Is There Panda Express in China?

Is there a Panda Express in China? The short easy answer to this is no, there is not. This is American Chinese fast food, although there was briefly a knock-off version in Kunming.

There are though, apparently at least plans to bring the chain to the Middle Kingdom. What could go wrong?

What is Panda Express?

For those not in the know Panda Express is the biggest American Chinese fast food chain in the world. Started in California back in 1983, the company now has more than 2500 branches globally, mainly in the United States, but also in places like Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, South Korea and the UAE. They essentially took Chinese food, covered it in sugar and salt, made massive portions and sold it like burgers and fries.

And yes it is pretty much the worst kind of franchise fast food Chinese shit you can get. Think McDonalds with noodles and you are halfway there. Orange Chicken is their big thing, despite it being about as Chinese as queuing! Still though Americans absolutely love it and the company makes an absolute fortune from it.

Panda Express in Kunming

Back in 2020 and the height of Covid I reported that a Panda Express had allegedly opened in Kunming. As expected this turned out to be a knock-off joint. China are still the experts at it.

They did though try to mimic Panda Express and apparently did well for a time. Whether this was good food though, or the kitch value of Chinese people trying American-Chinese food though is unknown. Alas another victim of Coronavirus.

This though should not be seen as a bellwether.

So, is Panda Express coming to China?

There are reports of expansion into China, in particular to Tianjin. Previously I would have said that this was dumb, but in fact the food and street food scene of China has now changed. Honestly food in China is now dominated by franchise chains with standardized food, so really what difference would one more make?

Am I bitter? Yes I am. As things stand though there are currently no Panda Express operations in China, real or fake. I personally though think they could do ok.