Panda Express Opens First Location in Japan with Two New, Exclusive Dishes

Panda Express is now available in Japan with the opening of their first location last month on November 25, 2016. While the menu includes many of the Chinese-American staples familiar to us in the US, Japan also gets two new dishes that are only available in the country: Sweet & Pungent Shrimp and Char Siu Glazed Salmon.

- Sweet & Pungent Shrimp - Marinated shrimp, broccoli, and red bell peppers in a "fragrant citrus sauce" sprinkled with green onions.

- Char Siu Glazed Salmon - Grilled salmon coated with a Chinese barbecue sauce and served over shredded cabbage.

When I asked as to the reasoning behind the two new dishes, Chef Jimmy Wang, Director of Culinary Innovation at Panda Express replied, "These entrees honor Japanese regional flavors while celebrating Panda's American Chinese culinary roots." The seafood-based dishes also probably reflect the prevalence of such cuisine in the island country.

The first Panda Express in Japan is located in Saiwai-ku, Kawasaki, Japan. The restaurant chain plans to open additional locations throughout Japan over the coming years.

Photo via Panda Express.