10 Panda Express Tips You Need To Know Before Your Next Order - Tasting Table

"While most items are freshest right after opening, there is one item that generally is not, and that's the fried rice. So, if you only like fresh fried rice, consider ordering something else for your side if you're doing an early order. The reason that the fried rice isn't usually fresh right at opening is that the employees are still using up the rice they had left over from the night before. The same isn't true for the white steamed rice, which is made fresh."

"However, one Panda Express employee on social media says that their location specifically makes extra rice to use for the next day's fried rice to get the right texture. The older rice is drier and doesn't end up being as mushy as when it's made fresh. In fact, most fried rice recipes start with rice that has at least been chilled before turning it into fried rice to prevent it from becoming mushy."

Ordering timing affects freshness and availability at Panda Express. Most menu items are freshest right after opening, but fried rice often uses rice left from the previous day, which some locations prefer for texture. White steamed rice is prepared fresh. Some locations intentionally make extra rice to chill and use for the next day's fried rice to reduce mushiness. Fried rice made later in the day is more likely to use same-day rice. Choosing sides or ordering later can yield fresher fried rice or ensure the exact texture preferred. Timing can also influence value and portions.

Read at Tasting Table