While fast food chains often shine due to signature dishes, there are unsung heroes hidden in the side items. Every good hamburger joint needs crispy fries, and successful fried chicken spots should elevate their mashed potatoes. The same goes for Asian cuisine—where delicious fried rice is non-negotiable. That’s why Panda Express’s lack of quality fried rice raises eyebrows and leaves mouths agape.
Panda Express: An Unlikely Letdown
Panda Express, known as America’s largest family-run Chinese restaurant chain with over 2,300 locations, should have a fried rice to boast about. But after thoroughly evaluating 12 popular menu items, we were shocked to find their fried rice sitting at the bottom of the leaderboard.
The Disappointing Verdict on Fried Rice
Incredibly, this massive chain, which offers only a handful of sides, manages to fail spectacularly in delivering a Chinese staple. If you’re serious about enjoying fried rice, your best bet might actually be to create your own or opt for one of Panda Express’s other side dishes: steamed white rice, chow mein, or super greens.
Why Is Panda Express Fried Rice So Disappointing?
Fried rice should be a triumph of flavors and textures. After all, who hasn’t left a hibachi restaurant with a pound of leftovers, barely able to eat another bite before indulging in perfectly cooked fried rice? Unfortunately, Panda Express’s version is more akin to a flavorless mass.
Inconsistencies plague this dish, possibly because it’s prepared in batches and not to order. You might end up with the sad reality of stale rice that’s been under a heat lamp for hours, making it clumpy and dull in appearance. The pleasing golden hue that great fried rice should boast? Forget it.
Moreover, the distribution of egg and carrot is haphazard; some bites may consist solely of rice, while others may contain a random sprinkle of toppings. The overall seasoning is often lacking, leading to a dish that could make even the most seasoned hibachi chef shake their head in disbelief.
Alternative Delights Await
When you next find yourself at Panda Express, we highly recommend steering clear of the fried rice. Instead, try their beloved honey walnut shrimp, original orange chicken, or Beijing beef. Pair any of these crowd-pleasers with either white rice or chow mein—your taste buds will thank you!
Conclusion
With its strong name and widespread presence, Panda Express is expected to deliver on classic Chinese cuisine staples. Yet, their fried rice continues to disappoint. Don’t waste your money on this particular side. For a truly satisfying dining experience, it’s best to explore their other offerings and enjoy a delightful meal, minus the fried rice.
Discover the full story in the original article on Chowhound.
