Around $9
One person, one entree
- Bowl$9.40
$9.40 for a side and an entree. Choose Super Greens or half greens, half rice for a lighter bowl.
- Panda Cub Meal$7.30
$7.30 for a smaller appetite: junior entree and side, fruit and a drink.
Aly's ordering guide
Panda Express menu: what to order
How to order at Panda Express for the best value, which entrees fill you up most, lighter Wok Smart picks and a family meal.
At Panda Express the price depends on the format, not the entree. A Bowl, Plate or Bigger Plate costs the same whether you pick Orange Chicken or Broccoli Beef, so the smart move is choosing the right format and the entrees that suit you.
The biggest value tip: a Plate adds a second entree for only $1.80 more than a Bowl. Below are picks by budget, the most filling entrees, lighter Wok Smart choices and the full menu.
Aly's picks at Panda Express
Chosen for value and nutrition, using the prices and published nutrition on this page.
Plate$11.20
The best value at Panda: the second entree costs only $1.80 more than a Bowl.
Super Greens$4.60
Just 90 calories. Swap it in for rice or noodles, or go half and half.
Broccoli Beef$5.40
The lightest entree on the menu at about 150 calories.
The Original Orange Chicken$5.40
Panda's best-known entree, and our copycat recipe lets you make it at home.
Aly
Order by budget
Around $11
The best value meal
- Plate$11.20
$11.20 for a side and two entrees. The second entree costs only $1.80 more than a Bowl, far less than a $5.40 a la carte entree.
- Bigger Plate$12.80
$12.80 with a third entree for just $1.60 more. Great for sharing or saving half for lunch.
$45
Feed a family of four or five
- Family Meal$45.00
Three large entrees and two large sides, about $9 to $11.25 per person.
Totals are before tax and tip.
Most food for your money
Calories you get for every dollar on the main items, a simple way to see which orders fill you up for the least money. We could not verify Panda Express's protein figures, so this guide ranks by calories instead. Breakfast items are left out of this list.
Lighter orders
Main items under 400 calories.
- Broccoli Beef150 cal
- Black Pepper Angus Steak180 cal
- String Bean Chicken Breast210 cal
- Mushroom Chicken220 cal
- Firecracker Shrimp220 cal
Make it at home
Our recipes for the Panda Express favorites people ask about most.
Full menu with prices and nutrition
Hours
- Most standalone restaurants open between 10 and 10:30 AM and close between 9:30 and 10 PM.
- Mall and campus locations follow the building's hours.
- Airport locations often open early and close late.
- Hours vary by location, so check your local restaurant before you go.
Questions people ask
What is the difference between a Bowl and a Plate at Panda Express?
A Bowl is one side and one entree, about $9.40. A Plate is one side and two entrees, about $11.20. A Bigger Plate adds a third entree for about $12.80.
What is the best value at Panda Express?
The Plate. The second entree costs only about $1.80 more than a Bowl, while a small a la carte entree costs about $5.40.
What is the lowest calorie meal at Panda Express?
A Bowl with Super Greens (about 90 calories) and Broccoli Beef (about 150 calories) comes to roughly 240 calories.
Can I get half and half sides?
Yes. You can ask for half of one side and half of another, such as half Super Greens and half rice.
How many people does a Panda Express Family Meal feed?
About 4 to 5 people. It includes three large entrees and two large sides for about $45.
Calories are approximate, compiled in November 2026 from published nutrition information, per standard entree or side serving. Use Panda Express's nutrition calculator for exact figures. Prices were checked in November 2026 and differ between restaurants. Aly's Menu and Recipes is an independent site and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Panda Express. Restaurant names are trademarks of their owners.