9 Panda Express Menu Hacks That Score You Extra Food for Free

I eat more than I need at Panda Express. This is because it’s fast, hot and the orange chicken tastes exactly the same no matter where you go. But I’m tired of spending 12 dollars and still hungry. Worse, I noticed what I paid for two small scoops. So last year or so, I started messing around with how I ordered. In search of things, look at what they’re doing behind the counter and try things out. And now? I never leave with food worth less than two meals for the same price.

1. Get a larger plate. everytime.

If you’re ordering a bowl, you’re doing it wrong. I say it with love.

Here’s why: The bowl gives you one side and one entree. that’s it. And the difference in price with that Larger plate (It comes with three entrees and one side) is just like $3.

But they don’t give you less food on a larger plate. The scoop is the same size. So it’s not “Three small parts”literally Three times More food.

Pro Tips: Family Feast vs. 2 Big Plates

Do you want to feed at least five people? You’re probably wondering if you should get it Family meals cost $35 or Three big plates for $34.50? (Before tax)

So let’s break it down:

3 big plates = 72 OZAntrée (8 oz x 3 scoop x 3 plates) + 48 oz sides

Family meals = 78 OzAntrée (3 big scoops) + 52 oz side

Both meal options are basically the same price, but family meals offer more chow overall and are definitely easy to split up. Plus, you won’t get an additional upcharge of premium entrees.

verdict: If everyone eats the same thing, Family meals win all day long. All I order is to feed the noisy crowds I want a variety of entrees.

2. Find half and half

You probably know you can do half with your entree. But you can also do it in your si-des, and most people don’t understand it.

So just ask for it in place of Cho Mine. half Chau Maine, half Fried Rice. Or, if you want to pretend you’re balanced things, do the super greens (I sometimes do that to feel a little more healthy). They don’t care. They will do that. They do that all the time.

It’s not a trick, it’s something you have to ask because you don’t offer it.

See: Chipotle Menu Hacks to Get You a Giant Burrito

3. Some entrees are far better than others… Strictly volume

I used to get what I used to hear well. Now I get something to fill the box.

There are “thick” entrees and “thin” entrees. Thick = good.

Orange chicken, Beijing beef and sweet fire chicken are all thick, heavy “fill” type entrees.

Then there’s the thin ones: string chicken, mushroom chicken, black pepper chicken, everything slices very thin and looks like leftovers from someone else’s plate.

If you are trying to move your money further, unless you are hooked on how it tastes, you are trying to move your money further.

You’ll get thicker and more food. I literally saw them try and scooped up some of the thin ones and pushed away the vegetables for 10 seconds.

Pro Tip: Use Super Green as a hidden “Plate Spacer”

ask “Half Super Green” Like your side…but here’s the trick: bulky cabbage and broccoli take up more space at the bottom of the box.

This means that the entree scoop sits high in the tray, and often spills on the edges, especially if you’re getting something thick like Beijing beef.

It’s like building a food platform, so the rest is stacked tall. More food. Same price. Pandagenga.

See also: Hack at Menu Hack Starbucks Get Your More Coffee

4. Do not order honey walnut shrimp sides

They charge extra for honey walnut shrimp. That’s good.

What doesn’t work is when you use it as one of your entrees and they give you just five shrimp. I counted. Multiple times. Five. You can smile or act casually… They still give you five people.

So, if you’re going to get it, get it as a sample (in 1 second for more details). But using it as one of your main entrees is a joke unless you just disappoint.

5. You can still get a free sample (just ask a question)

They have those little plastic spoons behind the counter for a reason.

You can ask to try something before committing and they will give you a decent spoonful.

I’ve done it many times, especially when I’m thinking about getting One of the premium items But I don’t want to waste my money.

Sometimes I even say, “Can I try that before I decide?” Just as I can bite something extra. it’s okay. They’re used to it.

Pro Tip: “Extra Source” Hack

Here’s how to turn dry teriyaki or sticky orange chicken into restaurant quality again: Wait until they scooped out and then say:

“Can I get some extra sauce on top?”

Most places have sauce pots and ladles nearby. They pour fresh sauce into your already scoped entree.

There are no fees. If you ask politely, they never say “no.” bonus: The sauce adds weight. It literally increases the amount of food.

6. Always get a free water cup

You don’t have to pay for a drink. You don’t. Seek for a water cup.

You can get a cup of the same size every time. It’s slightly smaller than the soda ones, but it’s still bigger. It’s not filtered glacial water, but it’s free and that’s important.

Also, if you’re eating, grab some fortune cookies on your way out. No one counts them. Throw some extras into the bag. I do it every time and have never been called.

7. A receipt is worth something (but only if you hold it)

Check the bottom of the receipt every time you buy something. Usually there is Links to get researched. It takes about a minute and finally, you’ll get the code for free Antrée on your next purchase.

So what I do is buy something inexpensive like rice or drinks. And then bring the code for the next time and Boom… Free Antrée.

It’s not a flashy hack, but it works. The trick is do not have Throw away your receipts as most people do.

Pro Tip: hurry visit

Pandas restock trays based on traffic. If you go right after peak hours (such as 1:45pm after lunch) or 7:45pm after dinner), you usually refill everything, but here’s where you’ll find a move.

Ask for what they just brought.

Literally say:

“Can you get some orange chicken from the fresh tray you just brought?”

Nine out of 10, they do it. It was not under the heat lamp for 2 hours, and the portion is usually heavy as they are not trying to stretch the bottom of the pot. You’re getting hotter foods, but in many cases it’s more.

See: Like McDonald’s? You should try these menu hacks

8. Split it at home

This isn’t a “hack” either, but it’s something we’re actually doing.

I’ll get Larger plate Three different entrees and half/half sides, when I got home I split them into two complete meals.

If you need to stretch the remaining rice or frozen vegetables, throw some rice.

Sometimes I steam broccoli and throw it there to make me feel like I’ve cooked it. But most I just know Two solid lunches Then it feels like I’ve fooled the system.

Pro Tip: Become a receipt stacker

This is the wild one: Use your survey receipt to get free Antri.

Purchase that redemption (even on the $2 side of the rice) and you’ll get a new receipt with a research link. This can be repeated indefinitely. It’s a free food loop.

People don’t realize that Panda’s system offers a different survey each time. If you’re organized (and willing to take 60 seconds each time), you can continue your legitimate chain forever.

9. Create your own order (do not use the default combo online)

If you are ordering online, Avoid the proposed combo. They usually look good, but in the end they cost more.

Instead, go to “Make your own plate” Section, select what you actually want, then check if there is a trading code that you can drop at the end (sometimes give them a free drink or dessert).

Panda app Not surprising, but sometimes you get decent offers. Honestly, even if you don’t, creating an order manually can usually save you a few dollars.

Ask your readers: For Panda Express, what menu hack did I miss? Tell us how you get the most chow (mines) for your money.

By Kyle James