Panda Inn, the original restaurant behind Panda Express, serves a made-to-order orange chicken that stands out due to its texture and preparation. Unlike the pre-made versions found elsewhere, this dish features fresh ingredients like dried chiles and scallions, creating a unique flavor profile that balances sweetness, acidity, and heat. The experience of enjoying this dish goes beyond taste; it evokes memories of family dining rituals and personal connections to food, highlighting the importance of presentation and the significance of dining experiences in fostering warmth and nostalgia.
At Panda Inn, the Pasadena restaurant that started Panda Express, the orange chicken is made to order, strewed with whole dried chiles, scallions and a few threads of orange zest.
The orange chicken is better, though not dramatically different from the one that waits on the steam table, but sometimes presentation can be everything.
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