With over 2,500 locations worldwide, Panda Express has achieved global success. But before Panda Express, there was Panda Inn. In 1973, Andrew Cherng and chef Ming-Tsai Cherng opened Panda Inn in Pasadena, CA with a menu inspired by Mandarin and Sichuan cuisine. A decade later, Andrew Cherng launched the first Panda Express.
The first Panda Express location opened inside the Glendale Galleria, a popular mall located in Glendale, CA. Two years later, in 1985, the second location opened inside the Westside Pavilion, yet another mall food court. And in 1987, the chain developed the now world famous Original Orange Chicken. Since then, Panda Express has moved beyond mall food courts and has opened thousands of locations around the world.
Panda Express has always been committed to American Chinese cuisine, and the menu has seen a number of changes throughout the years. In 2021, for example, the chain trialed vegan orange chicken with the help of Beyond Meat, which was aptly named Beyond the Original Orange Chicken. While this collaboration was just for a limited time, since then, the chain has reintroduced the vegan dish a number of times (more on this below).
Does Panda Express have vegan options?
Yes, Panda Express has vegan options. As you’ll see in our menu guide below, the chain currently offers a variety of vegan sides but only one vegan entrée: eggplant tofu.
Panda Express
Although the chain has launched—and relaunched—the fan-favorite Beyond the Original Orange Chicken multiple times since first introducing the vegan entrée in 2021, at the time of writing, the item is no longer available. Panda Express last added vegan orange chicken back to its menu in October 2024, but it quietly disappeared and is no longer available today.
How to eat vegan at Panda Express
The next time you find yourself peering into the hot buffet trays of Panda Express, follow this guide to fill your plate with all the vegan goods.
Panda Express
1 Eggplant Tofu
This humble dish consists of browned tofu, eggplant, red bell peppers, and sweet and spicy sauce—and it’s loaded with flavor. A Panda Express representative has confirmed that the sauce does not contain any animal ingredients. Be warned, however, as not every store carries this entrée.
Panda Express
2 Rice and Noodles
No need to worry about chicken, fish, or beef broth here—Panda Express has a few options when it comes to carbs. Use them as a hearty, satiating base to soak in any lingering sauce that drips from your main dish.
As of 2019, the chow mein is also vegan. The company nixed the chicken broth and animal-based seasonings following a robust campaign by Vegan Outreach.
Unfortunately, the fried rice contains egg. Still, that leaves you with a few solid picks. Your vegan options for rice and noodles are:
- Steamed brown rice
- Chow mein
- Steamed white rice
Panda Express
3 Super Greens
Honestly speaking, Panda Express could put a bit more effort into its vegetable offerings. However, the one vegetable option available at all locations does a suitable job. The Super Greens are simply prepared with steamed broccoli, kale, and cabbage. It’s always a delight to find a healthy green option that’s not a limp salad at any fast-food joint.
Convenient Keto
4 Sauces
Zhush up those Super Greens or a carton of rice with one of the many vegan-friendly sauces.
When you opt for the chili, hot mustard, plum, potsticker, soy, sweet and sour, or teriyaki sauce, you’re in the clear. Pro tip: ask for extra sauces and use them in your own kitchen for a Panda-esque stir-fry or tofu dish.
As you can see, Panda Express has options that won’t leave you feeling hungry, but it could still stand to add a little more variety to its vegan menu. We’re crossing our fingers for the day Beyond the Original Orange Chicken becomes a permanent menu item.
This post was originally published on VegNews.com.