Panda Express
Panda Express opened in 1983 by Andrew Cherng in California. A few years later, one of their most famous dishes, orange chicken, was created. Since then, Panda has continued to grow by extending their business around the country and around the globe. Some details and observations we noticed about the Champaign Panda Express is that they have a very modern, or American looking interior. For example, they have modern paintings throughout the restaurant and they have U of I decorations and logos. However, Panda has a slideshow that they have placed near the seating area which shows major Chinese historical events. This shows that even though they are an American fast food chain, Panda is still trying to represent Chinese culture. Another important detail that we learned during the interview is that Panda celebrates Chinese holidays such as Chinese New Year. They decorate the restaurant, sell traditional food, and try to promote knowledge about the holiday. We learned from the manager that for Chinese New Year, they give coupons to their customers. Along with this, Panda celebrates all major American holidays too. This further shows that Panda Express is attempting to display both American and Chinese culture. |
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Panda Express Menu:
Entrees: Orange Chicken, Pacific Chili Shrimp, String Bean Chicken Breast, Kung Pao Chicken, Broccoli Beef, Honey Walnut Shrimp, Eggplant Tofu, Chicken dumplings, and many more Sides/Appetizers: Fried rice, white or brown rice, chicken egg rolls, vegetable spring rolls Dessert: Fortune Cookie History of the fortune cookie: -There are several theories about how the fortune cookie was created and there are several people who claim credit for it. However, it is a proven fact that the cookie is not a part of Chinese culture and it was not made in China. -In the early 1900's, it was first reported that a Japanese Tea Garden in San Francisco made the cookie. Then, the founder of Little Tokyo in L.A claimed to have made it. -During WWII, the popularity of the fortune cookie was handed to Chinese Americans and one theory behind this is that it was due to Japanese internment camps. The main point is that the fortune cookie is not considered a traditional Chinese dessert. Regardless, it has been adopted by the West and given a Chinese association. Because of this, traditional restaurants such as Golden Harbor and Lai Lai Wok offer fortune cookies. |
Menu Information:
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