Panda Express Menu: Full Guide to Bowls, Plates, and Prices
Panda Express operates more than 2,300 locations across the US, and Orange Chicken has long been the chain’s signature and best-selling entree. With a menu built around mix-and-match bowls, plates, and family meals, it’s easy to end up ordering more calories or spending more than you planned.
This guide covers the full Panda Express menu, every entree, side, and appetiser; how the bowl-plate-bigger plate pricing system works; calorie information; and where to find the healthiest and most budget-friendly options.
For exact nutrition, allergens, and current pricing, always verify using Panda Express’s official nutrition calculator and ordering app.
Who this guide is for: first-time visitors trying to understand the ordering system, regulars comparing meal sizes and value, and anyone tracking calories or looking for vegetarian or gluten-free options.
Last verified: July 2026. Menu items, prices, and availability vary by location and change over time, so confirm current details on the official Panda Express app or website before ordering.
How We Compiled This Guide
Menu structure and item names are based on Panda Express’s standard national offerings. Pricing and calorie information conflict across third-party sources, sometimes meaningfully, so all figures here are presented as general ranges rather than fixed numbers. Nutritional values vary slightly by serving size and recipe updates, so always check the official nutrition calculator for current figures. Always check the official Panda Express app for accurate local pricing, since it reflects your specific store’s current rates.
How the Menu Works: Bowls, Plates, and Bigger Plates
Panda Express’s core ordering system is built around portion size rather than a fixed menu of set dishes.
| Meal Size | What’s Included | Approximate Price Range |
| Bowl | 1 entree, 1 side | $8 to $9 |
| Plate | 2 entrees, 1 side | $10 to $11 |
| Bigger Plate | 3 entrees, 1 side | $12 to $13 |
| A La Carte | Individual entree or side | $5.50 to $8 per item |
| 5-Person Family Meal | 3 large entrees, 2 large sides | Roughly $40 to $43 |
These are general ranges compiled from multiple sources and vary by location, delivery platform, and current promotions. Confirm exact pricing on the official app before ordering.
How to Order at Panda Express
- Choose your meal size: bowl, plate, or bigger plate.
- Pick your side or split two sides “half and half” at no extra cost.
- Choose your entree or entrees, up to three for a bigger plate.
- Add a premium upcharge if you want Honey Walnut Shrimp or Black Pepper Sirloin Steak.
- Add a drink separately, since it’s usually not automatically bundled with your meal.
Complete Panda Express Menu with Calories
Chicken Entrees
| Item | Approximate Calories | Approximate Protein |
| Original Orange Chicken | 490 to 580 | 20 to 25g |
| Kung Pao Chicken | 290 to 320 | 15 to 18g |
| Mushroom Chicken | 220 to 250 | 15 to 18g |
| Grilled Teriyaki Chicken | 275 to 300 | Around 36g |
| Black Pepper Chicken | 250 to 280 | 15 to 18g |
| SweetFire Chicken Breast | 400 to 440 | 15 to 20g |
Beef Entrees
| Item | Approximate Calories | Approximate Protein |
| Beijing Beef | 470 to 500 | 13 to 16g |
| Broccoli Beef | 150 to 180 | 10 to 14g |
| Black Pepper Sirloin Steak (premium) | 180 to 210 | Around 19g |
Shrimp Entrees
| Item | Approximate Calories | Approximate Protein |
| Honey Walnut Shrimp (premium) | 400 to 430 | 12 to 15g |
| Firecracker Shrimp | 220 to 260 | 10 to 14g |
Sides
| Item | Approximate Calories |
| Chow Mein | 550 to 600 |
| Fried Rice | 550 to 620 |
| White Rice | 470 to 520 |
| Super Greens | 90 to 130 |
Appetizers
| Item | Approximate Calories |
| Chicken Egg Roll | 190 to 210 |
| Veggie Spring Roll | 160 to 180 |
| Cream Cheese Rangoon | 190 to 220 |
| Apple Pie Roll | 150 to 170 |
Desserts
| Item | Approximate Calories |
| Fortune Cookie | 30 to 40 |
Calorie figures are approximate ranges compiled from multiple sources and recipe updates over time, so confirm exact current values through the official nutrition calculator.
Some menu items, including seasonal entrees and eggplant tofu, may only be available at participating locations.
Premium Entree Upcharges
| Premium Item | Typical Extra Charge |
| Honey Walnut Shrimp | Around $1.50 per scoop |
| Black Pepper Sirloin Steak | Around $1.50 per scoop |
Upcharge amounts vary by location and change over time, so confirm the current amount before adding a premium entree.
Panda Express Drinks
| Drink | Sizes Typically Available |
| Fountain drinks (Coke, Dr Pepper, Fanta) | Small, medium, large |
| Bottled water | Single size |
| Sweet tea and black tea | Small, medium, large |
| Mango Guava Refresher | Small, medium, large |
| Peach Lychee Refresher | Small, medium, large |
Fountain drinks are typically priced lower than speciality fruit refreshers. Drinks are usually not automatically bundled with combo meals, so factor them in separately when budgeting a meal.
Panda Express Menu by Category
- Best overall value: the Bigger Plate, since the third entree typically costs only a couple dollars more than a standard Plate
- Best for a quick, light meal: a Bowl with a Wok Smart entree
- Best for groups: the 5-person family meal or a catering party bundle
- Best premium option: Honey Walnut Shrimp or Black Pepper Sirloin Steak, both carrying an extra per-scoop charge
- Best budget add-on: a side of Fortune Cookie or a Veggie Spring Roll
Best Value Orders
- Best under $10: a standard bowl with a non-premium entree and a lower-calorie side.
- Best high protein: a plate with grilled teriyaki chicken and black pepper sirloin steak.
- Best low calorie: a bowl with super greens and broccoli beef.
- Best family order: the 5-person family meal, which generally beats ordering individual plates on a per-person basis.
- Best premium meal: a plate with honey walnut shrimp and black pepper sirloin steak, for those willing to pay the upcharge on both.
Most Popular Panda Express Orders
- Orange Chicken with Chow Mein
- Beijing Beef with Fried Rice
- Honey Walnut Shrimp Plate
- Orange Chicken and Broccoli Beef Plate with White Rice
Ordering Tips and Customization
- Half and half sides: most locations let you split two sides in one order at no extra charge.
- Extra sauce: available on request for most entrees.
- Double entree portions: ask for a double scoop of a single entree instead of two different ones on a plate.
- Premium upgrades: Confirm the current upcharge amount before adding Honey Walnut Shrimp or Black Pepper Sirloin Steak, since it can meaningfully change your total.
Kids Meal
The Panda Cub Meal typically includes a smaller entree portion, a smaller side, and a drink, sized for younger diners. It’s generally priced lower than a standard adult bowl.
| Includes | Typical Options |
| Entree | One kid-sized entree, such as Orange Chicken or Grilled Teriyaki Chicken |
| Side | One kid-sized side, such as White Rice or Super Greens |
| Drink | Bottled water or a kid’s juice |
| Typical Price | Around $6 to $8 |
Panda Express Catering and Family Meals
| Catering Option | Approximate Serving Size |
| 5-Person Family Meal | 4 to 5 people |
| Small Party Bundle | 12 to 16 people |
| Large Party Bundle | 18 to 30 people |
Catering pricing works on a per-tray basis for entrees and sides and typically offers a lower per-person cost than ordering individual plates for a large group. Exact catering prices vary by tray size and location, so confirm current rates through the official catering ordering page.
Healthy and Wok Smart Options
Panda Express labels certain items “Wok Smart,” generally meaning 300 calories or less with at least 8 grams of protein per serving. Super Greens, Broccoli Beef, and Grilled Teriyaki Chicken are commonly cited as some of the lighter choices on the menu. Pairing a lower-calorie side like Super Greens with a lighter entree like Broccoli Beef can keep a full bowl under 300 calories, though exact nutrition figures should be confirmed through the official nutrition calculator since recipes and calorie counts are periodically updated.
Expert Tip: Ordering Super Greens instead of Chow Mein can save more than 400 calories while still providing a filling meal when paired with grilled teriyaki chicken.
Best Panda Express Choices by Diet Goal
- Highest protein: Grilled teriyaki chicken, at approximately 36 grams of protein per serving.
- Lowest calorie entree: Broccoli Beef.
- Lowest calorie side: Super Greens.
- Best vegetarian option: Super Greens paired with Eggplant Tofu, where available.
- Lowest carb combination: a bowl with super greens and a protein-forward entree like grilled teriyaki chicken skipping rice or noodles entirely.
Panda Rewards App
The Panda Rewards app supports mobile ordering and typically offers point-based rewards for purchases, along with periodic coupons and limited-time promotions. Checking the app before ordering is often the easiest way to confirm current deals and exact local pricing for your specific store.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options at Panda Express
- Super Greens: a vegetable side suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets.
- Eggplant Tofu: stir-fried tofu with eggplant in a savoury sauce, when available.
- Veggie Spring Rolls: a vegetarian appetizer option.
Who should be cautious: strict vegans and those with allergies, since Panda Express notes that vegetarian items are prepared in shared kitchens where cross-contact with meat products can occur.
Does Panda Express Have Gluten-Free Food?
Most Panda Express entrees are prepared with soy sauce or similar ingredients that typically contain gluten, and shared cooking equipment means cross-contact is common across the menu. Diners with celiac disease or a serious gluten sensitivity should review the official allergen information directly and consider contacting the specific location before ordering, rather than assuming any single item is safely gluten-free.
Seasonal and Limited-Time Menu Items
Panda Express regularly rotates limited-time entrees, desserts, and promotional bundles throughout the year, often tied to holidays or seasonal themes. Availability varies by location and time of year, so check the app or in-store signage for what’s currently being offered.
Recent Menu Updates (2026)
Panda Express occasionally introduces seasonal entrees, limited-time promotions, and pricing changes throughout the year. Menu availability varies by location, so check the official app before ordering to confirm what’s currently offered near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Panda Express bowl cost?
A bowl, which includes one entree and one side, generally runs $8 to $9, though prices vary by location and delivery platform.
What is the cheapest item on the Panda Express menu?
The fortune cookie is typically the least expensive item, often priced around $0.30, with appetisers like the veggie spring roll or chicken egg roll usually the cheapest substantial menu items.
Which entrees cost extra at Panda Express?
Honey Walnut Shrimp and Black Pepper Sirloin Steak are the two premium entrees that typically carry an additional per-scoop upcharge over standard menu items.
What is the healthiest option at Panda Express?
Items labeled “Wok Smart,” such as Super Greens, Broccoli Beef, and Grilled Teriyaki Chicken, are generally the lowest-calorie, higher-protein choices on the menu.
Does Panda Express have vegetarian options?
Yes, including Super Greens and, where available, Eggplant Tofu and Veggie Spring Rolls, though these are prepared in kitchens that also handle meat, which matters for strict vegans or those with allergies.
Can you mix half chow mein and half fried rice?
Yes, most locations allow a half-and-half side split at no extra charge, letting you combine two sides in one order.
Does Panda Express offer delivery?
Yes, through the official app as well as third-party delivery platforms, though prices on delivery apps often run higher than ordering directly in-store or through the official app.
What comes with a bigger plate?
A bigger plate includes three entrees and one side and allows premium entree upgrades for an additional per-scoop charge.
What is the healthiest side at Panda Express?
Super Greens is generally the lowest-calorie side on the menu, made from a mix of broccoli, kale, and cabbage.
Which meal size is the best value?
The Bigger Plate typically offers the lowest cost per entree of the single-serving options, since the third entree usually costs only a small amount more than a standard plate.
Are drinks included with a meal?
Usually not automatically. Drinks are typically ordered and priced separately from bowls, plates, and bigger plates.
Can you customize your Panda Express order?
Yes, within the standard menu structure. You can choose your entree and side combinations, split sides half and half, request extra sauce, and add premium entree upgrades.
What is the most popular Panda Express entree?
Orange Chicken remains Panda Express’s signature and best-selling entree, followed by popular choices such as Beijing Beef, Kung Pao Chicken, and honey walnut shrimp.
Final Recommendation
If you want the best overall value, a bigger plate typically offers the lowest cost per entree of any single-serving option. If you’re watching calories, build a bowl around a Wok Smart entree and super greens. If you’re feeding a group, compare the 5-person family meal against a catering bundle based on your exact headcount.
Conclusion
The Panda Express menu is built around flexible portion sizes rather than fixed dishes, so understanding the bowl, plate, and bigger plate system helps you get the best value for your appetite and budget. Prices, calories, and availability shift by location and change over time, so check the official Panda Express app or website for accurate current details before you order.
Editorial note: this guide was reviewed and updated in July 2026 using official Panda Express resources alongside independent menu databases. Menu items, nutrition information, and pricing may change over time.
Sources
- Panda Express official menu and ordering platform
- Panda Express official nutrition calculator and allergen information
- Panda Express official catering ordering page
- Panda Rewards app, for current pricing and promotions
- Independent menu databases, used only to compare price and calorie ranges, with official Panda Express sources taking precedence where differences exist
