Quick service restaurants are continuing to lean into plant-based meats and vegetarian friendly options on their menu. The same goes for Panda Express, the fast casual Chinese-American chain that reintroduced orange chicken in a partnership with Beyond Meat and continues to look for new ways to incorporate more plant-based ingredients in its menu. As more consumers opt for less meat intake, this seems like a natural progression.
That being said, it’s important to note that Panda Express’s entrees and sides aren’t prepared in entirely vegan kitchens. “All dishes at Panda Express are cooked and prepped in the same kitchen with shared facilities and equipment—which may not be acceptable for guests with strict vegetarian and vegan diets,” a spokesperson for Panda Express shared. When it comes to your own diet, use your best judgment. In the meantime, here are all the entrees and sides at Panda Express that are not actively made with meat (though some of these options contain animal byproducts, like eggs and cheese).
Beyond The Original Orange Chicken
Although this entree has yet to roll out nationwide, it’s been one of Panda Express’s most successful regional launches to date. This reimagining of Panda’s most popular entree hits all the sweet, tangy, and citrus-kissed notes—without any of the meat. It’s currently available at select locations, which can be found here, for a limited time. But with all of its popularity, we’re certain this vegetarian-friendly option will eventually become a permanent fixture on the menu.
Eggplant Tofu
Although eggplant tofu is not offered at every single Panda location, this is my plea to Panda Express to make this entree more widely available. Of all the vegetarian options at Panda, this one is definitely top tier. The braised eggplant is rendered soft in a bath of sticky sweet and spicy sauce. The tofu is browned and maintains a crispy edge and fluffy soft interior, whereas red bell pepper has crunch. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that will satisfy both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.
Veggie Spring Rolls
These veggie spring rolls are stuffed with a blend of shredded carrots, cabbage, celery, green onions, and translucent noodles all wrapped in a crispy egg roll shell. Dunking these spring rolls in a vat of sweet and sour sauce really brings them to life. A small order comes with two pieces and a large provides 12, so get them for just yourself or to share.
Cream Cheese Rangoons
The inside of these crispy rangoons contains cream cheese and diced scallions (no crab here!), so they’re technically vegetarian-friendly if you can get past the fact that they are fried in the same fryers as non-vegetarian items. And if you can get past that fact, drizzling them with sweet and sour sauce is delightful.
FAQs
Honestly speaking, Panda Express could put a bit more effort into its vegetable offerings. However, the one vegetable option available at all 2,300 locations does a suitable job. The Super Greens are simply prepared with steamed broccoli, kale, and cabbage.
Are Panda Express Crab Rangoon vegetarian? ›
At most Chinese restaurants, imitation crab is the star of the rangoon. Panda Express doesn't have imitation crab, making this another vegetarian option. This deep fat fried crunchy side dish is filled with cream cheese and green onions. It's a plain side and requires the sauce to round it all off.
Does Panda Express have anything vegan? ›
While we have mad love for the Beyond Orange Chicken, we can't forget about this tasty order. The Eggplant Tofu is our go-to order for eating vegan at Panda Express. This dish contains lightly browned tofu, eggplant, red bell peppers, and a sweet and spicy sauce. Find this plant-based fave at participating locations.
Are the veggie spring rolls at Panda Express vegan? ›
Veggie spring rolls are totally vegan. They don't contain eggs or dairy. They consist of cabbage, celery, carrots, green onions, and Chinese noodles wrapped in a crispy wonton wrapper.
Is Panda lo mein vegetarian? ›
Your choice of chicken, beef, shrimp, vegetable or any combination with our thick Shanghai egg noodles.
Does Panda still have vegetarian orange chicken? ›
The Beyond The Original Orange Chicken will be available at all 2,300+ Panda Express locations nationwide. This is not a drill! Panda Express is officially bringing back the Beyond The Original Orange Chicken. And this time, it's at all locations!
Does Panda have fake meat? ›
Panda Express' Beyond the Original Orange Chicken is available for a limited time as of September 2022. The meat-free chicken morsels are made from a base of faba bean protein that's battered, fried, and smothered in a sweet and vinegar-y orange sauce.
Is Panda Express brown rice vegetarian? ›
Steamed Brown Rice & White Rice
Steamed rice will always be a safe vegan option at Panda Express. It's also a great side dish to all their entrees. Sadly, their fried rice has egg and is not vegan.
What is vegan at Chipotle? ›
VEGAN & VEGETARIAN OPTIONS
Our Sofritas is vegan and vegetarian approved. Vegans should avoid our meats, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, queso, sour cream, and chipotle-honey vinaigrette. Our tortillas, vegetables, rice, beans, salsas, chips and guacamole, are vegetarian and vegan.
Is the apple pie roll at Panda Express vegan? ›
While the Apple Pie Roll is plant-based, it may not be suitable for those with strict vegetarian and vegan diets. The Apple Pie Roll is made in the same kitchen as the rest of Panda Express' meat-heavy items and may share the use of the same facilities and equipment. A single Apple Pie Roll serving size is 1.94 ounces.
A Light and Flavorful Bite. These spring rolls are a great option for vegetarians and vegans. The tofu provides a good source of protein, while the veggies add both color and texture. These vegetarian spring rolls aren't fried, so they have a wonderfully light and fresh flavor.
Do Panda Express egg rolls have meat? ›
Each roll is filled with succulent chicken, carrots, and cabbage, all wrapped in a crispy shell that will leave you wanting more.
Does Panda Express serve Beyond Meat? ›
As a trailblazer of American Chinese cuisine, Panda is always looking for innovative ways to create a flavorful variety of dishes that appeal to guests' evolving preferences and tastes and is the first national Asian restaurant concept to serve Beyond Meat.
What vegetables does Panda Express have? ›
A healthful medley of broccoli, zucchini, carrots, string beans and cabbage.
Does Panda have steamed vegetables? ›
Super greens are Panda Express' veggie side dish, made with broccoli, cabbage, and kale. The veggies are steamed briefly, so they're softened, yet still a bit crisp with a vibrant green color.
Does Chipotle have vegetarians? ›
VEGAN & VEGETARIAN OPTIONS
Our tortillas, vegetables, rice, beans, salsas, chips and guacamole, are vegetarian and vegan. If you eat dairy, our shredded Monterey Jack cheese and queso are made with vegetable-based rennet and our sour cream is 100% cultured cream.
