Have you ever gotten to Panda Express and realized you just want your favorite entrée, no extras, no set meals, just that one thing you’re craving? That’s where the à la carte menu comes in.
Maybe you want a big portion of Orange Chicken and nothing else. Or maybe you’re meal prepping and need some extra sides without ordering full meals. Whatever the case, ordering à la carte gives you options.
Instead of getting a combo, you can mix and match your meal exactly how you want it. Want two entrees and no rice? Done.
Need an extra side of Chow Mein? No problem. Let’s break down the Panda Express à la carte menu and why it might just be the best way to order.
What’s on the Panda Express À La Carte Menu?
With à la carte ordering, you get total control over your meal. Want just an entrée? Go for it. Need extra sides without adding an extra entrée? No problem. Here’s what’s available:
Entrées
| Orange Chicken | Crispy chicken wok-tossed in a sweet and spicy orange sauce. | $6.15 | 490 Cal |
| Kung Pao Chicken | A Szechwan-inspired dish with chicken, peanuts, and vegetables, finished with chili peppers. | $6.15 | 290 Cal |
| Broccoli Beef | Tender beef and fresh broccoli in a ginger soy sauce. | $6.15 | 150 Cal |
| Beijing Beef | Crispy beef, bell peppers, and onions in a tangy-sweet sauce. | $6.15 | 470 Cal |
| Grilled Teriyaki Chicken | Grilled chicken hand-sliced to order and served with teriyaki sauce. | $6.15 | 300 Cal |
| Honey Walnut Shrimp | Large tempura-battered shrimp, wok-tossed in a honey sauce. They topped it with glazed walnuts | $7.70 | 360 Cal |
| Black Pepper Angus Steak | It includes Angus steak, onions, red bell peppers, and mushrooms. They topped it with black pepper sauce. | $7.70 | 180 Cal |
| String Bean Chicken Breast | Chicken breast, string beans, and onions wok-tossed in a mild ginger soy sauce. | $6.15 | 190 Cal |
| Mushroom Chicken | Sliced chicken breast, mushrooms, and zucchini wok-tossed in a light ginger soy sauce. | $6.15 | 220 Cal |
| Sweet Fire Chicken Breast | Crispy chicken with red bell peppers, onions, and pineapple in a sweet and spicy chili sauce. | $6.14 | 380 Cal |
Sides to Complement Your Meal
What’s a meal without the perfect side to complement it? Panda Express has many sides for you to choose from. There’s an option for carb, protein, and fiber lovers.
| Item | Description | Price | Calories |
| Chow Mein | Stir-fried wheat noodles with onions, celery, and cabbage. | $3.15 | 180 Cal |
| Super Greens | A healthy mix of broccoli, kale, and cabbage, lightly seasoned and steamed. | $3.15 | 90 Cal |
| Steamed White Rice | Soft and fluffy plain steamed white rice. | $2.15 | 210 Cal |
| Fried Rice | Wok-tossed rice with soy sauce, scrambled eggs, peas, carrots, and green onions. | $3.15 | 210 Cal |
| Veggie Spring Roll | A light and crispy roll filled with a mix of fresh vegetables, including cabbage, celery, carrots, green onions, and Chinese noodles. | $1.70 | 120 Cal |
| Cream Cheese Rangoon | Crispy wonton wrappers filled with a smooth blend of cream cheese and green onions. | $1.70 | 190 Cal |
Still undecided? Browse the entire Panda Express Restaurant menu for even more tasty meals!
Why Order À La Carte?
1. It’s Perfect for Families
Ordering for a group? You don’t have to purchase the entrees separately. That would cost you more. Go for this option instead. Order large entree portions for every member. Everyone can get what they want without breaking the bank. Sides and drinks can come by the side.
2. It’s Great for Meal Prepping
If you’re trying to eat healthier, à la carte ordering lets you pick exactly what you need. Grab a large Grilled Teriyaki Chicken and pair it with Super Greens instead of rice. Now you’ve got a protein-packed meal without the extra carbs.
3. More Flexibility, More Control
Hate getting rice when you really wanted double meat? With à la carte ordering, you can skip the sides and go straight for the good stuff. Want two portions of Kung Pao Chicken and nothing else? Done.
Best Drinks to Pair with Your Panda Express Meal
Do you know every perfect meal needs the right drink to wash it down? Do you also know that not every drink pairs well with every entree? When picking a drink, you must ensure the flavors complement each other. Here are some options to pair with your entrees.
- Iced Tea: This drink pairs perfectly with entrees like Orange Chicken. You can choose between the sweet and unsweented version.
- Lemonade: I like how the flavor of lemonade complements that of the Honey Sesame Chicken and other spicy options. A combo that always works.
- Coca-Cola or Sprite: Sodas always have a spot in various meal combos. These options pair well with all the entrees on the menu.
- Bottled Water: Keeps your meal light and balanced.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order à la carte items in a combo meal?
The a la carte items are not combo deals. But you can customize your meal to have a side, an entree, and a drink, which is what a combo meal consists of. Want any entree or side of your choice? Just ask.
Is the à la carte menu cheaper than a combo meal?
It depends on how much food you order. If you just want one item, à la carte is cheaper. But if you’re getting a full meal, a combo might save you a couple of dollars.
Do all Panda Express locations offer à la carte ordering?
Most do, but some locations might have limited menu options. It’s always good to check with your local store before ordering.
Conclusion
There you go! This is one of my favorite menus from this restaurant. I have a large appetite, so I like them big. They offer large entrees, and one would be enough for you any time, any day.
