A Panda restaurant menu with prices helps you choose between orange chicken, Beijing beef, or a simple side of chow mein. Knowing what you’ll pay before you walk in saves time and keeps your budget on track. This guide breaks down the full Panda Express menu with current prices, so you can plan your next visit with confidence.
Panda Express is one of the most popular fast-food chains in the United States, known for its American-Chinese dishes. The menu offers a mix of entrees, sides, and combos. Prices vary by location, but this article gives you a reliable range based on national averages.
Panda Restaurant Menu Prices
Let’s get straight to the numbers. Below you’ll find the most common items and their typical price ranges. Remember that prices can shift slightly depending on where you live, especially in high-cost cities like New York or San Francisco.
Individual Entree Prices
These are the main dishes you can order as a single serving. They come in a standard portion size.
- Orange Chicken: $4.50 – $5.20
- Beijing Beef: $4.80 – $5.50
- Kung Pao Chicken: $4.50 – $5.20
- Honey Sesame Chicken Breast: $4.60 – $5.30
- Grilled Teriyaki Chicken: $4.70 – $5.40
- Black Pepper Angus Steak: $5.00 – $5.80
- Broccoli Beef: $4.60 – $5.30
- Mushroom Chicken: $4.50 – $5.20
- SweetFire Chicken Breast: $4.60 – $5.30
- String Bean Chicken Breast: $4.50 – $5.20
- Firecracker Shrimp: $5.20 – $6.00
- Honey Walnut Shrimp: $5.50 – $6.50
Side Dish Prices
Sides are the base of your meal. You can mix and match them with entrees.
- Fried Rice: $2.80 – $3.50
- White Steamed Rice: $2.30 – $2.80
- Brown Steamed Rice: $2.50 – $3.00
- Chow Mein: $2.80 – $3.50
- Super Greens: $3.00 – $3.60
- Veggie Spring Roll (1 piece): $1.50 – $2.00
- Chicken Egg Roll (1 piece): $1.80 – $2.30
- Side of Teriyaki Sauce: $0.30 – $0.50
Combo Meal Prices
Combos are the best value if you want a full meal. They include an entree, a side, and sometimes a drink.
- Plate (2 entrees + 1 side): $7.50 – $9.00
- Bigger Plate (3 entrees + 1 side): $8.80 – $10.50
- Bowl (1 entree + 1 side): $6.00 – $7.50
- Kids Meal (1 entree + 1 side + drink + toy): $5.00 – $6.00
- Family Meal (3 large entrees + 3 large sides): $28.00 – $35.00
Appetizer And Soup Prices
These are smaller items you can add to your order.
- Chicken Egg Roll (2 pieces): $3.00 – $4.00
- Veggie Spring Roll (2 pieces): $2.50 – $3.50
- Cream Cheese Rangoon (4 pieces): $3.50 – $4.50
- Hot and Sour Soup (16 oz): $2.50 – $3.50
- Egg Flower Soup (16 oz): $2.50 – $3.50
Beverage Prices
Drinks are standard fast-food pricing.
- Fountain Drink (small): $1.80 – $2.30
- Fountain Drink (medium): $2.00 – $2.60
- Fountain Drink (large): $2.30 – $3.00
- Bottled Water: $1.50 – $2.00
- Iced Tea: $2.00 – $2.50
- Milk: $1.50 – $2.00
How To Save Money On Panda Express
You don’t have to pay full price every time. There are several ways to cut costs.
Use The Panda Rewards App
The app gives you points for every dollar you spend. After you collect enough points, you can redeem them for free items. Sometimes the app offers exclusive coupons like “buy one entree, get one free.”
- Download the Panda Express app from your phone’s store.
- Create an account with your email.
- Order through the app to earn points faster.
- Check the “deals” section before you order.
Order The Family Meal
If you’re eating with two or more people, the family meal is often cheaper than buying individual plates. For around $30, you get three large entrees and three large sides. That feeds 4-5 people easily.
Skip The Drinks
Beverages have a high markup. Bring your own water or drink from home. That saves you $2-3 per person.
Check For Student Or Military Discounts
Some Panda Express locations offer a 10% discount for students or military personnel. You need to show a valid ID. Not all stores participate, so ask before you pay.
Most Popular Menu Items And Their Prices
Some dishes are ordered way more than others. Here’s a closer look at the fan favorites.
Orange Chicken
This is Panda’s signature dish. It’s crispy chicken pieces tossed in a sweet and spicy orange sauce. A single entree costs around $4.80. It’s also available in a larger family size for about $12.00.
Beijing Beef
Beijing Beef is a close second in popularity. It features crispy beef strips with bell peppers and onions in a tangy sauce. Expect to pay $5.10 for a regular portion.
Honey Walnut Shrimp
This is the priciest regular entree. Shrimp are battered, fried, and coated in a honey sauce, then topped with candied walnuts. A single serving runs about $5.80. It’s worth it if you want something special.
Chow Mein
Chow mein is the most popular side. It’s stir-fried noodles with vegetables. A side costs about $3.10. Many people prefer it over fried rice because it’s less greasy.
How To Build Your Own Meal At Panda Express
Building a meal is simple. You choose a format (bowl, plate, or bigger plate), pick your side, and then pick your entrees. Here’s a step-by-step guide.
- Decide how hungry you are. A bowl is good for a light lunch. A plate is standard. A bigger plate is for a big appetite.
- Choose your side first. White rice is the cheapest. Chow mein and fried rice cost a bit more. Super greens are the healthiest option.
- Pick your entrees. For a bowl, you get one entree. For a plate, you get two. For a bigger plate, you get three.
- Add extras like egg rolls or soup if you want.
- Pay at the register. You can also order online for pickup.
Nutritional Information And Price Trade-Offs
Price isn’t the only thing to consider. Some items are healthier than others. Here’s a quick comparison.
| Item | Calories (per serving) | Price (approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Orange Chicken | 490 | $4.80 |
| Grilled Teriyaki Chicken | 300 | $4.90 |
| Super Greens | 90 | $3.30 |
| Fried Rice | 520 | $3.10 |
| Chow Mein | 510 | $3.10 |
If you’re watching calories, choose Grilled Teriyaki Chicken over Orange Chicken. Pair it with Super Greens instead of fried rice. You’ll save about 200 calories and only pay a little more.
Regional Price Variations
Panda Express prices are not the same everywhere. Here’s what you can expect in different areas.
- California (Los Angeles, San Francisco): Prices are 10-15% higher than the national average. A plate might cost $9.50.
- New York City: Similar to California. Expect to pay $9.00-$10.00 for a plate.
- Texas (Houston, Dallas): Prices are closer to the national average. A plate is around $8.00.
- Midwest (Chicago, Ohio): Slightly below average. A plate might be $7.50.
- Rural areas: Often the cheapest. A plate can be as low as $7.00.
Airport and mall locations also charge more. You might pay $1-2 extra for the convenience.
Online Ordering And Delivery Prices
Ordering through delivery apps like DoorDash or Uber Eats adds extra costs. The menu prices on these apps are often higher than in-store. You also pay delivery fees and tips.
For example, a $8.00 plate in-store might cost $10.50 on DoorDash. Plus a $3.00 delivery fee and a $2.00 tip. That brings the total to $15.50. Ordering directly from Panda’s website or app avoids some of these fees.
Seasonal And Limited-Time Offers
Panda Express sometimes introduces new items for a short time. These can affect prices. For instance, during Lunar New Year, they might offer a special dish like Firecracker Shrimp for a limited time. Prices for these items are usually in the $5.50-$6.50 range.
They also run promotions like “2 for $20” on family meals. Keep an eye on their website or app for these deals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest item on the Panda Express menu?
The cheapest item is usually a side of white steamed rice at around $2.30. A veggie spring roll is also cheap at about $1.50.
Does Panda Express have a value menu?
Panda Express does not have a dedicated value menu like some fast-food chains. However, the bowl option at $6.00-$7.50 is the most affordable meal.
Are Panda Express prices the same for lunch and dinner?
Yes, prices are the same all day. There is no separate lunch menu or pricing.
Can I get a discount if I order a large quantity?
Yes, catering orders often come with a discount. You can order party trays for events. Contact your local store for pricing.
Why are Panda Express prices higher in some locations?
Prices reflect local operating costs. Rent, labor, and food supply costs vary by city. High-cost areas like New York and San Francisco have higher prices.
Final Tips For Ordering At Panda Express
Here are a few more things to keep in mind.
- Check the menu board before you get in line. It shows all current prices.
- Ask for samples. Most locations let you try a small piece of an entree before you decide.
- Order the “family meal” if you’re with a group. It’s the best value per person.
- Use the app for exclusive deals and faster checkout.
- Bring cash if you want to avoid card fees. Some locations charge a small fee for credit cards.
Knowing the Panda restaurant menu prices ahead of time makes your visit smoother. You can pick your favorites without guessing the cost. Whether you’re getting a quick bowl for lunch or a family meal for dinner, this guide helps you spend wisely.
Remember that prices can change. Always check the official Panda Express website or your local store for the most current numbers. Enjoy your meal!