Panda Express CEO Addresses Authenticity Criticism of Chinese Cuisine
Panda Express, renowned for its signature dishes such as orange chicken, fortune cookies, and egg rolls, has faced scrutiny over the authenticity of its offerings. On August 26, co-CEOs Andrew and Peggy Cherng addressed these criticisms during an interview on TODAY with Savannah Sellers. As the largest Asian restaurant chain in the United States, boasting over 2,500 locations, Panda Express has become a staple in American dining.
Critics often argue that the chain does not serve 'traditional' Chinese cuisine. However, Andrew Cherng expressed that he is not concerned about these critiques. "I take no offense at all," he stated, acknowledging the diversity of cuisines and the subjective nature of authenticity. He emphasized that the decision of what to serve is ultimately made by their customers, who have embraced the menu.
Peggy Cherng supported her husband’s viewpoint, noting that the restaurant identifies itself as offering 'American Chinese food' to reflect the blend of cultures and culinary traditions. This fusion is epitomized by their most popular dish, orange chicken, which was created by chef Andy Kao in 1987. The dish is a modern interpretation of a citrus-flavored recipe from China’s Hunan province, and last year, customers ordered approximately 148 million pounds of it, solidifying its status as the chain's top seller.
Panda Express began its journey with a single sit-down restaurant in Southern California called The Panda Inn. Despite its evolution into a successful fast-food empire, the Cherngs maintain a family-oriented approach to management, which they believe has contributed to their sustained success in the American Chinese food market. Andrew Cherng remarked, "We helped really, you know define a new category (of) quick-service, right?" He noted that while some Chinese immigrant families may not view Panda Express as authentic, their children appreciate the convenience and flavor of the food.
Since opening its first location in the 1970s, Panda Express has expanded into various venues, including malls, airports, and college campuses, continually adapting to meet the preferences of its loyal customers and ensuring the legacy of the brand endures.
