Panda menu prices are designed to reward larger groups, with family feasts costing less per person than individual bowls. If you’re planning a quick lunch or a family dinner, knowing the exact cost helps you budget better. This guide breaks down every item, combo, and deal so you can order with confidence.
Panda Express is one of the most popular fast-food chains in the United States. Their menu mixes American-Chinese classics like Orange Chicken and Beijing Beef. But prices vary by location, so this article gives you a reliable range based on national averages.
We’ll cover individual entrees, sides, family meals, and even catering options. You’ll also find tips to save money and avoid common ordering mistakes. Let’s start with the basics.
Panda Menu Prices: Individual Bowls And Plates
The core of the Panda Express menu is the bowl and plate system. A bowl comes with one entree and one side. A plate includes two entrees and one side. A bigger plate gives you three entrees and one side.
Prices for these items vary slightly by state. For example, California locations tend to be a dollar or two higher than Texas. But here are the typical ranges you can expect.
Bowl Pricing
- One entree + one side: $6.50 – $8.00
- Popular choices: Orange Chicken, Broccoli Beef, or Kung Pao Chicken
- Sides: Fried rice, steamed rice, or chow mein
Plate Pricing
- Two entrees + one side: $8.50 – $10.50
- Bigger plate (three entrees): $10.00 – $12.50
- Best value: Mix a premium entree like Honey Walnut Shrimp with a standard one
Kids Meal
- One entree + one side + drink + toy: $5.50 – $7.00
- Smaller portions, but still filling for a child
Remember, these are base prices. Adding a drink or upgrading to a larger side costs extra. Also, some locations charge more for premium entrees like the Honey Walnut Shrimp or Firecracker Shrimp.
Panda Menu Prices: Family Feasts And Bundles
If you’re feeding two or more people, family feasts are the way to go. They include multiple entrees and larger sides. The per-person cost drops significantly compared to buying individual plates.
Family Feast For 2
- Two large entrees + two large sides: $22.00 – $26.00
- Approximately $11.00 – $13.00 per person
- Good for a couple or a small family with a child
Family Feast For 3
- Three large entrees + three large sides: $32.00 – $38.00
- About $10.67 – $12.67 per person
- Ideal for a small group or date night with leftovers
Family Feast For 4
- Four large entrees + four large sides: $42.00 – $48.00
- Only $10.50 – $12.00 per person
- Best value for a family of four
Party Platters (Catering)
- Small platter (serves 6-8): $45.00 – $55.00
- Large platter (serves 10-12): $65.00 – $80.00
- Choose from Orange Chicken, Fried Rice, and more
One tip: If you order a family feast, you can mix and match entrees. But some locations limit you to two or three choices. Always ask before ordering to avoid dissapointment.
Panda Menu Prices: Sides And Add-Ons
Sides are a big part of the Panda experience. You can get them as part of a meal or buy them separately. Here’s what you’ll pay for individual sides.
Regular Sides
- Fried rice: $3.50 – $4.50
- Steamed rice: $2.50 – $3.50
- Chow mein: $3.50 – $4.50
- Super Greens: $3.50 – $4.50
Large Sides
- Fried rice: $5.00 – $6.50
- Steamed rice: $3.50 – $4.50
- Chow mein: $5.00 – $6.50
- Super Greens: $5.00 – $6.50
Drinks And Desserts
- Fountain drink: $2.00 – $2.50
- Bottled water: $1.50 – $2.00
- Chocolate chip cookie: $1.50 – $2.00
- Fortune cookies: Usually free with meals
Pro tip: If you’re watching carbs, Super Greens (broccoli, kale, cabbage) are a healthier swap. They cost the same as fried rice but have fewer calories.
Panda Menu Prices: Premium Entrees
Not all entrees are priced the same. Panda Express has a tier system. Standard entrees include Orange Chicken, Broccoli Beef, and Kung Pao Chicken. Premium entrees cost more because of ingredients like shrimp or beef.
Standard Entree Prices
- Orange Chicken: $4.50 – $5.50 per entree
- Broccoli Beef: $4.50 – $5.50
- Kung Pao Chicken: $4.50 – $5.50
- Beijing Beef: $4.50 – $5.50
- Black Pepper Chicken: $4.50 – $5.50
Premium Entree Prices
- Honey Walnut Shrimp: $6.00 – $7.50 per entree
- Firecracker Shrimp: $6.00 – $7.50
- Grilled Teriyaki Chicken: $5.50 – $6.50
- SweetFire Chicken Breast: $5.00 – $6.00
If you’re on a budget, stick with standard entrees. But if you want something special, the Honey Walnut Shrimp is worth the extra cost. It’s crispy, sweet, and has a nice crunch from the walnuts.
Panda Menu Prices: Online And App Deals
Panda Express offers exclusive deals through their app and website. These can save you a few dollars on each order. Here are some common offers.
App-Only Coupons
- Free entree with purchase of a plate
- $2 off any family feast
- Buy one bowl, get one half off
- Free drink with any entree purchase
Loyalty Program
- Earn points for every dollar spent
- 100 points = $1 off
- Double points on your birthday
- Special member-only discounts
Online Ordering Tips
- Download the Panda Express app from your app store
- Create an account and add your payment method
- Check the “Deals” tab before ordering
- Use the “Order Ahead” feature to skip the line
- Pick up your food and enjoy
One thing to note: Online prices are sometimes slightly higher than in-store. But the convenience and coupons often make up for it. Also, you can customize your order more easily online.
Panda Menu Prices: Catering And Large Orders
If you’re hosting a party or office lunch, Panda Express catering is a solid option. They offer platters that serve 6 to 12 people. Prices are competitive with other fast-food chains.
Small Catering Platter (Serves 6-8)
- Choice of one entree: $45.00 – $55.00
- Choice of one side: Included
- Add extra entree: $15.00 – $20.00
- Includes serving utensils and napkins
Large Catering Platter (Serves 10-12)
- Choice of one entree: $65.00 – $80.00
- Choice of one side: Included
- Add extra entree: $20.00 – $25.00
- Includes serving utensils and napkins
Custom Catering Orders
- Mix and match up to three entrees
- Choose from fried rice, chow mein, or steamed rice
- Add a dessert platter (cookies) for $10.00 – $15.00
- Order 24 hours in advance for best availability
For large orders, call your local Panda Express directly. They can give you a quote and help you plan. Some locations also offer delivery for catering orders, but fees may apply.
Panda Menu Prices: How To Save Money
Everyone wants to save a few bucks. Here are practical strategies to keep your Panda Express bill low.
Order Family Feasts Instead Of Individual Plates
- Feasts cost less per person
- You get larger portions of sides
- Leftovers are great for lunch the next day
Skip The Drink
- Water is free
- Drinks add $2.00 – $2.50 to your total
- Bring your own reusable bottle
Use The App For Coupons
- Check for “Free entree” deals
- Stack coupons when possible
- Earn points for future discounts
Choose Standard Entrees
- Premium entrees cost $1.50 – $2.00 more
- Standard options like Orange Chicken are still delicious
- Mix a standard entree with a premium one for balance
Order During Off-Peak Hours
- Some locations offer lunch specials before 3 PM
- Dinner rush may have longer lines, but no price difference
- Check local ads for happy hour deals
One more tip: If you’re a student, ask about student discounts. Not all locations offer them, but some do. It never hurts to ask politely.
Panda Menu Prices: Regional Variations
Prices aren’t the same everywhere. Panda Express adjusts based on local cost of living, rent, and labor costs. Here’s a rough breakdown by region.
West Coast (California, Oregon, Washington)
- Bowl: $7.50 – $8.50
- Plate: $9.50 – $11.00
- Family feast for 4: $45.00 – $50.00
Midwest (Illinois, Ohio, Michigan)
- Bowl: $6.00 – $7.00
- Plate: $8.00 – $9.50
- Family feast for 4: $38.00 – $42.00
South (Texas, Florida, Georgia)
- Bowl: $6.50 – $7.50
- Plate: $8.50 – $10.00
- Family feast for 4: $40.00 – $45.00
Northeast (New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania)
- Bowl: $7.00 – $8.00
- Plate: $9.00 – $10.50
- Family feast for 4: $42.00 – $48.00
These are estimates. Always check the menu board or app for exact prices at your location. Also, airport and mall locations tend to be higher than standalone stores.
Panda Menu Prices: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions about Panda Express pricing.
Are Panda Menu Prices The Same Everywhere?
No, prices vary by location. Franchise-owned stores may have different prices than company-owned ones. Always check locally.
Does Panda Express Have A Student Discount?
Some locations offer a 10% discount with a valid student ID. It’s not advertised, so ask at the register.
Can I Get A Refund If My Order Is Wrong?
Yes, Panda Express has a satisfaction guarantee. If your order is incorrect, they will replace it or refund your money.
Is There A Senior Discount?
Some locations offer a small discount for seniors (usually 10%). Again, it’s not universal, so ask politely.
How Often Do Prices Change?
Prices typically change once or twice a year due to inflation and ingredient costs. Check the app for the most current prices.
Panda Menu Prices: Final Thoughts
Knowing Panda menu prices helps you plan your meal and save money. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bowl or feeding a crowd, the family feasts offer the best value. Use the app for coupons, skip the drink, and stick with standard entrees to keep costs down.
Remember, prices can vary by location, so always check before you order. If you’re unsure, ask the cashier for a price list. Most stores are happy to help.
Now you’re ready to order like a pro. Enjoy your meal and don’t forget the fortune cookie.