Panda Express Mixes Asian Favorite Bao Bun with American Classic Pastrami

Panda Express is testing their new Pastrami Bao Bun at the Panda Express Innovation Kitchen in Pasadena.

The new Pastrami Bao Bun test item is a combination of the popular Taiwanese gua bao – a pork belly bun – and the classic American deli staple, the pastrami sandwich, and features hickory-smoked pork belly and pastrami spices and pickled cucumbers in a steamed bao or rice flour bun.

“The inspiration behind this new dish comes from the Panda chefs wanting to create a nostalgic and delicious hand-held item,” Panda Express told Brand Eating. “In the Taiwanese culture, hand-held food is part of an everyday meal for people on the go, and bao buns are the most popular street food in the region. Similar to traditional bao buns, Panda Chefs wanted to keep each component simple, and allow each part of the dish to shine.”

The Pastrami Bao Bun is available only at Panda’s Innovation Kitchen in Pasadena, and is priced $2.75 each, two for $5, and three for $7.50. Panda Express said the test will run for two months, or until supplies run out.

Panda Express’ Innovation Kitchen is a platform for experimenting with new flavors and dishes, as well as elements of service, design and décor. It was born from the vision of the founders of Panda Express, Andrew and Peggy Cherng, whose passion for fresh ideas continues to be a driving force in shaping the future of their restaurants.

Around 2014 when the Innovation Kitchen was opened, Panda Express also debuted their online ordering system and mobile app, making it possible for their customers to place orders at the touch of a button or the swipe of a screen.

The Innovation Kitchen, which opened in 2014, is located at 3867 E Foothill Blvd.

To learn more about Panda Express Innovation Kitchen, call (626) 351-9128 or click here.