How to Order at Panda Express: Online, App & In-Store
Learn how to order at Panda Express step by step, with online, app, and in-store options, plus tips, rewards, and catering info.

Ordering at Panda Express is simple, whether you visit in person, order online, or use the mobile app. This step-by-step guide will help you customize your meal, pick between pickup or delivery, use rewards, and place group or catering orders. Enjoy a fast, convenient, and tasty Panda Express experience.
Ways to Order at Panda Express
Panda Express offers several easy ways to order, whether you want to visit in person, use your computer, or order on your phone. Here’s a quick look at each option.
Ordering In-Store
Ordering in-store is the classic way. Just go to a Panda Express, walk up to the counter, and pick your meal from the hot food displays. You can see all the choices, ask questions, and customize your plate right there. After you order, pay at the counter, and get your food right away. This is a good choice if you want fresh food fast and don’t want to use any digital devices.
Ordering Online (Website)
You can also order from Panda Express on their official website using any browser. With this option, you can:
- Browse the full menu.
- Customize entrées and sides.
- Choose pickup or delivery (where available)
- Pay online securely
Ordering online is helpful if you want to plan ahead, skip the line, or pick up your food at a certain time.
Ordering Through the Panda Express App
The Panda Express app gives you the most features and convenience. With the app, you can:
- Order ahead for pickup or delivery.
- Save favorite meals for quick reordering.
- Earn and redeem Panda Rewards points.
- Access app-only deals and promotions
- Track your order in real time.
The app is a great choice for regular customers who want rewards, faster ordering, and special deals.
How to Order Online or Using the App
Ordering online or with the Panda Express app is fast and easy. You can skip the line and start earning rewards right away. Setting it up only takes a few minutes.
Downloading & Setting Up the Panda Express App
Start by downloading the Panda Express app from the App Store or Google Play. After you install it, allow notifications and location access so you can find nearby restaurants and get updates on your order. The app will find your location, or you can pick a store yourself. Then you can browse the menu, customize your meal, and order for pickup or delivery.
Creating or Logging Into Your Account
You can order as a guest, but making an account gives you more benefits. To sign up, just enter your email and create a password, or log in if you already have an account. After you log in, you can:
- Earn and redeem Panda Rewards points.
- Save favorite orders
- Store payment methods for faster checkout
- Receive exclusive deals and promotions.
If you already have an account, just log in and start your order. You won’t need to set anything up again.
Exploring the Panda Express Menu
Panda Express has many Asian-inspired dishes with bold flavors, so you can easily find something you like. Knowing what’s on the menu helps you pick the entrees, sides, and extras that will make your meal satisfying.
Entrees, Sides, and Appetizers
Panda Express is known for its wide range of entrees, sides, and appetizers.
Entrees:
- Orange Chicken – Crispy chicken in a sweet, tangy sauce
- Beijing Beef – Crispy beef with bell peppers in a tangy sauce
- Kung Pao Chicken – Spicy chicken with peanuts and vegetables
- Grilled Teriyaki Chicken – Tender chicken with teriyaki glaze
- Honey Walnut Shrimp – Crispy shrimp in a sweet walnut sauce
- Beyond Orange Chicken – Plant-based version of the classic favorite
Sides:
- Fried Rice – Classic savory rice with vegetables and egg
- Chow Mein – Soft noodles stir-fried with vegetables
- White Steamed Rice – Simple, fluffy rice for pairing with entrees
- Super Greens – Healthy mix of broccoli, kale, and cabbage
Appetizers:
- Egg Rolls – Crispy, filled with vegetables and/or meat
- Cream Cheese Rangoons – Fried wontons with cream cheese filling
- Fortune Cookies – Sweet, crunchy dessert cookies
Limited-Time & Seasonal Items
Panda Express often introduces limited-time and seasonal menu items, so customers can try new flavors. These might include:
- Special entrees or sides created for holidays or events
- New or experimental dishes to test new flavors
- Promotions tied to app-exclusive deals
To keep up with the latest menu items, check the Panda Express website or app.
Customizing Your Panda Express Order
At Panda Express, you can easily adjust your meal to fit your taste, dietary needs, and how hungry you are. Customizing your order helps you get just what you want each time.
Choosing Portions & Combos
You can choose from several portion sizes based on your appetite:
- Bowl: A smaller serving, good for one entrée with one or two sides.
- Plate: A larger portion that includes two entrees and a side.
- Big Plate or Family Meals: These are great for sharing with friends or family.
Combos usually come with an entrée, one or two sides, and a drink. Picking the right portion or combo helps you enjoy a filling meal without extra waste.
Dietary Preferences (Vegetarian, Low-Calorie, etc.)
Panda Express offers options for many different dietary needs:
- Vegetarian options include Super Greens, Chow Mein, steamed rice, and Beyond Orange Chicken.
- Low-Calorie Meals – Wok Smart™ entrees, typically ≤300 calories per serving
- High-Protein Options – Certain entrees like Grilled Teriyaki Chicken or Black Pepper Angus Steak
You can check the nutrition guide online or in-app to choose meals that meet your dietary goals.
Special Instructions & Modifications
Panda Express allows limited modifications to enhance your meal:
- Request extra or fewer sauces.
- Ask for less oil or salt in certain dishes.
- Remove allergens or ingredients when possible.
For online or app orders, these modifications can usually be added in the “Special Instructions” section before checkout. In-store, you can request them directly at the counter.
Pickup vs Delivery Options
Panda Express makes it easy to get your meal, whether you prefer picking it up yourself or having it delivered. You can choose the option that best fits your schedule and needs.
Store Pickup
You can pick up your order in person, whether you order in the store, online, or through the app. Here’s how to do it:
- Place your order in advance via the website or app.
- Choose the pickup location and preferred pickup time.
- When you arrive at the store, just check in and your order will be ready for you to grab quickly.
- This is a good choice if you want fresh food right away and want to skip the line.
It’s also helpful if you like to plan your meals ahead of time or want to avoid waiting during busy times.
Delivery Through Panda Express
Panda Express offers delivery directly through its website or mobile app in select locations:
- Choose your preferred delivery time.
- Track your order from preparation to arrival.
- Pay securely online
Direct delivery is convenient for those who want Panda Express meals delivered fresh to their home or office without third-party apps.
Ordering Panda Express on Third-Party Apps (Uber Eats, DoorDash)
You can also order Panda Express on popular delivery apps like Uber Eats, DoorDash, Grubhub, and Postmates:
- Browse the full menu and place orders through these apps.
- Check for delivery fees and estimated times.
- Occasionally, third-party apps offer exclusive promotions.
This option is great if you prefer using your usual delivery app or if direct Panda Express delivery isn’t available in your area.
Payment Methods at Panda Express
Panda Express makes it easy to pay for your meal, whether you order online, in the app, or at the restaurant.
Paying Online or In-App
If you order on the website or app, you can pay securely with:
- Credit or debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover)
- Mobile payment options (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay)
- You can enter promo codes at checkout to get discounts or special deals.
Paying online or in the app is quick and contactless, so your order will be ready for pickup or delivery without waiting in line.
Paying In-Store
When you order in the restaurant, you can pay with:
- Cash
- Credit/debit cards
- Mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay)
In-store payments are quick, and the staff can help with special requests or changes to your order.
Gift Cards, Rewards & Promotions
Panda Express also gives you ways to save money and earn rewards when you pay:
- Panda Express Gift Cards – Can be used in-store or online for yourself or as a gift.
- With Panda Rewards™, you earn points on qualifying purchases that you can use for free food, drinks, or discounts.
- Look out for app-only or seasonal discounts, combo offers, and limited-time promotions.
Using gift cards or rewards points can help you save on your meals and give you extra perks for your next visit.
Panda Express Rewards Program
Panda Rewards™ is Panda Express’s loyalty program that gives frequent customers points, perks, and special offers. Joining is free and simple, whether you order in the restaurant, online, or with the app.
How Panda Rewards Work
After you sign up, every qualifying purchase earns you Panda Points™. Your points add up based on how much you spend, and you can check your balance in the app or on the website. Members also get:
- A Welcome Gift upon signing up (usually a discount or bonus points)
- Exclusive deals and promotions are only available to rewards members
- Notifications about special menu items or seasonal offers
Your points usually stay active as long as you make a qualifying purchase at least once every 12 months, so you can redeem rewards whenever it works for you.
Earning & Redeeming Points
Earning Points:
- Earn 10 points per $1 spent on qualifying orders via app, website, or in-store
- You can earn points when you buy full meals, combos, or catering orders.
Redeeming Points:
- You can use your points for free food, drink upgrades, discounts, or special limited-time rewards.
- Redemptions are easy through the app or at checkout in-store
- Some rewards may require a minimum points balance, and special offers may be time-limited
When you use Panda Rewards regularly, you can save money on meals, enjoy exclusive perks, and get more value from every order.
Panda Express Nutrition & Allergens
Panda Express shares nutrition and allergen details so you can make the best choices for your meal. If you’re also deciding between fast-casual restaurants, our comparison guide Panda Express vs Chipotle: Which Is Healthier for Nutrition breaks down calories, protein, sodium, and overall health factors to help you choose wisely.
Nutrition Information Overview
Each Panda Express menu item shows important nutrition facts, such as:
- Calories: The amount of energy in one serving
- Protein: How many grams of protein are in each serving
- Carbohydrates and Fiber: Includes sugars and total carbs.
- Fat Content – Total fat, saturated fat, and trans fats
- Sodium – Important for those monitoring salt intake
Panda Express also offers Wok Smart™ meals, which are lower in calories (≤300) and higher in protein, designed for customers seeking healthier options without sacrificing flavor.
Allergen & Dietary Considerations
Many dishes at Panda Express contain or may come into contact with common allergens, including:
- Peanuts and tree nuts
- Soy and wheat
- Milk, eggs, fish, and shellfish
- Sesame
If you have dietary restrictions, check the allergen guide on the website or app. Panda Express also offers vegetarian options like Super Greens, Chow Mein, and Beyond Orange Chicken, and can make adjustments to fit your needs. Using this information, customers can enjoy Panda Express safely while maintaining their dietary goals.
Receiving Your Order
After you place your Panda Express order, you can get your food quickly and easily. The steps are a little different for pickup and delivery.
Pickup Process:
- Go to the store at the pickup time you chose.
- Check in using the app or let the staff at the counter know you have arrived.
- Your order will be ready for you, fresh and hot, so you can grab it quickly.
- At many locations, there are special areas for mobile order pickup to help you get your food faster.
Delivery Process:
- If you picked delivery through Panda Express or a third-party app, you can track your order as it makes its way to you.
- Delivery drivers work to make sure your food arrives hot and fresh.
- Delivery times can vary based on your location, traffic, and the number of orders being placed.
By following these steps, you’ll get your Panda Express meal when you expect it, with no delays or mix-ups.
Panda Express Ordering Hours & Availability
Most Panda Express locations open in the late morning and close in the evening, usually from 10:30 AM to 9:00 PM. However, hours can vary by store.
Key points to know:
- You might be able to place online or app orders a little before opening or after closing for pickup or delivery.
- Check the Panda Express website or app and use the store locator to find hours and availability for your chosen location.
- Holiday hours may vary, so it’s a good idea to double-check before you order.
Tips for the Best Panda Express Ordering Experience
Here are some tips to help you have a smooth and enjoyable Panda Express experience:
- Order ahead using the app or website to avoid long waits.
- Look for promotions and rewards. App users often get special deals.
- If you have dietary needs or preferences, make sure to customize your meal.
- Consider Wok Smart™ options for a healthier meal.
- Plan group orders in advance to ensure popular entrees are available.
Ordering for Groups, Catering, or Events
Panda Express makes it easy to feed groups and host events:
- Family Meals & Party Trays: Combos designed for multiple people with entrees, sides, and appetizers.
- Catering Options: Large orders for corporate events, parties, or celebrations, complete with utensils and fortune cookies.
- It’s best to place large catering orders in advance to ensure everything is available.
This makes Panda Express a convenient choice for both casual meals and special gatherings.
Final Thoughts on Ordering at Panda Express
Panda Express offers a flexible, convenient, and flavorful experience for every type of customer:
- Whether in-store, online, or via app, ordering is simple.
- Rewards, promotions, and menu options make it enjoyable and cost-effective.
- Nutrition and allergen information help customers make informed choices.
- Group and catering services expand the options for families and events.
By following the steps above and leveraging available tools, you can get the most out of every Panda Express meal, fresh, tasty, and exactly the way you like it.