Panda Express serves American-Chinese food built around three formats: Bowl, Plate, and Bigger Plate, each letting you pick your own sides and entrées. If you’ve never ordered there before, the short version is this — pick a size, pick a side (usually fried rice, chow mein, or super greens), then pick one, two, or three entrées from a rotating lineup of orange chicken, beijing beef, kung pao chicken, and a handful of other options. That’s the whole system, and once you know it, ordering takes about ten seconds.
This guide walks through the full Panda Express menu the way someone who actually eats there regularly would explain it to a friend: what’s good, what’s skippable, what to pair with what, and which combo actually fills you up. We’ll cover entrées, sides, appetizers, the Wok Smart lighter options, family meals, kids meals, drinks, and the questions people search for most — including secret menu items and value picks. This piece is updated for 2026 and reflects current entrée names, sides, and formats as of this writing.
Quick note before we start: this is an independent, unofficial guide. It is not affiliated with Panda Express or Panda Restaurant Group, and any prices mentioned are general ranges only. Menu prices vary by location, franchise owner, city, and season, so always confirm current pricing at your nearest store or on the official Panda Express app before ordering.
How This Menu Guide Was Put Together
Everything here comes from a mix of in-store ordering experience, checking the official Panda Express app and website for current item names and combo structures, and comparing receipts across a few different visits. Menu items and prices shift throughout the year — Panda Express regularly rotates limited-time entrées in and out — so treat the specific dishes below as a solid current snapshot rather than something frozen in stone. If a dish sounds unfamiliar or missing, it’s worth checking the app, since regional menus do differ a bit between states.
How Panda Express Meal Sizes Work
Panda Express meals come in three main formats, and this decision matters more than which entrée you pick.
- Bowl – one side plus one entrée. Good for a lighter appetite or a quick solo lunch.
- Plate – one side plus two entrées. This is the most ordered format, and it’s the one that actually feels like a full meal.
- Bigger Plate – one side plus three entrées. Built for bigger appetites or for splitting between two people who don’t mind sharing.
Every format lets you swap in a different side, and most locations will split the side (half fried rice, half chow mein) if you ask. That’s not a secret trick, it’s just something the staff will usually do without a fuss.
Panda Express Sides: What to Actually Order
The side is the base of your meal, and it matters more than people give it credit for since it takes up half the container.
Fried Rice is the classic choice — egg, peas, carrots, and scallions folded through white rice with a light soy flavor. It’s soft, a little oily in a good way, and holds up well if you’re eating in the car on the way home.
Chow Mein is the noodle option, stir-fried with cabbage, celery, and onion. It has more texture than the rice and a slightly savory, almost sesame-adjacent flavor. If you like a bit of chew in your food, this beats the rice.
White Steamed Rice is the plain option, and it’s the one to pick if you want the sauce from your entrée to be the star of the plate instead of competing with a seasoned side.
Super Greens is the lighter pick — a mix of broccoli, kale, and cabbage, lightly seasoned. It’s the side people order when they’re trying to keep the meal under a certain calorie count without giving up flavor entirely.
Chicken Entrées: The Backbone of the Menu
Orange Chicken is the single most popular dish on the entire menu, and it’s usually the reason first-time visitors walk in the door. Crispy battered chicken chunks get tossed in a sweet, slightly tangy orange sauce with a mild chili kick underneath. The batter stays surprisingly crunchy for a few minutes after it’s plated, which is more than you can say for a lot of fast-food fried chicken.
Kung Pao Chicken brings diced chicken, peanuts, zucchini, and red bell pepper in a spicier, more savory sauce. It’s the pick for anyone who finds orange chicken too sweet and wants something with a bit more punch.
Black Pepper Chicken is a simpler, savory option — chicken with onions and celery in a black pepper sauce. It’s less flashy than orange chicken but pairs really well with chow mein if you want a meal that isn’t sweet at all.
Grilled Teriyaki Chicken is one of the leaner options on the menu, a straightforward grilled chicken breast in teriyaki glaze. It’s not as exciting as the fried options, but it’s the one people order when they’re trying to keep protein high without the extra batter.
Honey Sesame Chicken rounds out the chicken lineup — crispy chicken with a honey glaze and a light sesame flavor, closer to orange chicken but a touch less tangy and a bit sweeter overall.
Beef Entrées
Beijing Beef is crispy beef strips with bell peppers and onions in a sweet-and-spicy sauce. It’s got a similar crunch profile to orange chicken but with a deeper, slightly caramelized flavor from the sauce reducing on the beef. This is a strong pick if you want something a little heartier than chicken.
Broccoli Beef is the more classic Chinese-American takeout dish — beef and broccoli in a garlic-ginger sauce. It’s lighter on the sauce than Beijing Beef and a good option if you want vegetables built into the entrée itself rather than relying only on the side.
Black Pepper Sirloin Steak is a premium entrée with actual sirloin steak pieces, onions, and bell peppers in a black pepper sauce. It costs more than the standard entrées, but the beef quality is noticeably better and worth it if you’re craving something closer to a steakhouse flavor.
Seafood and Premium Entrées
Honey Walnut Shrimp is the menu’s signature premium item — crispy shrimp coated in a sweet honey glaze with candied walnuts on top. It costs extra compared to standard entrées, and it earns that price. The shrimp stays tender under the crunchy coating, and the walnuts add a texture you won’t find anywhere else on the menu.
Seafood and premium beef entrées typically carry an upcharge over the standard chicken and vegetable options, so factor that in if you’re building a Plate or Bigger Plate and want to keep the bill predictable.
Vegetarian and Meat-Free Options
Super Greens, already mentioned as a side, can also function as a base for a mostly plant-forward meal when paired with a vegetable entrée. Chow Mein and Fried Rice are typically prepared without meat (though they may share cooking surfaces with meat items, so anyone with a strict dietary need should check with staff or the allergen guide on the app). String Bean Chicken Breast leans vegetable-forward with green beans and onions, though it does include chicken, so it’s not a vegetarian entrée on its own.
For a fully vegetarian plate, the most reliable combo is a side of Super Greens or Fried Rice paired with the Veggie Spring Rolls as an appetizer add-on, since Panda Express doesn’t currently run a dedicated all-vegetable entrée on the core national menu in most locations. Always confirm with the crew at the counter, since regional menus and rotating items can differ.
Appetizers Worth Ordering
Chicken Egg Rolls are crispy on the outside with a cabbage-and-chicken filling inside. They hold their crunch well even after a short drive home, which isn’t something you can say about every fried appetizer.
Veggie Spring Rolls are thinner and crunchier than the egg rolls, filled with cabbage, carrots, and mushrooms. They’re the lighter appetizer option and the one to grab if you want something crispy without the meat.
Cream Cheese Rangoons are the sleeper favorite — crispy wontons filled with a sweet cream cheese mixture. They’re small, so order more than one if you’re sharing, because they disappear fast at the table.
Appetizers are usually sold individually or in small orders, and they’re an easy, low-cost way to round out a Bowl if you want a bit more food without upgrading to a Plate.
Wok Smart: The Lighter Side of the Menu
Panda Express labels a group of entrées and sides as Wok Smart, meaning they generally come in at 300 calories or less with a solid amount of protein per serving. This category typically includes items like Grilled Teriyaki Chicken, Broccoli Beef, String Bean Chicken Breast, and Super Greens.
If you’re watching calories or trying to hit a protein target, building a Bowl or Plate entirely from Wok Smart items is the easiest way to do it without feeling like you’re settling for a smaller version of the meal. Pairing Super Greens with a Wok Smart protein entrée is the most common approach people use to keep a full plate under roughly 400–500 calories total, though exact numbers depend on the specific entrées chosen and should be checked against current nutrition info on the app for accuracy.
Family Meals and Catering
Family meals are built around the same side-and-entrée logic as individual meals, just scaled up. A typical Family Feast serves several people and includes multiple full-size entrées plus large sides, making it a practical order for a group dinner or a quick office lunch when you don’t want to place five separate individual orders.
Catering trays follow the same idea at a bigger scale — full pans of a single entrée or side, meant for parties, office events, or family gatherings. Ordering catering ahead of time through the app or website is worth it, since walk-in catering requests during busy hours can mean a longer wait.
Panda Cub Meal (Kids Menu)
The kids meal, branded as the Panda Cub Meal, comes with a smaller portion of one entrée, a side, a drink, and often a small extra like fruit or a fortune cookie. It’s sized for younger kids rather than teenagers, and the entrée choices usually lean toward the less spicy options like Orange Chicken or Grilled Teriyaki Chicken rather than anything with real heat.
Drinks and Crafted Beverages
Panda Express offers standard fountain drinks alongside a lineup of Crafted Beverages — flavored refreshers and specialty drinks that rotate seasonally. These tend to use real fruit juice and sugar rather than artificial flavoring, based on the brand’s recent ingredient changes across its supply chain. If you’re ordering a Plate or Bigger Plate, a drink is worth adding since the food itself runs on the saltier, saucier side and pairs well with something cold.
Panda Express Secret Menu: What’s Actually Real
The so-called “secret menu” at Panda Express isn’t a hidden printed list — it’s really just customization requests that regular customers have figured out work well. A few examples that come up often:
- Asking for a half-and-half side (half fried rice, half chow mein) in the same container.
- Ordering a “Double Entrée Bowl” by asking for two half-portions of different entrées instead of one full portion.
- Requesting extra sauce on the side for dipping rather than having it tossed directly onto the entrée, which keeps the batter crispier longer.
None of these are official menu items, and staff willingness to accommodate them can vary by location and how busy the store is. It’s worth asking politely rather than expecting it as a guarantee.
Panda Rewards and Getting the Best Value
The Panda Rewards program through the official app is the most reliable way to save money regularly, rather than chasing one-off coupons. Members typically earn points toward free entrées and get early access to new limited-time items and app-exclusive deals. Since Panda Express doesn’t run a traditional dollar menu, the Rewards app functions as the closest thing to a consistent discount system the brand offers.
If you’re ordering for one person, a Bowl is generally the most affordable full meal on the menu. If you’re ordering for two or more, a Bigger Plate or a small Family Meal often works out cheaper per person than ordering separate individual Plates, especially once you factor in a shared appetizer.
What Makes the Panda Express Menu Different From Other Fast-Casual Chains
Unlike a lot of fast-casual competitors that build a meal around one fixed combo, Panda Express runs almost entirely on customization — you choose the size, the side, and the entrées independently of each other. That flexibility is the biggest reason regulars keep coming back even when they get tired of one specific dish, since switching from Orange Chicken to Kung Pao Chicken doesn’t require ordering a completely different “meal,” just a different entrée inside the same format.
The other thing that separates it from typical drive-thru fast food is speed without a drive-thru window at most locations — food is already cooked and held in the steam line, so a Plate or Bowl usually comes together in under two minutes even during a lunch rush.
Panda Express Menu
The Panda Express menu is built around three simple parts. First, you choose a meal size. Next, you pick a side. Finally, you add one, two, or three entrées. This system makes ordering fast, even if you visit for the first time.
Meal Sizes at a Glance
- Bowl: one side and one entrée
- Plate: one side and two entrées
- Bigger Plate: one side and three entrées
- Panda Cub Meal: a smaller kids’ meal with a side, an entrée, and a drink
- Family Meal: two large sides and three large entrées for a group
Most entrées cost the same inside each meal size. For that reason, you do not pay extra for a different chicken or beef dish. However, premium entrées such as Honey Walnut Shrimp and Black Pepper Angus Steak add a small upcharge.
Popular Entrées
Panda Express is best known for its wok-tossed entrées. Here are the fan favorites:
- Orange Chicken: crispy chicken in a sweet and tangy orange sauce
- Beijing Beef: crispy beef strips with peppers and onions in a sweet-and-sour sauce
- Kung Pao Chicken: chicken, peanuts, and vegetables with a mild chili kick
- Broccoli Beef: tender beef and fresh broccoli in a savory ginger-soy sauce
- String Bean Chicken Breast: a lighter choice with green beans and mushrooms
- Honey Walnut Shrimp: crispy shrimp with candied walnuts in a creamy sauce
Sides
The side menu is short and simple. You can choose Chow Mein, Fried Rice, Steamed White Rice, or Super Greens. In addition, many stores let you order half and half. That means you can enjoy half chow mein and half Super Greens in the same meal.
Appetizers and Extras
Panda Express also offers small items you can add to any order. Common choices include Chicken Egg Rolls, Veggie Spring Rolls, and Cream Cheese Rangoons. Moreover, you can add a drink or a fortune cookie to finish your meal.
Panda Menu
Many people simply search for the “Panda menu” when they want a quick look at what is available. The good news is that the menu stays consistent across most locations. Therefore, you can expect the same core dishes whether you visit a mall food court, a drive-thru, or a standalone restaurant.
Menu Categories
The menu usually includes these sections:
- Entrées: chicken, beef, shrimp, and vegetable dishes
- Sides: chow mein, fried rice, white rice, and Super Greens
- Appetizers: egg rolls, spring rolls, and rangoons
- Bundles: a bowl, plate, or bigger plate with a drink
- Family meals and catering: larger orders for groups
- Kids’ meals: the Panda Cub Meal
Wok Smart and Lighter Choices
Panda Express labels some dishes as Wok Smart. These entrées are lower in calories and higher in protein. For example, String Bean Chicken Breast and Broccoli Beef are popular lighter picks. If you pair one of them with Super Greens, you get a balanced meal without too many calories.
Seasonal and Limited-Time Dishes
Panda Express often launches new items for a short time. These dishes may appear in the app before they show up in stores. As a result, it is smart to check the app if you want to try something new.
Panda Express Menu PDF
Many guests ask for a Panda Express menu PDF. A PDF is useful because you can save it on your phone, read it offline, and share it with friends or family. It also helps when you plan a large group order and want to compare prices in advance.
Why a Menu PDF Helps
- You can plan your order before you reach the counter.
- You can compare calories and prices at home.
- You can share the menu with coworkers or relatives.
- You can save time during busy lunch hours.
How to Find an Up-to-Date Menu
The safest place to find the latest menu is the official Panda Express website or the Panda Express app. Third-party websites often copy old prices. Consequently, a PDF from an unknown source may be out of date.
If you want your own copy, follow these simple steps:
- Open the official website or app.
- Select your local store.
- View the current menu.
- Use your phone or browser to save the page as a PDF.
This method gives you a fresh copy with prices for your own location.
What a Good Menu PDF Should Include
A useful menu file should list bowls, plates, bigger plates, sides, appetizers, kids’ meals, and family meals. It should also show calories and any allergen notes. Above all, it should show a clear date, so you know it is current.
Panda Express Menu with Prices and Pictures
Pictures make ordering easier. They show you the portion size, the color of the sauce, and the type of vegetables in each dish. In addition, they help new guests choose with confidence.
Average Meal Prices in 2026
The table below shows typical prices in the United States. Local prices may be higher or lower.
| Meal | What You Get | Typical Price |
|---|---|---|
| Bowl | 1 side + 1 entrée | $9.20 – $9.50 |
| Plate | 1 side + 2 entrées | $11.10 – $11.40 |
| Bigger Plate | 1 side + 3 entrées | $12.80 – $13.10 |
| Panda Cub Meal | kid-sized entrée, side, and drink | about $8 – $11 |
| Family Meal | 2 large sides + 3 large entrées | about $35 – $45 |
| Premium entrée upgrade | Honey Walnut Shrimp, Black Pepper Angus Steak | about +$1.25 – $1.75 |
Prices for Sides and Appetizers
Sides and small items are sold à la carte at many stores. Estimated prices are:
- Medium side (chow mein or fried rice): around $4.40
- Large side: around $5.40
- Chicken Egg Roll: around $1.90
- Veggie Spring Roll: around $1.70
- Cream Cheese Rangoon: a small add-on, priced by the piece or serving
What the Pictures Show
When you look at menu photos, you will notice a few things. The bowl looks neat and fits in one hand. The plate looks full but not heavy. The bigger plate looks generous and colorful. Therefore, many guests use pictures to decide how hungry they really are.
A Note on Photo Accuracy
Menu photos are made to look their best. Your real order may look slightly different. Still, the portions and ingredients are usually close to what you see online.
Panda Express Menu 2026
The 2026 menu keeps the classic dishes that fans love. At the same time, Panda Express keeps adding new flavors, premium proteins, and balanced options. Prices have also moved up slightly compared with earlier years.
What Is New and What Stays the Same
Orange Chicken remains the star of the menu. It is the signature dish, and it sells in huge amounts every year. Honey Walnut Shrimp and Black Pepper Angus Steak continue as premium picks. Meanwhile, newer protein-focused plates give guests more choice.
Protein-Focused Options
Some stores offer pre-set balanced plates. These meals usually combine more protein with vegetables and a lighter side. They cost about $10.90 in many areas. As a result, they can be a smart choice for gym-goers and busy workers.
Calories by Meal Size
Calories depend on what you choose. The estimated ranges are:
- Bowl: about 280 to 1,130 calories
- Plate: about 430 to 1,640 calories
- Bigger Plate: about 580 to 2,150 calories
A light bowl with String Bean Chicken Breast and Super Greens sits near the bottom of that range. On the other hand, a bigger plate with three fried entrées and chow mein sits near the top.
Panda Rewards
Panda Rewards is the loyalty program inside the app. Members earn points on each order and can redeem them for free items. New members often get a free appetizer on their first mobile order. Because offers change often, check the app for the latest deals.
Allergen and Dietary Notes
Panda Express provides allergen and nutrition information on its website. Guests with food allergies should review that information before ordering. In addition, you can speak with the staff about any such as functional needs. Vegetarian options exist, but the kitchen shares equipment, so check the details if you need strict dietary control.
Takeout Panda Express Menu with Prices PDF
Panda Express is a great choice for takeout. The food is ready quickly, and the packaging is easy to carry. Whether you are driving home or heading back to work, the process is smooth.
Ways to Order Takeout
- In the app: order ahead and skip the line.
- On the website: choose your store and pick up at the counter.
- By phone: call your local restaurant and place your order.
- Through delivery apps: order from home, though prices may be higher.
Takeout Prices Versus In-Store Prices
Prices on third-party delivery apps are often higher than in-store prices. These apps add service fees, delivery fees, and menu markups. Therefore, ordering directly from Panda Express is usually cheaper.
Why a Takeout Menu PDF Is Handy
A takeout menu PDF lets you plan ahead. You can decide what to order before you open the app. Furthermore, it helps when you order for several people and need to compare totals.
A good takeout PDF should show:
- bowl, plate, and bigger plate prices
- family meal prices
- bundle prices with drinks
- appetizers and sides
- calories and allergen notes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular dish at Panda Express?
Orange Chicken is widely considered Panda Express’s signature and most popular dish.
It features crispy chicken tossed in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy orange sauce.
Other popular choices include Beijing Beef, Honey Walnut Shrimp, and Kung Pao Chicken.
Does Panda Express offer a senior discount?
Panda Express does not have a standard nationwide senior discount at all locations.
Some individual restaurants may offer special discounts or promotions for if possible.
It is best to check with your local Panda Express before ordering.
What’s the difference between a bowl and a plate at Panda Express?
A Bowl typically includes one entrée and one side, such as fried rice or chow mein.
A Plate includes two entrées and one side, giving you more variety and food.
If you want to try more dishes, the Plate is usually the better option.
What are some menu items to avoid at Panda Express?
If you are watching calories, sugar, or sodium, some fried and heavily sauced entrées may be less suitable.
Orange Chicken, Beijing Beef, and Honey Walnut Shrimp can be higher in calories and sugar.
For lighter choices, consider grilled options, vegetables, and smaller portions.
What is the best meat to get at Panda Express?
Orange Chicken is the most iconic choice if you enjoy crispy chicken with a sweet and tangy flavor.
For a more savory option, Black Pepper Angus Steak or Teriyaki Chicken can be good choices.
The best meat ultimately depends on whether you prefer sweet, spicy, savory, or grilled flavors.
Is there a secret menu at Panda Express?
Panda Express does not officially advertise a secret menu nationwide.
However, customers sometimes create custom combinations by mixing available entrées, sides, and sauces.
Availability can vary by location, so ask your local restaurant about customization options.
Final Thoughts
The Panda Express menu works because it’s simple to understand but flexible enough to never feel repetitive — pick your size, pick your side, pick your entrées, and you’re done. Orange Chicken is the safe first order, but Beijing Beef and Kung Pao Chicken are worth trying once you know what you like. If you’re new to the menu, start with a Plate so you can compare two entrées in one sitting, and check the Panda Rewards app before you order so you’re not missing an easy discount.
Notes for CMS/Developer (not for publication)
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- Recommend FAQPage schema for the FAQ section above.
- Recommend BreadcrumbList schema (Home > Menus > Panda Express Menu).
- If a pricing table is added later, mark it up with Menu/MenuItem structured data.
Irfan Khan is an experienced writer and researcher with over 6 years of expertise in Manu-related topics. Through ManuLibrary, he shares reliable information, insightful updates, and valuable knowledge to help readers explore, understand, and discover everything about Manu.
