When a growling stomach calls for a serving of honey walnut shrimp or orange chicken, Panda Express always comes through with their Chinese fast casual fare. However, when ordering main entrees at this beloved chain, guests will notice an absence of “small” or “large” menu labels. Instead, main dishes automatically arrive served in the same individual portions. So what gives a Panda Express entree that “large” designation? In this post we talk about Panda Express Large Entree Size: What it Means.
Defining a Large Entree
While Panda Express entrees mostly come in standardized personal servings, certain menu items specifically bear a “large entree” label. These dishes contain extra-generous portions tailored towards heartier appetites. Currently, two Panda Express menu options qualify as far as large entrees:
– Family Feast Entree with White Steamed Rice: This full pound of savory honey sesame chicken or Beijing beef feeds a crowd with its bonus large serving of rice on the side.
– Bamboo Feast Entree with Chow Mein: Likewise packing over a full pound of caramel chicken or mushroom chicken, this speciality entree also pairs perfectly with the large helping of Chow Mein noodles.
So essentially, Panda defines a “large entree” first by its sheer one-pound-plus quantity, nearly double a regular six ounce protein-based main dish. But additionally, these specific Family Feast and Bamboo Feast options differ by offering an extra-abundant amount of rice or noodles as the ideal accompaniment.
What to Expect
When treated to any dish bearing the “large entree” label at Panda Express, expect the following:
– One pound or more of entree paired with another pound or more of either rice or noodles. So in total, two pounds of food on your plate.
– An abundance of deep flavors within the heavier portion of protein thanks to long marinating and wok-firing.
– A complete combo meal built for optimum enjoyment. No further sides or add-ons needed.
– A higher cost than regular entrees due to the lavish size, but typically discounted as part of promotional specials.
– Satisfaction even for extremely hungry diners who want that extra-stuffed Panda meal.
How They Compare to Regular Entrees
Stacking a Panda Express large entree against their regular single-serve main dishes reveals some key distinctions:
Regular Entree
– 6 oz protein
– 2 cups rice side OR 1 entree with rice mixed in
– 26-30 oz total food
Large Entree
– 1 lb + protein
– Additional 1 lb + side of rice or noodles
– 2 lb + food total
So in essence, a Panda Express large entree simply doubles down on the portions to create an ultra-hearty and complete meal for extra voracious diners.
Perfect for Sharing Too!
Thanks to their generous two pounds of food, Panda’s speciality large entrees also work beautifully for sharing. Their Bamboo or Family Feast dishes provide the perfect centerpiece for gatherings of friends or extended family looking to sample a variety of Chinese favorites. Two to three people can happily graze off these huge platters of crispy honey sesame chicken or spicy mushroom chicken along with piles of either chow mein noodles or fluffy white rice. No extra ordering required!
Conclusion
Although small, medium or large labels fail to exist on most dishes, Panda Express does designate certain Family Feast and Bamboo options as official “large entrees”. These special combos contain double the protein and sides compared to regular single-person plates, delivering at least two pounds worth of food. So next time an extra-hearty helping of Chinese cuisine calls, let Panda Express satiate even the biggest appetites with their giant feasts! I hope this Panda Express Large Entree Size: What it Means post helps you.
