Chow Mein

What is it?

Wheat noodles meet shredded cabbage, celery, and onions in a soy-based stir-fry, the standard noodle side at Panda Express. The noodles are wok-tossed until soft and lightly oily, with a little browning on the edges when the heat is right. Compared with the other sides in the Panda Express lineup, it leans more into noodles than vegetables. Cabbage shows up most clearly, while celery and onions are tucked in for texture and aroma. It’s built to sit next to an entrée and pick up extra sauce, rather than stand apart on its own.