Panda Express launched Beyond The Original Orange Chicken. | Panda Express; photo illustration by Eileen W. Cho for LIVEKINDLY
In the mood for Chinese takeout? Then Panda Express’s vegan menu won’t let you down (and a trip is in order). The fast-food restaurant chain now offers several mouth-watering plant-based options you just have to try. Trust us.
Founded in 1983 in California, Panda Express is known for its vegetable chow mein and zesty orange chicken. With more than 2,000 locations around the world, the chain is one of America’s largest Chinese fast food restaurant chains.
Finding a suitable vegan meal option at Panda Express used to be next to impossible. While many of the dishes were veggie-centric, animal products like chicken broth were usually in the recipe. Thankfully, times are changing. And the chain has responded to the growing demand for plant-based options.
In February 2019, the company revealed it had added a number of plant-based items to its menu, like super greens mixed veggies, vegetable spring rolls, eggplant tofu, chow mein, and steamed white and brown rice. However, the company noted that while the menu items were free from animal products, they were prepared on shared equipment with animal ingredients.
So, what’s there to order vegan at the chain?
From rice to veggie spring rolls, Panda Express has delicious options for all to enjoy. Dig in.
Appease your grumbling belly at Panda Express. Yes, they have a vegan appetizer.
Vegetable Spring Rolls – Cabbage, celery, carrots, green onions, and Chinese noodles in a crispy wonton wrapper. Yum!
It’s time for the main course. And good news: in 2021, Panda Express launched Beyond The Original Orange Chicken at 70 select locations across California, New York, Illinois, Georgia, Texas, Florida, Washington, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia.
In 2022, the company began testing two new Beyond Beef dishes at its Panda Express Innovation Kitchen in Pasadena, California. Fingers crossed that all three dishes are available at every location (very) soon.
The eggplant tofu is a regional dish, so it’s also only available at select locations. But worry not. If your local Panda Express doesn’t carry this plant-based menu item, you can dig straight into the chain’s tasty veggie-centric sides listed in the next section. Happy eating.
Beyond The Original Orange Chicken – Crunchy plant-based chicken by Beyond Meat with the chain’s signature sweet and tangy sauce.
Mapo Tofu with Beyond Beef – Beyond Beef and firm tofu in a spicy Sichuan garlic sauce.
String Beans with Beyond Beef – Beyond Beef and hand-cut string beans in garlic sauce.
Eggplant Tofu – Lightly browned tofu, eggplant, and red bell peppers tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce.
Because who doesn’t love a heaping plateful of vegetable chow mein? Extra soy sauce, please.
Chow Mein – Features stir-fried wheat noodles with onions, celery, and cabbage.
Super Greens Mixed Veggies – A nutrient-packed combination of broccoli, kale, and cabbage.
Steamed White or Brown Rice (Yes to carbs.)
Still hungry? Check out our guides for eating vegan at Taco Bell, Dunkin’ Donuts, Subway, Carl’s Jr., Del Taco, and Burger King.
This post was last modified on January 28, 2022 9:30 pm