Panda Express Appetizers Calculator + Guide
If you’ve ever been to Panda Express, you probably know there famous for their Orange Chicken and Beijing Beef. But did you know they also have some really amazing appetizers? Weather your trying them for the first time or you already love them, this guide will tell you everything about these tasty starters.
Why Panda Express Appetizers Are So Good
Panda Express makes Chinese-American food that tastes really good and fresh. Their appetizers are crispy, delicious, and perfect for sharing with friends or eating by yourself. The best part is that they don’t have a huge menu with like 50 different appetizers – they keep it simple with just the best ones.
You can eat them as a snack, share them with your family, or add them to your meal to make it even better. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll want to order them every time!
All The Appetizers They Have
1. Chicken Egg Roll
This is probably the most popular appetizer at Panda Express and I totally understand why. Its crispy on the outside and filled with good stuff on the inside.
What’s in it: The egg roll has chicken, cabbage, celery, and carrots all wrapped up in a crispy shell. Then they fry it until its golden and crunchy.
Nutrition Facts (1 egg roll):
- Calories: 200
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbs: 20g
Price: About $2.00 for one
Why everyone loves it: The outside is super crispy but not too greasy. The inside has a good mix of chicken and vegetables so it tastes amazing. I read that 82% of people think it tastes good, which is alot!
What to eat it with: Sweet and sour sauce is the best with this. You can also get it with Orange Chicken and Chow Mein for a complete meal.
2. Cream Cheese Rangoon
If you want something creamy and delicious, you have to try the Cream Cheese Rangoons. There shaped like little triangles and their filled with cream cheese.
What’s in it: Cream cheese mixed with green onions, wrapped in a thin wrapper and fried until golden.
Nutrition Facts (3 pieces):
- Calories: 190
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbs: 24g
Price: About $2.10 for 3 pieces
Why everyone loves it: The wrapper is really crispy and when you bite into it, theres warm cream cheese inside. Its kind of sweet and savory at the same time. These are so addicting!
Pro tip: You can order 3 pieces or 12 pieces if your sharing with alot of people or having a party.
3. Veggie Spring Roll
If you don’t eat meat or you just want something lighter, the Veggie Spring Roll is a great choice. It still tastes really good even without meat.
What’s in it: Cabbage, celery, carrots, green onions, and these noodles called mung bean vermicelli. All wrapped up and fried.
Nutrition Facts (2 rolls):
- Calories: 190
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbs: 27g
Price: Around $2.10 for 2 rolls
Why everyone loves it: Its lighter then the egg roll but still crispy and tasty. The vegetables inside taste really fresh and its not as heavy as other fried foods.
Bonus: They give you sweet and sour sauce with it which makes it taste even better.
4. Chicken Potstickers
These are basically dumplings that are cooked in a pan. There not as famous as the egg rolls but their really good.
What’s in it: Chicken and vegetables inside a dumpling wrapper. The bottom is crispy from being pan-fried.
Nutrition Facts (3 pieces):
- Calories: About 220-240
- Has good protein
- Less fat than the fried stuff
Price: Around $2.50-$3.00 for 3 pieces
Why everyone loves it: The bottom is crispy and caramelized but the top is soft. When you bite into it, the filling is juicy and flavorful.
5. Apple Pie Roll
This ones actually dessert but they have it in the appetizer section. If you have a sweet tooth like me, you’ll love this.
What’s in it: Apple pie filling wrapped in a crispy shell, kind of like an egg roll but sweet.
Nutrition Facts (1 roll):
- Calories: 150
- Less fat than the other appetizers
Price: About $2.00
Why everyone loves it: Its like eating apple pie but in a fun, easy-to-hold form. Perfect after you finish your meal!
6. Crispy Shrimp (Only at Some Places)
Some Panda Express restaurants have Crispy Shrimp too. Not all of them have it though, so you might want to check first.
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 260
- Protein: 9g
- Carbs: 26g
Price: Different at each location
Important: Ask your local Panda Express if they have this because not every restaurant does.
How Much Do They Cost?
The appetizers at Panda Express are pretty cheap, which is awesome. Most of them cost between $2 and $3. Heres what you can expect:
- Single appetizers: $2.00 – $2.50
- Bigger orders: You can get more pieces for more money (like 12 rangoons)
- Appetizer platters: Some places let you get a bunch of different appetizers together
The prices are good so you can get what you want without spending too much money. You can get just one egg roll or get a whole bunch for your friends.
Are They Healthy?
Okay, so appetizers aren’t exactly health food, but here’s what you should know about the nutrition.
Calories
The appetizers have between 150-260 calories each. Heres the breakdown:
- Lowest: Apple Pie Roll (150 calories)
- Middle: Cream Cheese Rangoon and Veggie Spring Roll (both 190 calories)
- Highest: Chicken Egg Roll (200 calories) and Crispy Shrimp (260 calories)
Things to Watch Out For
Allergies: Panda Express uses ingredients that have peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, fish, shellfish, milk, soy, wheat, and sesame. They cook everything in the same kitchen so stuff can get mixed together.
Vegetarian: The Veggie Spring Rolls don’t have meat, but they might touch meat during cooking so they can’t promise its 100% vegetarian.
Gluten: Most appetizers have wheat flour, so if you can’t eat gluten, these probably aren’t for you.
Salt: These have quite a bit of sodium like most resturant food, so don’t eat too many if your watching your salt.
Making It Healthier
If you want to be a little healthier but still enjoy appetizers:
- Get the Super Greens as your side to balance out the fried food
- Share appetizers with your friends so you don’t eat as much
- Pick Veggie Spring Rolls if you want less calories
- If your getting an appetizer, maybe choose a grilled chicken entree instead of fried
How to Order
At the Restaurant
When you go to Panda Express, you’ll see the appetizers on the menu board. Just tell them what you want when your ordering. You can add them to any bowl or plate.
On Your Phone or Computer
You can order on there website or app. Just go to the “Appetizers and More” section and you’ll see everything they have with prices. The app is cool because you can earn rewards points.
For Parties
If your having a party or event, Panda Express does catering. You can order alot of appetizers for:
- School events
- Birthday parties
- Family get-togethers
- When your friends come over
- Any time you need food for alot of people
Good Combinations to Try
Try Everything Mix
Get one of each to make your own sampler:
- 1 Chicken Egg Roll
- 3 Cream Cheese Rangoons
- 2 Veggie Spring Rolls
- 3 Chicken Potstickers
Total Calories: About 600-700 calories Good for: Sharing with 2-3 people
The Classic
Keep it simple:
- 2 Chicken Egg Rolls
- Sweet and sour sauce
Good for: Just yourself or when you want something familiar
No Meat Option
- 2 Veggie Spring Rolls
- 3 Cream Cheese Rangoons
- Super Greens on the side
Good for: If you don’t eat meat or want something lighter
Sweet and Salty
- 1 Chicken Egg Roll
- 3 Cream Cheese Rangoons
- 1 Apple Pie Roll for dessert
Good for: When you want to try different flavors
Tips for the Best Experience
1. Ask For Fresh Ones
If you have time to wait, ask if they can make your appetizers fresh. They’ll be more crispy and taste better.
2. Get the Sauce
Always get the sweet and sour sauce! It makes everything taste even better. Some places might have other sauces too.
3. Eat Them Hot
Appetizers are way better when there hot and fresh. The crispy outside and warm inside is amazing when you eat them right away.
4. Mix Different Kinds
You don’t have to just get one type. Order different ones and try them all!
5. Think About Timing
If your getting appetizers with your main food, decide if you want them all at once or seperately.
Appetizers vs. Sides – What’s the Difference?
This is important to know. Appetizers and sides are NOT the same thing at Panda Express.
Sides (come with your bowl or plate):
- Chow Mein
- Fried Rice
- White Rice
- Brown Rice
- Super Greens
Appetizers (you have to order separately):
- All the egg rolls, rangoons, spring rolls, and potstickers
So when you order a bowl, you pick a side first. Then if you want appetizers, you pay extra for those.
Questions People Always Ask
Q: Can I change my appetizer? A: Not really, they come how they come. But you can ask for no sauce or extra sauce packets.
Q: Do meal combos include appetizers? A: No, appetizers cost extra. But you can definately add them to your order.
Q: Does every Panda Express have the same appetizers? A: Most places have the main ones like Chicken Egg Roll and Cream Cheese Rangoon. But some special ones like Crispy Shrimp might not be everywhere.
Q: Can I just order appetizers without getting a meal? A: Yes! You can order just appetizers if you want. You don’t have to get an entree.
Q: How long do leftovers last? A: Appetizers are best fresh. If you have extras, put them in the fridge and reheat them in the oven or air fryer (not the microwave or they’ll get soggy).
Q: Are their any secret menu items? A: Not officially, but you can always ask nicely if they can make something special for you!
Q: Do you get fortune cookies with appetizers? A: Usually fortune cookies come with full meals, but you can ask for them!
Making Better Choices
Even though appetizers are fried and not super healthy, you can still make smart decisions:
Lower Calorie Choices
- Get Veggie Spring Rolls (190 calories) instead of Chicken Egg Rolls
- The Apple Pie Roll only has 150 calories
- Share with your friends so you eat less
Being Healthier
- Add Super Greens to your meal
- Drink water or unsweetened tea instead of soda
- Pick grilled chicken dishes for your entree
Don’t Eat Too Much
- Order the small size
- Split appetizers with other people
- Save half for later if your eating alone
Why There Special
Panda Express appetizers are a mix of Chinese food and American fast food. In China, they have different appetizers called dim sum. But Panda Express made appetizers that Americans like while keeping some Chinese flavors. Egg rolls and rangoons are actually American inventions, even though they seem Chinese! Panda Express does a good job mixing both cultures together.
Special Limited-Time Items
Sometimes Panda Express has special appetizers that are only available for a short time. Like during Chinese New Year, they might have new items with different flavors. You should follow them on social media or check the app to see if they have anything new.
My Final Thoughts
Panda Express appetizers are really good and not just boring side dishes. Weather you like the classic Chicken Egg Roll, the creamy Cream Cheese Rangoon, or the lighter Veggie Spring Roll, theres something for everyone.
The prices are good too – only $2 to $3 for most appetizers. You can add them to your meal, share with friends, or just eat them as a snack.
Next time you go to Panda Express, definately try some appetizers. There crispy, golden, and really tasty. Weather your eating at the restaurant, getting takeout, or ordering delivery, these appetizers are definitely worth getting. They have bold flavors and there some of the best things on the menu.
Quick Guide
Most Popular: Chicken Egg Roll Best Deal: Cream Cheese Rangoon (3 pieces) Least Calories: Apple Pie Roll (150 calories) No Meat: Veggie Spring Roll Best for Sharing: Cream Cheese Rangoon (get the 12 piece order) Perfect Combo: Chicken Egg Roll + Sweet and Sour Sauce
Remember, the cool thing about Panda Express is you can customize everything. Mix appetizers, entrees, and sides to make the perfect meal for you. Weather your counting calories, feeding alot of people, or just want delicious food that doesn’t cost too much, Panda Express appetizers are awesome and will make your meal so much better.