Yes, this is fast food Chinese Food. However, unlike Taco Bell, this chain has managed to make flavorful, tasty and delicious fast food ethnic food. For me, their orange chicken will always be the best breaded, fried and sauce-covered Asian-style chicken you can get. Put it on top of a pile of fried rice and you have a lunch or dinner that satisfies without breaking your bank. What more could you want from a fast-food joint.
Of all of the fast food places in existence, Panda Express is the only one I eat at with any regularity. As good as the orange chicken is, I have become a huge fan of the Mandarin Chicken in my later years. Not breaded, but still served with some spices and on that fried rice, it is just excellent and satisfying.
They also have white rice if you aren't into the fried stuff. They have an excellent selection of stir-fired vegetables as well. I always liked the roomines and the staff at this particular Panda Express, plus I used to work right across the street.
Panda Express is now showing up at the various Illinois Tollway oases. Try it out!
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