Panda Express, the popular American-Chinese fast food chain, is not halal. The chicken and beef are not halal certified, and many dishes contain alcohol-based ingredients like cooking wine. Check our halal certification guide for standards. Explore halal certification for more information. Explore halal food guides for more information.
Panda Express Halal Status
Summary: Not Halal
- Meat not from halal-slaughtered animals
- Cooking wine used in many dishes
- No halal certification at any location
- Shared cooking equipment throughout
Why Panda Express Is Not Halal
Non-Halal Meat
- Chicken: Not halal slaughtered
- Beef: Conventional sourcing
- No certification: Never been halal certified
- Supply chain: Standard commercial suppliers
Alcohol in Cooking
Many dishes contain cooking wine:
- Orange Chicken: May contain wine
- Beijing Beef: Alcohol in marinade
- Kung Pao Chicken: May have cooking wine
- Various sauces: Wine-based ingredients
Cross-Contamination
- All dishes cooked in shared woks
- Same equipment for all proteins
- No separate halal preparation
- Vegetable dishes cooked in same equipment
Dishes with Alcohol Concerns
Known to potentially contain alcohol:
- Orange Chicken
- Beijing Beef
- Kung Pao Chicken
- Black Pepper Chicken
- Shanghai Angus Steak
- Various sauces and marinades
Note: Recipes may vary and change over time.
Options for Muslims at Panda Express
Vegetable Options (With Caveats)
If you choose to eat at Panda Express:
- Super Greens: Broccoli, kale, cabbage
- Steamed White/Brown Rice: Plain rice
- Chow Mein: Noodles (check for meat/alcohol)
Important: These are cooked in shared woks that also cook meat and alcohol-containing dishes.
Best Approach
For Muslims following halal guidelines:
- Avoid Panda Express for the safest option
- Meat is definitely not halal
- Alcohol is used in cooking
- Cross-contamination is unavoidable
Alternative Halal Chinese Food
Instead of Panda Express, look for:
- Halal Chinese restaurants: Many cities have them
- Muslim-owned Chinese: Especially in diverse areas
- Malaysian/Indonesian: Often halal Chinese-style dishes
- Cook at home: Halal versions of orange chicken, etc.
Halal Orange Chicken Alternatives
Popular Panda Express dish, halal alternatives:
- Make at home: Many halal recipes online
- Halal Chinese restaurants: Often have similar dish
- Frozen halal options: Some grocery stores carry
Practical Tips
- Avoid Panda Express: Not suitable for halal diet
- Alcohol in cooking: Many dishes contain wine
- No halal options: Even vegetables have cross-contamination
- Find alternatives: Halal Chinese restaurants exist
- Home cooking: Make halal orange chicken yourself