Panda Express is arguably the best-known name in American Chinese fast food — wok-cooked entrées, rice and noodle sides, appetizers, drinks, kids' meals and family-sized formats. If you are looking up the Panda Express menu, this guide covers the main items, the meal formats, the popular dishes, sides, appetizers, beverages and the Panda Express menu prices for 2026. Short answer: You build your meal: a Bowl (1 side + 1 entrée, about $9.20–$9.70), a Plate (1 side + 2 entrées, about $11.40) or a Bigger Plate (1 side + 3 entrées, about $12.80–$13.40). There are also Panda Cub Meals for kids (around $6.50–$7.40), Panda Bundles and a 5 Person Family Meal (around $45.00). Premium entrées can add a surcharge, and prices vary by location — delivery services, airports, malls, colleges and other locations can all price differently, so treat the figures here as a reference, not a guaranteed checkout price.
How Ordering From the Panda Express Menu Works
The menu pairs classic American Chinese favorites with rotating and limited-time entrées. The simplest route: choose your meal size first, then your sides and entrées.
Bowl, Plate and Bigger Plate
These three formats are the core of the menu. The Bowl pairs a single side with a single entrée, the Plate steps up to one side and two entrées, and the Bigger Plate gives you one side alongside three entrées.
| Meal | Includes | Reference Price |
|---|---|---|
| Bowl | 1 side + 1 entrée | $9.20–$9.70 |
| Plate | 1 side + 2 entrées | $11.40 |
| Bigger Plate | 1 side + 3 entrées | $12.80–$13.40 |
| Panda Cub Meal™ | Jr. side + Jr. entrée + fruit + drink | Around $6.50–$7.40 |
| 5 Person Family Meal | 2 large sides + 3 large entrées | Around $45.00 |
Current menu references show some locations around $9.20–$9.70 for a Bowl, while official Panda Express location pages confirm the meal construction. At one official location, the 5 Person Family Meal shows up at $45 — and choosing premium entrées can add a surcharge on top of that.
The Entrées
The entrée case is the heart of the menu. Most standard entrées can go into a Bowl, Plate, Bigger Plate or Family Meal.
| Entrée | Description | Calories* | Reference Price A La Carte |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Original Orange Chicken | Crispy chicken in the chain's signature sweet and tangy orange sauce | 490 cal | Around $6.50 |
| Grilled Teriyaki Chicken | Grilled chicken with teriyaki sauce | 300 cal | Around $6.50 |
| Honey Sesame Chicken Breast | Crispy chicken breast with honey sesame flavor | 340 cal | Around $6.50 |
| Kung Pao Chicken | Vegetables and peanuts with chicken in a spicy Kung Pao sauce | 320 cal | Around $6.50 |
| Mushroom Chicken | Mushrooms and vegetables with tender chicken | 220 cal | Around $6.50 |
| String Bean Chicken Breast | String beans and chicken breast in a savory sauce | 190–210 cal | Around $6.50 |
| Broccoli Beef | Broccoli and beef in a savory sauce | 150 cal | Around $6.50 |
| Beijing Beef | Vegetables and crispy beef in a sweet and tangy sauce | 470 cal | Around $6.50 |
| Black Pepper Chicken | Vegetables and chicken seasoned with black pepper | 280 cal | Around $6.50 |
| Honey Walnut Shrimp | Glazed walnuts and honey sauce over crispy shrimp | 430 cal | Around $8.30 |
| Black Pepper Sirloin Steak | Vegetables and sirloin steak with black pepper flavors | 180 cal | Around $8.30 |
| Cantonese BBQ Brisket | Brisket, slow-cooked, with a smoky Cantonese barbecue profile | 410 cal | Premium |
| Hot Orange Chicken | A spicier take on the signature orange chicken | 580 cal | Around $6.50 |
| Wok-Fired Shrimp | Shrimp in a savory, wok-fired sauce | 190 cal | Around $8.30 |
| Steamed Ginger Fish | Ginger-forward seasoning on steamed fish | 200 cal | Around $8.30 |
*Calories are per serving where current Panda Express nutrition information provides them. What your full meal adds up to will depend on how large a portion you choose and which sides go with it.
The Original Orange Chicken
This is the dish Panda Express is defined by: crispy chicken pieces coated in a sweet, tangy orange sauce. The standard serving is listed at about 490–510 calories depending on the current nutrition/menu configuration. Order it in a Bowl, Plate, Bigger Plate or a larger group meal.
Beijing Beef
Crispy beef and vegetables in a sweet-tangy sauce. It is one of the beef choices you can build a meal around, and it appears among the standard entrée selections at current locations.
Kung Pao Chicken
The spicy, savory chicken option, made with vegetables and peanuts. A regular serving comes in at roughly 320 calories according to Panda Express, and you can pick it as an entrée in the standard meal combinations.
Honey Walnut Shrimp
A premium seafood pick: crispy shrimp with a sweet sauce and glazed walnuts. The standard serving is approximately 430 calories. Keep in mind that choosing a premium entrée may add an extra charge, with the amount depending on the meal format and the restaurant.
Try the free General calculators
Instant result in your browser. No sign-up, nothing stored.
Sides
Sides matter here because every standard Bowl, Plate and Bigger Plate is built around one. Current location pages list White Steamed Rice, Fried Rice, Chow Mein and Super Greens as the core sides.
| Side | Description | Calories per serving | Reference A La Carte Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chow Mein | Vegetables wok-tossed with wheat noodles | 600 cal | Around $5.50–$5.85 |
| Fried Rice | Vegetables and savory seasoning in fried rice | 620 cal | Around $5.50–$5.85 |
| White Steamed Rice | Plain steamed white rice | 520 cal | Around $5.50–$5.85 |
| Super Greens | Broccoli, cabbage, kale and other greens as a vegetable side | 130 cal | Around $5.50–$5.85 |
Exact calories and side availability can vary with the portion configuration. Official nutrition information lists 520 calories for a serving of White Steamed Rice, 620 for Fried Rice, 600 for Chow Mein, and 130 for Super Greens.
Chow Mein
One of the most recognizable sides on the menu — wok-tossed noodles with vegetables, and a substantial alternative to rice.
Fried Rice
The savory rice option for anyone who wants something other than steamed rice. It can be the side in any Bowl, Plate or Bigger Plate combination.
White Steamed Rice
The straightforward side that pairs with virtually all of the chicken, beef, shrimp and vegetable entrées.
Super Greens
The vegetable-focused choice. At approximately 130 calories per serving, it sits considerably lower than the published counts for Chow Mein and Fried Rice.
Appetizers and Extras
The menu is not limited to full meals — smaller appetizers can accompany an entrée or be added on.
| Appetizer | Description | Reference Price |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Egg Roll | A crispy egg roll filled with chicken and vegetables | Around $2.50 |
| Cream Cheese Rangoon | A crispy wonton-style appetizer with a creamy cheese filling | Around $5.40 |
| Vegetable Spring Roll | Crispy spring rolls filled with vegetables | Around $2.50–$3.00 |
Current references list Chicken Egg Rolls around $2.50 and Cream Cheese Rangoons around $5.40, although appetizer prices can vary by restaurant. They are handy when you are ordering a larger meal, sharing food, or want something extra without another full entrée.
Kids' Meals
The Panda Cub Meal™ is the children's format. On the official menu, it is made up of a junior side and a junior entrée, plus a fruit side and either bottled water or a kids' juice.
| Kids Option | Includes | Reference Price |
|---|---|---|
| Panda Cub Meal™ | 1 Jr. side + 1 Jr. entrée + fruit + bottled water or kids' juice | Around $6.50–$7.40 |
Possible junior entrée selections can include popular choices such as Orange Chicken, depending on the restaurant's current menu. Portions are smaller than in the regular Bowl, Plate and Bigger Plate formats.
Family Meal Prices
For groups there is the 5 Person Family Meal. The official menu currently describes this format as two large sides and three large entrées.
| Family Meal | Includes | Reference Price |
|---|---|---|
| 5 Person Family Meal | 2 large sides + 3 large entrées | $45.00 |
| Family Meal + 1 premium entrée | 2 large sides + 3 large entrées | About $46.25+ |
| Family Meal + 2 premium entrées | 2 large sides + 3 large entrées | About $47.50+ |
One official Panda Express location currently lists the 5 Person Family Meal at $45, with Cantonese BBQ Brisket adding $6.75 and Honey Walnut Shrimp or Black Pepper Sirloin Steak adding $4.50 at that particular location. It is a good illustration of why Panda Express prices should be checked for the specific restaurant before ordering.
Drinks and Beverages
Alongside fountain drinks, there are Panda Crafted Beverages. Which drinks a given restaurant stocks isn't fixed — the lineup shifts with the location and the time of year.
| Beverage | Type | Reference Price |
|---|---|---|
| Fountain Drink | Soft drink | Around $3–$4 |
| Bottled Water | Bottled beverage | Around $2–$3 |
| Mango Guava Flavored Tea | Panda Crafted Beverage | Around $4.35 |
| Peach Lychee Flavored Refresher | Panda Crafted Beverage | Around $4.35 |
| Strawberry Dragonfruit Refresher | Panda Crafted Beverage | Around $4.35 |
| Pomegranate Pineapple Flavored Lemonade | Crafted beverage | Around $4.60 |
| Watermelon Mango Flavored Refresher | Crafted beverage | Around $4.60 |
Current third-party menu references show Mango Guava Flavored Tea, Peach Lychee Flavored Refresher, and Strawberry Dragonfruit Refresher around $4.35, while some delivery listings show other crafted beverages around $4.60.
Bundles and Other Combinations
Panda Bundles pair a Bowl, Plate or Bigger Plate with a medium fountain drink, and the official menu identifies them as a separate ordering category.
| Meal Combination | What You Get | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Bowl | 1 side + 1 entrée | $9.20–$9.70 |
| Plate | 1 side + 2 entrées | Around $11.40 |
| Bigger Plate | 1 side + 3 entrées | Around $12.80–$13.40 |
| Panda Bundle | Bowl, Plate or Bigger Plate + medium fountain drink | Varies |
| 5 Person Family Meal | 2 large sides + 3 large entrées | Around $45 |
Flexibility is the advantage of these formats: you can mix different entrées in one order, which makes a Plate or Bigger Plate useful when you want to try several dishes.
What People Order Most
The Original Orange Chicken is the signature entrée, Beijing Beef and Kung Pao Chicken are the popular beef and chicken alternatives, and Honey Walnut Shrimp is the premium seafood choice. Commonly selected combinations include:
- Orange Chicken with Chow Mein
- Orange Chicken with Fried Rice
- Orange Chicken and Beijing Beef
- Kung Pao Chicken with Chow Mein
- Grilled Teriyaki Chicken with Super Greens
- Broccoli Beef with White Steamed Rice
- Honey Walnut Shrimp with Chow Mein
- Mushroom Chicken with Super Greens
These are combinations of listed menu items rather than fixed recommendations or special menu products.
Why Prices Differ by Location
One of the most important things to understand about Panda Express menu prices is that there is not necessarily one price that applies to every U.S. restaurant. Current menu references show different prices for the same meal format, and Panda Express's own ordering pages require a specific location for the actual order menu. Prices on delivery services can run higher than what you'd pay for pickup or in-store ordering, too.
To illustrate: most current 2026 references put a Bowl somewhere in the $9.20–$9.70 range and a Plate at about $11.40, yet one current menu source prices a Bowl at $11.65 in a particular ordering context. Premium entrées can also add an additional charge — Honey Walnut Shrimp and Black Pepper Sirloin Steak are among the items Panda Express currently classes as premium, and limited-time selections may be priced separately again. For the most accurate Panda Express prices, select your specific restaurant and ordering method before checkout.
Nutrition and Dietary Information
Panda Express publishes official nutrition and allergen information for its menu. Its nutrition database, for example, lists Honey Walnut Shrimp at 430 calories per standard serving and Steamed Ginger Fish at 200 calories.
Certain dishes are also flagged under the chain's Wok Smart program. Current location information highlights choices such as Super Greens and Grilled Teriyaki Chicken for customers looking for options that fit certain nutritional preferences. Just remember that the published nutrition values are tied to specific serving sizes — they are not the calorie count for a whole Bowl or Plate. Adding rice, noodles, drinks, appetizers or multiple entrées changes the overall nutrition of an order.
Takeout, Delivery and Catering
The ordering system supports takeout and delivery at participating locations, and location pages also list catering as an available service. The menu structure suits both individual orders and larger group meals — a Bowl or Plate for one person, or the 5 Person Family Meal and catering for a group. Availability, delivery fees, service charges and menu prices can vary depending on the restaurant and ordering platform.
Final Thoughts
The Panda Express menu is a flexible take on American Chinese food: the Bowl, Plate and Bigger Plate formats make it easy to choose how much food and how many entrées you want. Signature dishes such as The Original Orange Chicken, Beijing Beef, Kung Pao Chicken, Grilled Teriyaki Chicken, Broccoli Beef and Honey Walnut Shrimp anchor the menu, alongside Chow Mein, Fried Rice, White Steamed Rice and Super Greens.
For individuals, the Bowl and Plate are straightforward; Bigger Plates and the 5 Person Family Meal work well for larger orders, and there are Panda Cub Meals, appetizers, drinks, bundles and catering options as well. Just remember that prices can change by location, premium selection, promotion and ordering method — so before you order, it's worth looking at the menu for the particular Panda Express you plan to use, to confirm both the current price and whether the item is available.
Frequently asked questions
What is on the Panda Express Menu?
Chicken, beef, shrimp, steak and vegetable entrées, along with Chow Mein, Fried Rice, White Steamed Rice, Super Greens, appetizers, beverages, kids' meals, bundles and family meals.
How much does a Panda Express Bowl cost?
Reference pricing for 2026 puts a Bowl — one side plus one entrée — at roughly $9.20–$9.70, although the restaurant and the way you order can move the actual price.
What are the most popular Panda Express dishes?
The Original Orange Chicken is the signature dish. Beijing Beef, Kung Pao Chicken, Chow Mein, Fried Rice, Grilled Teriyaki Chicken and Honey Walnut Shrimp are also prominent menu choices.
Does Panda Express have a kids menu?
Yes — the Panda Cub Meal™, which includes a junior side, junior entrée, fruit side, and bottled water or kids' juice.
Are Panda Express menu prices the same at every location?
No. Prices can vary by location, market, restaurant type, premium entrée selection and ordering channel. Order for delivery and you might see different prices again, along with additional fees.