Panda Express Alhambra
About
Panda Express, a household name synonymous with delicious Asian cuisine, offers a unique blend of Chinese regional flavors infused with bold American tastes. At the heart of its philosophy lies a dedication to marrying the rich culinary heritage of China with the diverse palates of American diners.
Family-owned and operated since 1983, Panda Express was started by Andrew Cherng and his wife, Peggy Cherng. Its first location opened at the Glendale Galleria food court as a fast-food version of a previous venture by Andrew and his father, the Panda Inn restaurant. The brand has steadily spread across the United States since.
“Our entire Panda team is grateful to serve the Alhambra community by providing new jobs and supporting local organizations through fundraising opportunities,” said Saypin Midkiff, Panda Express Area Coach of Operations. “We hope to be a lasting part of the community and welcome all guests into our doors to try our American Chinese favorites and discover their own.”
Today, Panda Express has 2,500 locations in 11 international countries. But its headquarters remain close by in Rosemead, and its Panda Innovation Kitchen – where they experiment with new flavors and ingredients – is in Pasadena.
Among the stars of Panda Express’s menu is its signature dish, Orange Chicken. Taiwanese chef Andy Kao is credited with the invention of the original orange chicken at a Panda Express in Hawaii in 1987. Not to be overlooked are favorites like Kung Pao Chicken, Honey Walnut Shrimp, and Broccoli Beef, all inspired by different regions of China.
Many Panda dishes were adapted from recipes by Andrew Cherng’s late father, Ming-Tsai Cherng, who had been a chef in Shanghai, Taipei, Taiwan; and Yokohama, Japan before coming to the U.S. Chefs utilize traditional 8-pound woks over an open flame cooking in small batches, striving for “Wok Hei” — a symphony of aroma, smoke, and flavor that defines authentic Chinese stir-fry.
Panda Express also has a philanthropic arm, Panda Cares, which has raised more than $375 million. It has also dedicated countless volunteer hours and funds to bettering the health and education for over 15 million youth, as well as supporting communities in need, since 1999. In 2021, Panda Express established the PandaCommUnity Fund — a five-year, $10 million community investment and response program that supports national and local organizations to uplift people of color and other marginalized communities.
Panda Express
5 E Main St, Alhambra, CA 91801
Open M-Th 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fri-Sat 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Sun 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Recommended Items
Firecracker Shrimp
Juicy, succulent shrimp paired with fresh onions, red and yellow bell peppers, crispy string beans, and whole dried chilis, all wok-tossed in an umami fermented black bean sauce.
Orange Chicken
Drawing inspiration from Sichuan Province, Panda Express presents its iconic signature dish: Orange Chicken. This features tender, crispy chicken pieces delicately wok-tossed to perfection and mixed with a sweet and spicy orange sauce.
Contact
(626)943-9577
www.pandaexpress.com