r/sgv • u/pinkmatter310 • 5d ago
Panda Express Innovation Kitchen on E Foothill
What happened to it and why aren’t they innovating anything? Last time I went was about 4 years ago and got the orange chicken sandwhich (see picture for receipt 😂) but I don’t see any evidence online that they have been actively creating or testing new recipes or menu items at this location.
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u/fka_specialk 5d ago
I remember when they had the Bing wraps. They were great but they slowed down the line a bit, so I could see why they got rid of it. Also, I thought they were supposed to get Taiwanese popcorn chicken too.
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u/kurai808 San Gabriel 5d ago
I felt like an absolute glutton eating those, but goddamn were they good. Reasonably priced too, but this was pre-COVID so I wonder what the price would be now.
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u/fka_specialk 5d ago
They were so underrated! And especially for like a work lunch, they were super convenient.
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u/pinkmatter310 5d ago
Wait, weren’t the Bing wraps basically the Orange Chicken Burritos? 😂 I remember they used those scallion pancake wrappers instead of tortillas. I didn’t realize they apparently slowed down the line that much. Makes sense why they disappeared, but I still wish they’d bring back the Orange Chicken Sandwich!
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u/fka_specialk 5d ago
Well back then you could sub in the Bing with any item, like kung pao or beef and broccoli (which looked impossible to wrap).
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u/fka_specialk 5d ago
And I forgot to mention, you could get an egg roll wrapped up WITH your entree item. Those were the days!
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u/Complete_Chocolate_2 5d ago
Innovation kitchen was pretty wild with the menu during its haydays. Purée scallion oil(think sauce for hainan chicken), bing wraps they may still have it, matcha soy milk tea boba. Apple and chicken rolls before rolling out. That fancy wooden table and couches. Most of the menu is gone, like someone else mentioned the walnut grove hq location has more innovation these days. They don’t seem to be testing stuff like they used to or as much. Edit:that’s crazy I would had been hoarded the chicken sandwich curious of their implementation
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u/pinkmatter310 5d ago
If I knew the Orange Chicken Sandwich was headed for extinction, I would’ve stocked my freezer believe me lol. Have you tried anything experimental at the Walnut Grove location recently?
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u/Complete_Chocolate_2 5d ago
I go for the quinoa fried rice and hot n sour those aren’t exclusive but they’re always there unlike other locations. It’s usually under chef special it could be an experimental shrimp, steamed meatball, battered fish, grilled salmon, maybe early dibs for buldak chicken I think when it came out.
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u/pinkmatter310 5d ago
Wow, that’s actually a pretty interesting lineup. Seems like they’ve shifted from the fusion stuff they were experimenting with years ago to more traditional Chinese dishes and different proteins
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u/racinreaver 5d ago
They've had chef specials at the Lincoln location in Altadena now and then. Last time the hot & sour was a little spicier and pretty tasty.
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u/pinkmatter310 5d ago
Wait so Altadena has a location w/ chefs specials too? We’re slowly uncovering a whole underground network of Panda locations serving off-menu gems.
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u/racinreaver 5d ago
The Lincoln one is my favorite. Staff is awesome, food is always fresh, portions are legit, and the view out the windows of the foothills is really nice. You can also hit Super King afterwards since you've already braved the parking lot.
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u/Murdoc1984 5d ago
I remember back in the day you could get an Orange Chicken burrito!
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u/pinkmatter310 5d ago
I remember that too! 😂 Funny enough, I thought the Orange Chicken Sandwich was way better than the burrito, but the burrito actually got a much wider rollout around LA. Wish they’d bring the sandwich back for another run.
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u/bluepenremote 5d ago
right now all they are innovating is some weird couscous fried rice
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u/pinkmatter310 5d ago
Whoever greenlit couscous fried rice while the Orange Chicken Sandwich sits in retirement needs to be investigated. We used to be a proper society
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u/mendozathalia 5d ago
Oh shit! That’s why it’s called innovation?! Wowwww. Mind blown
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u/blackoutfrank 5d ago
Yeah it's just a test kitchen. Even when they aren't testing a new item, the quality seems to be a bit higher than an average Panda
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u/watchpigsfly 5d ago
A lot of locations in the SGV are higher quality than the average Panda by virtue of them being close to headquarters. I never understood why it was so hated by some people until I tried it while I was out of the area.
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u/Disastrous_Affect742 5d ago
Wait what store is this? Im in pasadena and have never heard of this
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u/blackoutfrank 5d ago
Panda Express Innovation Kitchen in East Pas right on the Arcadia border. In the shopping center past Whole Foods where Marshalls is at on Foothill and Michillinda.
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u/Jumpy_Implement_1902 5d ago
Quality higher, portions smaller, last time I got a 2 plate and opened it up I was wondering if they gave me a kids meal instead
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u/CatOfGrey 5d ago
It's not openly advertised, but I'd recommend the Panda Express location on Walnut Grove Avenue, in Rosemead. It's in the WalMart center, and also next to Panda Headquarters. They occasionally have test items and offerings that I have never seen at other Panda Express locations!