Panda Express has captured the hearts and taste buds of countless diners seeking a quick and tasty meal. With its extensive menu, it’s easy to understand why this restaurant chain has become a go-to option for those craving Asian flavors. However, beneath the enticing aromas and flavorful bites, lies a cautionary tale. Some menu choices may not align with your health goals or culinary expectations. Here’s a list of menu items to avoid:
Beijing Beef
I know, I know. This dish is delicious. However, it contains a staggering amount of fat and saturated fat! With 26 grams of fat and 5 grams of saturated fat in each serving, you need to be extra cautious.
Fried Rice
Although a staple in Chinese cuisine, Panda Express’ fried rice may pose a problem for those with shellfish or nut allergies. The close proximity to other allergenic dishes increases the risk of cross-contamination. Additionally, the freshness of the rice can be questionable, as employees may not refill it unless it’s empty.
Teriyaki Chicken
While this dish is relatively low in calories, it’s important to be cautious about cleanliness. The cutting board used to dice the chicken may not always be clean, potentially leading to cross-contamination and foodborne illnesses. It’s advisable to remind the server to clean the cutting board before preparing your order.
Orange Chicken
Surprisingly, the beloved Orange Chicken makes the list. This dish has the highest calorie count on the menu, mainly due to its breaded and fried nature. It’s also loaded with sugar, with 19 grams per serving. Moreover, if the batch of Orange Chicken isn’t fresh, the sauce may be used to mask the dryness, compromising the quality of the dish.
Shanghai Angus Steak
Although it appears to be a healthy option, this dish contains a significant amount of fat and sodium. With 19 grams of fat and 790 milligrams of sodium per serving, it’s not the best choice for those watching their fat or sodium intake.
Cream Cheese Rangoon
This appetizer falls short in terms of flavor and quality. Customers have reported that the rangoons may not be fully fried or fresh. Moreover, each rangoon contains almost 3 grams of fat, making it a less appealing choice for health-conscious individuals.
Mushroom Chicken
Don’t expect much excitement from this dish. The chicken is described as subtle, and the mushrooms are often mushy. Additionally, it contains a high amount of sodium, with 840 milligrams per serving, equivalent to over five servings of potato chips.
Eggplant Tofu
Although tofu is generally considered healthy, Panda Express’ Eggplant Tofu dish is surprisingly high in fat. With 24 grams of fat per serving, it surpasses the fat content of cream cheese rangoon. It may not be the healthy choice you were hoping for.
Honey Walnut Shrimp
Some people love it, but others find it too sweet and lacking in texture. The fried shrimp loses its crunch when soaked in the honey sauce, resulting in a goopy consistency. Considering the extra cost for this premium shrimp dish, it may not be worth the syrupy sweetness.
Black Pepper Chicken
This seemingly simple dish contains an excessive amount of sodium. With 1130 milligrams per serving, it far exceeds the recommended daily intake by renowned health organizations. If you’re trying to watch your sodium intake, it’s best to avoid this option.
