Panda Express opened in Megamall towards the end of 2019 and, up to now, people still line up for their famous chicken for more than an hour during peak hours.
We have better Chinese restaurants in Manila, so is it really worth it to queue for American Chinese fast food? Here’s what we think…
PANDA EXPRESS PHILIPPINES
Address: Upper Ground Floor, SM Megamall A, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City
Operating Hours: Open Daily during Mall Hours 10.00 am – 10.00 pm
Facebook: Panda Express Philippines
Instagram: @pandaexpressph
Twitter: @pandaexpressph
Email: pandaexpressphils@gmail.com
Website: http://www.pandaexpress.com.ph/
1 Hour Queuing
The flagship store of Panda Express Philippines opened on the ground floor of SM Megamall A (not the supermarket side).
We lined up for 1 hour just to get inside the restaurant so make sure you bring a book or a friend to have good conversations with.
It took another hour just to go through the ordering process, and it would help if you already know what you want.
Panda Express Menu
The Orange Chicken made its Manila debut together with 10 other featured wok-fried dishes (with the Honey Walnut Shrimp to make a debut later on).
Check out the Panda Express Menu: A la Carte Entrees, Sides, Appetizers, Soup, Desserts
For family sharing, we ordered the large entree for the best sellers and the bigger plate to try out the other dishes.
Panda Express Manila Experience
When it is your turn to order, they ask you first which side you want: Chow Mien, Fried Rice, White Steamed Rice or Mixed Vegetables.
The Orange Chicken was the winner because it had the same taste and texture as sweet and sour pork but with a delicious smoky wok flavor.
We ordered the large entree portions, and they were already good for 3-4 people.
We tried the appetizers, a bit expensive for fried appetizers. Best not to order sides, desserts or anything else.
In terms of flavor, I felt our Chinese restaurants in Manila are better, but this was good value for money considering there were 3 dishes with medium rice or chow mien.
Their spicy dishes were not spicy at all, so better order just the Plate (2 entrees + 1 side) because the third entree was in a small box and not worth it.
The boys loved the Orange Chicken and the Fried Rice so much that everything was wiped out in 10 minutes.
The fortune cookies were a nice touch to end the meal, but the sayings were very generic.
Final Thoughts
Overall, we love the Orange Chicken plus Fried Rice combination and the Fortune Cookie ending.
It is NOT worth it to line-up for the food because we have better Chinese food here in Manila. Better to take out the large entree because usually you don’t have to line up that long for take-outs.
It’s good value for a budget of ₱200/head you get a good portion of wok-fried Chinese food. I think this is a little better than Chowking, and we plan to go back for the Honey Walnut Shrimps.
Congratulations to Jollibee for successfully bringing the Panda Express Philippines franchise to Manila! Good job guys!
PANDA EXPRESS PHILIPPINES
Address: Upper Ground Floor, SM Megamall A, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City
Operating Hours: Open Daily during Mall Hours 10.00 am – 10.00 pm
Facebook: Panda Express Philippines
Instagram: @pandaexpressph
Twitter: @pandaexpressph
Email: pandaexpressphils@gmail.com
Website: http://www.pandaexpress.com.ph/
Live an Awesome Life,
Founder, Our Awesome Planet
Disclosure: We paid for our meal. I wrote this article with my biases, opinions and insights.
P.S. The wok-fried deliciousness of the food is just hype and I do hope the service will be friendlier.
Local pricing seems more competitive here than that in the US. I think its around 9 dollars for 2 viand combo.
But yes flr a 200 pesos per head, there could be better options. However if you are a small portion eater, then it might make sense is more share the food.
If I ate my food at the restaurant I would have taken my plate to the manager and have him taste it. I’m sorry panda express but I am familiar with the taste over in the Bay Area SF. Your version of panda express is terrible. Start with the half and half so dry and nothing taste near its original. It was good during the opening. People don’t bother trying to experience the panda express. Adobo and pancit canton is way better. Even lucky me taste better.