicken, and Chow Mein.

The Panda Express menu offers something for everyone, including classic entrées, wok-fired specialties, vegetarian options, sides, appetizers, drinks, family meals, and limited-time seasonal items.

Whether you are visiting Panda Express for the first time or looking for the latest menu updates, this guide covers everything you need to know about Panda Express Menu 2026, including popular items, prices, calories, ingredients, customization options, and ordering tips.

What Makes Panda Express Menu Different?

Unlike traditional Chinese restaurants, Panda Express focuses on creating quick-service meals inspired by Chinese flavors while adapting them for American customers.

The restaurant uses wok cooking techniques combined with bold sauces, fresh vegetables, and protein-based entrées to create meals that are fast, convenient, and flavorful.

Some reasons customers love Panda Express include:

• Wide variety of Chinese-inspired dishes
• Freshly prepared wok-fired entrées
• Affordable combo meals
• Large portion sizes
• Multiple protein choices
• Convenient online ordering
• Family meal options

The menu balances classic favorites with new seasonal creations, allowing customers to enjoy both familiar dishes and new flavors.

Panda Express Menu Categories (2026)

The Panda Express Menu is divided into several major categories:

Entrées

The entrée section is the heart of the Panda Express menu and includes customer favorites such as:

• Orange Chicken
• Beijing Beef
• Honey Walnut Shrimp
• Kung Pao Chicken
• Black Pepper Chicken
• Teriyaki Chicken
• Grilled Teriyaki Chicken
• Broccoli Beef
• Mushroom Chicken
• String Bean Chicken Breast

Each entrée offers a different combination of flavors, from sweet and crispy to spicy and savory.

Most Popular Panda Express Menu Items

Orange Chicken

The #1 Panda Express Favorite

Orange Chicken is the most famous item on the Panda Express menu and one of the most recognizable fast-food Chinese dishes in America.

It features crispy chicken pieces coated in a sweet, tangy orange-flavored sauce with hints of citrus and spice.

Why customers love it:

• Crispy chicken texture
• Sweet and savory flavor
• Signature Panda Express sauce
• Perfect with steamed rice or Chow Mein

Estimated Nutrition:

• Calories: Around 490 calories per serving
• Protein: Approximately 25g

Honey Walnut Shrimp

Honey Walnut Shrimp is one of Panda Express’ premium entrées.

It combines crispy battered shrimp with a creamy honey sauce and candied walnuts.

Customers choose this item because it offers:

• Sweet and creamy flavor
• Premium seafood option
• Unique texture combination
• Restaurant-style taste

Estimated Calories:

• Around 360 calories per serving

Beijing Beef

Beijing Beef is another popular choice for customers who enjoy bold flavors.

It features crispy strips of beef tossed with sweet and spicy sauce, onions, and peppers.

Flavor profile:

• Sweet
• Slightly spicy
• Savory
• Crispy

It is often paired with Chow Mein or Fried Rice for a complete meal.

Kung Pao Chicken

Kung Pao Chicken is one of Panda Express’ classic spicy options.

It includes:

• Chicken
• Peanuts
• Vegetables
• Chili peppers
• Kung Pao sauce

This dish is popular among customers who prefer a savory meal with heat.

Teriyaki Chicken

Teriyaki Chicken is a customer favorite because of its simple grilled flavor.

It includes:

• Grilled chicken
• Sweet teriyaki sauce
• Freshly prepared protein

It is often considered one of the better options for customers looking for a lighter entrée.

Panda Express Combo Meals

One of the most popular ways to order from Panda Express is through combo meals.

Bowl

Includes:

• One side
• One entrée

Popular combinations:

• Orange Chicken + Chow Mein
• Teriyaki Chicken + Fried Rice
• Beijing Beef + White Rice

Plate

Includes:

• One side
• Two entrées

This is one of the best-value options on the menu.

Popular combinations:

• Orange Chicken + Kung Pao Chicken
• Beijing Beef + Honey Walnut Shrimp
• Teriyaki Chicken + Broccoli Beef

Bigger Plate

Includes:

• One side
• Three entrées

Best for customers with bigger appetites or those who want to try multiple dishes.

Panda Express Menu Prices (2026)

Prices vary by location, but average prices are:

Prices may vary depending on location, taxes, delivery fees, and promotions.

Panda Express Calories & Nutrition Guide

Nutrition depends on the specific dish, portion size, and customization.

Customers looking for lower-calorie choices often choose:

• Grilled Teriyaki Chicken
• Mushroom Chicken
• Broccoli Beef
• String Bean Chicken Breast

Panda Express Sides

Sides complete every Panda Express meal.

Popular options include:

Chow Mein

A customer favorite featuring stir-fried noodles with vegetables.

Fried Rice

Includes:

• Rice
• Eggs
• Vegetables
• Seasoning

White Steamed Rice

A simple option that pairs well with flavorful entrées.

Super Greens

A lighter side made with:

• Broccoli
• Kale
• Cabbage

Panda Express Appetizers

Popular appetizers include:

Cream Cheese Rangoon

Crispy wonton shells filled with cream cheese and served with sweet sauce.

Chicken Egg Roll

A crispy roll filled with chicken and vegetables.

Spring Roll

A vegetable-based crispy appetizer.

Panda Express Drinks

Popular beverages include:

• Coca-Cola products
• Lemonade
• Sweet Tea
• Unsweet Tea
• Bottled Water
• Fountain Drinks

Panda Express also frequently introduces seasonal beverages and limited-time offerings.

Healthier Choices at Panda Express

Customers looking for lighter meals can choose options such as:

Grilled Teriyaki Chicken

High protein and flavorful without heavy frying.

Broccoli Beef

A combination of beef and vegetables.

Mushroom Chicken

A lighter chicken option with vegetables.

Super Greens

A vegetable-based side alternative.

Vegetarian Options at Panda Express

Panda Express offers several choices for customers who prefer vegetable-based meals.

Popular options include:

• Super Greens
• Chow Mein
• Spring Rolls
• Vegetable-based sides

Availability may vary by location.

Secret Panda Express Ordering Tips

Many regular customers customize their meals to create better combinations.

Popular tips include:

Mix Two Entrées

Ordering two different entrées allows customers to enjoy multiple flavors.

Add Extra Sauce

Extra sauce can enhance dishes like:

• Orange Chicken
• Teriyaki Chicken
• Beijing Beef

Combine Sides

Try:

• Half Chow Mein + Half Fried Rice
• Rice + Super Greens

Order Family Meals

Family meals usually provide better value for groups.

Best Panda Express Food Combinations

Classic Combo

• Orange Chicken
• Chow Mein
• Cream Cheese Rangoon

High Protein Meal

• Teriyaki Chicken
• Broccoli Beef
• White Rice

Spicy Combination

• Kung Pao Chicken
• Beijing Beef
• Chow Mein

Seafood Option

• Honey Walnut Shrimp
• Fried Rice
• Spring Rolls

Customer Reviews: Why People Love Panda Express

Panda Express continues to receive popularity because of:

• Famous Orange Chicken
• Fast service
• Affordable meal combinations
• Large portions
• Consistent taste
• Convenient locations

Many customers consider Panda Express their go-to option when they want Chinese-inspired food quickly without visiting a traditional restaurant.

Is Panda Express Worth It?

For customers looking for fast, flavorful, and affordable Chinese-inspired meals, Panda Express remains one of the strongest choices in the fast-food industry.

The menu provides:

• Signature dishes
• Multiple portion sizes
• Affordable combos
• Variety of flavors
• Convenient ordering

Whether you prefer sweet Orange Chicken, spicy Kung Pao Chicken, premium Honey Walnut Shrimp, or classic Chow Mein, Panda Express offers options for almost every taste.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the most popular Panda Express item?

Orange Chicken is the most popular and recognizable Panda Express menu item.

How much does a Panda Express plate cost?

A Panda Express plate usually costs around $10.50–$13.00 depending on location.

What comes with a Panda Express plate?

A plate includes one side and two entrées.

What is the healthiest Panda Express meal?

Options like Grilled Teriyaki Chicken, Mushroom Chicken, and Super Greens are among the lighter choices.

Does Panda Express have vegetarian options?

Yes, Panda Express offers vegetable-based sides and vegetarian-friendly selections depending on location.

What are the best Panda Express sides?

The most popular sides are Chow Mein, Fried Rice, White Rice, and Super Greens.

Final Verdict

The Panda Express Menu 2026 continues to be one of the most popular fast-food Chinese menus in America. With iconic dishes like Orange Chicken, Beijing Beef, Honey Walnut Shrimp, and Kung Pao Chicken, the restaurant offers a wide range of flavors for every customer.

From affordable bowls to family-sized meals, Panda Express provides convenient options without sacrificing variety. Whether you are looking for a quick lunch, a filling dinner, or a meal for the whole family, Panda Express remains a top choice for Chinese-inspired fast food