What Is a Panda Express Bowl?
A Panda Express bowl is a single-serving meal built on a base of your choice, topped with 1 entrée. It's the smallest plate option they offer, designed for individual eaters who want a simple, filling dish without going too big.
Here's how the bowl is structured:
- Base (Side): Choose 1 — steamed white rice, fried rice, brown rice, chow mein, or super greens (a mix of cabbage, kale, and other veggies)
- Entrée: Choose 1 protein or main dish
Unlike a plate or bigger combo, the bowl keeps portions balanced. It's not too much, not too little. You can also do a half-and-half base — for example, half fried rice and half chow mein — which makes it easy to mix flavors.
The bowl is a convenient choice for:
- Solo meals on the go
- Light lunch portions
- Budget-friendly eating
It includes 1 side and 1 entrée, giving you a good balance of protein, carbs, and fat in one affordable serving.
Panda Express Bowl Prices
Bowl pricing at Panda Express is affordable, but the cost varies slightly depending on your location and entrée choice.
| Bowl Type | Estimated Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Standard Bowl | $8.30 – $9.30 |
| Bowl with Premium Entrée | $9.50 – $11.00 (upcharge applies) |
A few things to keep in mind:
- Local store pricing can differ. Bigger city locations tend to charge more.
- Premium entrées like Honey Walnut Shrimp carry an extra charge.
- Taxes and fees are added at checkout, especially for delivery orders.
- Third-party apps like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub may have higher prices than in-store orders.
Ways to save:
- Join the Panda Rewards loyalty program — earn points on every qualifying purchase and redeem them for rewards.
- Check the app for apponly and appexclusive offers, coupons, coupon codes, and promo codes.
- Members can earn pts, get bonus deals, and access digital gift cards (egift cards).
- Look for limited-time seasonal specials, BOGO deals, and promotional discounts.
- Use a gift card as a payment option to manage your spend.
- Delivery pickup orders placed through the platform also sometimes offer exclusive discounts for firsttime users. Always check current offers before you order.
Bowl Menu Choices: Detailed Base & Entrée Database
Step 1: Sides & Bases
Choose 1 base for your bowl. You can select a single side or order a half-and-half base combination.
| Side Item | Calories | Est. Standard Price |
|---|---|---|
| White Steamed Rice | 520 Cal | $4.40 |
| Fried Rice | 620 Cal | $4.40 |
| Chow Mein | 600 Cal | $4.40 |
| Super Greens | 130 Cal | $4.40 |
Step 2: Main Entrée Options
Select 1 entrée to go over your chosen side. Premium entrées are flagged below and include an additional upcharge.
| Entrée Item | Calories | Est. Standard Price |
|---|---|---|
| Dynamite Sweet & Sour Chicken | 400 Cal | $5.40 |
| Honey Walnut Shrimp (Premium) | 430 / 840 Cal | $6.90 |
| Black Pepper Sirloin Steak (Premium) | 150 / 510 Cal | $6.90 |
| Mushroom Chicken | 220 Cal | $5.40 |
| Kung Pao Chicken | 320 Cal | $5.40 |
| String Bean Chicken Breast | 210 Cal | $5.40 |
| The Original Orange Chicken | 510 Cal | $5.40 |
| SweetFire Chicken Breast | 350 Cal | $5.40 |
| Honey Sesame Chicken Breast | 340 Cal | $5.40 |
| Grilled Teriyaki Chicken | 200 Cal | $5.40 |
| Broccoli Beef | 150 Cal | $5.40 |
| Beijing Beef | 470 Cal | $5.40 |
| Super Greens (Veggies) | 130 Cal | $4.40 |
Bowl Menu Entrée Choices
This is where the Panda Express bowl menu gets exciting. You pick 1 entrée to go over your base. Here's a breakdown of what's available:
Chicken Entrées
| Entrée | Style | Key Flavors |
|---|---|---|
| Orange Chicken | Crispy, breaded | Sweet, tangy sauce |
| Original Orange Chicken | Classic wok-fried | Bold citrus glaze |
| Grilled Teriyaki Chicken | Grilled breast | Savory soy-ginger glaze |
| Kung Pao Chicken | Stirfried thigh | Spicy, garlic, chili, peanuts |
| SweetFire Chicken Breast | Crispy | Sweet chili, pineapple |
| Honey Sesame Chicken | Fried | Honey, sesame glaze |
| String Bean Chicken Breast | Wok-tossed | Garlic, ginger, black pepper |
| Mushroom Chicken | Stirfried | Oyster sauce, mushrooms, zucchini |
Beef Entrées
| Entrée | Style | Key Flavors |
|---|---|---|
| Beijing Beef | Crispy, breaded | Sweet, sour, bell pepper |
| Broccoli Beef (Sirloin) | Stirfried | Classic soy-ginger |
| Black Pepper Angus Steak | Premium, wok-tossed | Bold black pepper sauce |
Shrimp Entrées
| Entrée | Style | Key Flavors |
|---|---|---|
| Honey Walnut Shrimp | Crispy, battered | Honey, mayonnaise glaze, walnuts |
| Firecracker Shrimp | Crispy | Spicy, tangy chili sauce |
| Dynamite Shrimp | Crispy | Creamy, bold sauce |
Vegetarian / Plant-Based Entrées
| Entrée | Style | Key Flavors |
|---|---|---|
| Eggplant Tofu | Stirfried | Garlic, sweet glaze |
| Super Greens | Steamed | Light, healthy |
Some entrées are limited-run or seasonal, so supplies and availability may vary by location. Premium entrées carry an upcharge. All proteins are prepared in the wok, making them flavorful and proteinrich options across the menu.
Bowl Menu Side Choices
Your side is the base of your bowl. You pick 1 (or do a half-and-half combo).
Available sides:
- Steamed White Rice — light, classic, the default choice
- Brown Rice — lower calorie, standard healthy option
- Fried Rice — cooked with eggs, peas, carrots, onions, soy sauce, and oil
- Chow Mein — noodles with cabbage, celery, and onions (contains wheat)
- Super Greens — a mix of kale, cabbage, and other vegetables; the lightest base option
Recommended quantities are based on a standard single-portion bowl. The super greens side is the most popular choice for health-conscious eaters, while fried rice and chow mein remain the classic go-to bases for most people.
Allergen & Ingredient Guides
Base Ingredients Breakdown
| Side/Base Item | Main Ingredients |
|---|---|
| White Rice | Steamed white rice, water |
| Fried Rice | Rice, eggs, soy sauce, peas, carrots, green onions, oil |
| Chow Mein | Noodles, cabbage, celery, onions, soy sauce, wheat |
| Super Greens | Broccoli, kale, cabbage, garlic |
Entrée Ingredients Breakdown
| Entrée Item | Main Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Dynamite Sweet & Sour Chicken | Chicken, bell peppers, pineapple, onions, sweet & sour sauce |
| Honey Walnut Shrimp | Shrimp, walnuts, mayonnaise sauce, honey, batter |
| Black Pepper Sirloin Steak | Beef steak, black pepper sauce, onions, mushrooms |
| Mushroom Chicken | Chicken, mushrooms, zucchini, soy-ginger sauce |
| Kung Pao Chicken | Chicken, peanuts, zucchini, bell peppers, chili peppers |
| String Bean Chicken Breast | Chicken breast, green beans, onions, ginger soy sauce |
| The Original Orange Chicken | Breaded chicken, orange sauce, garlic, vinegar, sugar |
| SweetFire Chicken Breast | Chicken breast, pineapple, bell peppers, sweet chili sauce |
| Honey Sesame Chicken Breast | Chicken breast, sesame seeds, green beans, honey sauce |
| Grilled Teriyaki Chicken | Chicken thigh, teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, garlic |
| Broccoli Beef | Beef, broccoli, oyster sauce, soy sauce |
| Beijing Beef | Crispy beef, onions, bell peppers, sweet tangy sauce |
| Super Greens | Broccoli, kale, cabbage, garlic |
Calories & Nutrition in Panda Express Bowls
Understanding calories in a Panda Express bowl helps you make smarter food choices. The total calorie count depends on your base and entrée combo. You can also build combinations on our interactive calculator.
Estimated calorie ranges (cal/kcal):
| Component | Calories (Estimated) |
|---|---|
| Steamed White Rice | ~380 cal |
| Brown Rice | ~420 cal |
| Fried Rice | ~520 cal |
| Chow Mein | ~510 cal |
| Super Greens | ~90 cal |
| Orange Chicken (1 serving) | ~490 cal |
| Grilled Teriyaki Chicken | ~300 cal |
| Broccoli Beef | ~150 cal |
| Honey Walnut Shrimp | ~360 cal |
| Beijing Beef | ~470 cal |
Nutrition facts to know:
- Protein ranges from 9g to 36g depending on your entrée
- Carbs are higher in fried rice and chow mein bases
- Fat is highest in battered, crispy entrées
- Sugar is added in sauces like honey glaze and orange sauce
- Sodium is notable across most dishes — soy and oyster sauces contribute the most
Key allergen notes:
The menu uses shared cooking surfaces, so crosscontact is possible. Common allergens include: gluten, eggs, wheat, soy, peanuts, walnuts, shellfish, fish, dairy, almond, mayonnaise, vinegar, seeds, and msg. Some items are naturally glutenfree, but none are certified glutenfree due to shared equipment. For more details on safe options, consult our gluten-free menu guide. Sauces like oyster and soyginger-based options contain soy and dairy variants. Check our full allergen menu for a detailed matrix.
This information is provided for informational purposes. Always check the most current nutrition facts and ingredients before ordering, especially if you manage a specific diet.
How to Customize Your Bowl
One of the best things about ordering here is how easy it is to customize your bowl. You're not locked into default options.
Here's how to build your bowl your way:
- Start with your base — pick your side (or do a half-and-half)
- Choose your entrée — swap to any protein or dish you like
- Add sauces or condiments — requested at the counter or through the app
- Upgrade or double your entrée — extra entrée portions are available for an upcharge
Customization hacks:
- Ask for a half-and-half base — chow mein and fried rice together, for example
- Mix and match your favorite sauces on the side
- Going lighter? Swap fried rice for super greens — it cuts calories significantly
- Request extra sauce — it's usually not a problem
- Note: some requested changes may not always be available depending on the store
The key is to combine your favorite flavors in a way that works for you. Making your bowl flexible means you'll enjoy it more. Whether you're choosing for health or flavor, the options are simple to follow and easy to personalize.
Dietary Considerations & Allergens
If you follow a specific diet, there are things to know before you order.
Dietary options available:
- Vegetarian: Eggplant Tofu, Super Greens, and some sides (check ingredients)
- Vegan: Super Greens base, but most sauces contain soy or oyster sauce
- Gluten-free diet: Some items are naturally lower in gluten, but nothing is certified glutenfree
Common allergens in menu items:
| Allergen | Found In |
|---|---|
| Wheat / Gluten | Chow mein, batter, some sauces |
| Soy | Most sauces, marinades |
| Eggs | Fried rice, battered items |
| Peanuts | Kung Pao Chicken |
| Walnuts | Honey Walnut Shrimp |
| Shellfish | Shrimp dishes |
| Fish | Oyster sauce-based items |
| Dairy | Some sauces |
| Mayonnaise | Honey Walnut Shrimp sauce |
| Almond | Select items |
| MSG | Varies by dish |
Important disclaimer: Shared cooking surfaces and oil mean crosscontact is possible for all allergens. Variations in ingredients apply due to regional menus. The information here is provided for informational purposes only. All trademarks and menus belong to their respected owners. This site is not affiliated with Panda Express.
Popular Bowl Combos Worth Trying
Some bowls just hit differently. Here are crowd-favorite combos that people keep coming back to, whether for a solo meal or feeding a group. If you want a visual overview, you can check the menu with pictures to see every dish before you visit.
Top picks:
| Combo | Base | Entrée |
|---|---|---|
| The Classic | Fried Rice | Orange Chicken |
| The Bold One | Chow Mein | Beijing Beef |
| The Lighter Pick | Super Greens | Grilled Teriyaki Chicken |
| The Spicy One | White Rice | Kung Pao Chicken |
| The Sweet & Tangy | Fried Rice | Honey Walnut Shrimp |
| The Surf & Turf | Brown Rice | Black Pepper Angus Steak |
Great for groups and events:
- Order trays or party packs when feeding a crowd by using our catering menu options at the office or home parties.
- Bundle deals serve families and larger groups at a lower cost per person.
- Feast options work well for holiday events like Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Lunar New Year.
- Backtoschool and lucky seasonal promos make it easy to enjoy a bigger spread.
Throughout the year, these combos are available yearround, though some proteins like Beijing Beef or specialty shrimp dishes may vary. If you enjoy surprise picks, ask the staff for their daily recommendation — they usually have a good suggestion ready.
How to Order a Panda Express Bowl
Ordering is quick and convenient, whether you go instore or online.
Step 1 — Choose your method:
- In-store: Visit one of the physical store locations near you, and check our holiday hours before you go to ensure they are open during festive times. (Some locations have reduced pm hours or are closed on certain days).
- Online: Go to pandaexpresscom, search for a nearby location, and place your order.
- Mobile app: Use the Panda Express app for apponly deals and appexclusive offers.
- Delivery: Order through thirdparty apps like Uber Eats, DoorDash, or Grubhub.
Step 2 — Build your bowl:
Select your base and entrée at checkout.
Step 3 — Pay and earn:
- Pay by card, gift card, or egift card
- Sign into your loyalty account to track points and redeem rewards
- Firsttime app users often get an exclusive promo or bonus offer
Tips for ordering:
- Check the current menu and updates regularly — items change
- Save more by buying through the app and using loyalty points
- Email sign-up sometimes unlocks bonus rewards for new account holders
- Delivery services may charge extra fees — pickup is usually cheaper
The Panda Express bowls menu is easy to navigate whether you dine in, do takeout, or order through a service platform. Use the tools available to you — the app, loyalty program, and seasonal offers — to get the most out of every order.
FAQs
What kind of bowls can you get at Panda Express?
On the Panda Express Bowls menu, you basically build your own combo. You pick one base (like chow mein, fried rice, white rice, brown rice, or Super Greens) and one entrée (Orange Chicken, Beijing Beef, Teriyaki Chicken, Honey Walnut Shrimp, and more). It’s simple: one side, one main. That’s what makes it great—you can keep it classic or mix it up depending on your mood.
What's the healthiest bowl at Panda Express?
If you’re trying to keep things lighter, go with Super Greens as your base and pair it with Grilled Teriyaki Chicken (sauce on the side). From the Panda Express Bowls menu, that combo gives you solid protein and veggies without loading up on fried items. It’s filling but doesn’t leave you feeling heavy afterward.
What is the most popular Panda Express dish?
No surprise here—Orange Chicken wins every time. It’s easily the star of the Panda Express Bowls menu. Sweet, tangy, slightly crispy… it’s the comfort pick most people go for, especially if it’s their first visit.
Is a bowl cheaper than a plate at Panda?
Yes, a bowl is usually cheaper than a plate. A bowl comes with one entrée and one side, while a plate includes two entrées and a side. So if you don’t need the extra portion, sticking with a bowl saves a few bucks.
Are Panda Express Bowls affordable?
Honestly, yes. For the portion size and variety you get from the Panda Express Bowls menu, the price feels fair. It’s one of those quick meals that fills you up without feeling like you overspent.
Can I customize my Panda Express Bowl?
Absolutely. That’s the whole point of the Panda Express Bowls menu. You choose your base and your entrée, and you can even ask for sauces on the side or slight tweaks depending on availability. It’s flexible enough to fit your taste.
Can I check calories before ordering?
Yes, calorie information is available before you order. You can see nutrition details for each item on the Panda Express Bowls menu, which makes it easier to plan if you’re tracking calories or just trying to be mindful.
What is included in a Panda Express Bowl?
A bowl includes one side (rice, noodles, or veggies) and one entrée of your choice. That’s it—simple and satisfying. The beauty of the Panda Express Bowls menu is that you build it your way and get a complete meal in one container.