While few would consider Panda Express to be authentic Chinese food, the company is furthering the distance between themselves and genuine Chinese cuisine with a viral offering.
In a video with over 1.3 million views, TikTok user Lawrence (@asianchowdown) documents his experience ordering a burrito from Panda Express. According to a follow-up video, the burrito cost $8.60 without tax.
@asianchowdown Trying Panda Express new Burrito! #food #fastfood #yummy #yum #delicious #chipotle ♬ original sound – asianchowdown
While some users in comments were in disbelief about the video, it’s actually real. Right now, one can walk into Panda Express and order a burrito full of the restaurant’s food—if they live near the company’s Pasadena, California “Innovation Kitchen.”
As Lawrence explains in a follow-up video, this is not a menu item available across the country. Instead, Panda Express has a single location in California that it calls its Innovation Kitchen.
This store offers “new flavors and dishes as well as experimental design and décor,” per the company’s website. Panda Express burritos—or at least, Orange Chicken burritos—have been available at the location since at least 2017.
In his follow-up video, Lawrence offers a review of the controversial wrap.
“It’s so amazing,” he says. “Chipotle better watch out, because I’m definitely getting this again.”
In the comments section, users shared their thoughts on the burrito.
“Not with a flour tortilla. I mean maybe a rice wrap or a seaweed wrap,” suggested a user. Lawrence claimed in a comment under his follow-up that the tortilla was a “green onion tortilla.”
“As someone who works at a panda, I say absolutely not,” wrote another.
“Wish they would use a soy wrap or something else smh,” shared a third.
That said, some were more positive about the idea.
“Low key that actually looks and sounds good lol,” said a commenter.
“Need to try this asap,” agreed a second.
Update March 30, 4:16pm CT: In an email to Daily Dot, Panda Express elaborated on the Innovation Kitchen and the burrito itself.
“Our Innovation Kitchen serves as a living laboratory for exploring new menu items, new décor and new ways of serving guests,” the brand detailed. “It’s where our chefs can experiment with new flavors and dishes to ensure we’re constantly creating fresh ideas.”
“Originally launched in 2017, today, the Orange Chicken Bing is available exclusively at our Panda Express Innovation Kitchen in Pasadena, CA,” it wrote of the burrito seen in the video. “The Bing or wrap was inspired by the traditional Cong You Bing, a scallion pancake used in Chinese dishes. Guests can purchase the Bings starting at $8.60 plus tax, which can be customized to their preferences and filled with Orange Chicken or other Panda entrees such as Honey Walnut Shrimp and Kung Pao Chicken. They can also request a hot mustard sauce or chili sauce for an extra kick!”
“While the Orange Chicken Bing is currently only available at our Innovation Kitchen in Pasadena, CA, we are continuously looking for ways to provide fresh and new menu offerings for guests to experience,” it continued. “For example, we introduced our fan-favorite Orange Chicken Sandwich, which we showcased at the Innovation Kitchen in September 2021 for a limited time and are planning to bring this dish to more locations this year.”
The Daily Dot reached out to Lawrence via email.
