Bringing Brisket Back: Panda Express Welcomes Back Its Summer Hit Cantonese BBQ Brisket

Following overwhelming guest demand, the limited-time dish returns to restaurants nationwide after serving more than 5 million scoops during its initial run

• Cantonese BBQ Brisket makes its highly anticipated comeback after nearly selling out nationwide during its initial drop
• The premium dish delivers 44 grams of protein per serving — the highest count on the entire Panda Express menu — featuring a craveable, cross-cultural fusion of American and Cantonese BBQ
• Fans of the dish and first-timers can grab their brisket at all restaurants nationwide starting tomorrow while supplies last
  
  

ROSEMEAD, Calif., Aug. 31, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Panda Express^®, the largest family-owned and operated Asian dining concept in the U.S., today announced the official return of Cantonese BBQ Brisket — the limited-time hit that sparked massive fan buzz and early summer cravings. Now, the viral menu sensation is making its return to menus and woks nationwide beginning tomorrow, September 1, for a limited time.

With Labor Day weekend around the corner, Panda Express is keeping barbecue season going a little longer. This isn’t your typical barbecue, though — it’s a “meat cute” where one of America’s most prized cuts meets bold Cantonese flavors.

Sitting at the crossroads of two iconic BBQ traditions, the premium beef brisket is slow-cooked for that signature melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, hand-cut into thick, generous bite-sized portions, flame-seared in the wok, and tossed in an original Char Siu-style BBQ sauce. The result is a smoky, sweet and savory crossover that’s definitively Panda Express and unmistakably summer.

"Fan excitement for Cantonese BBQ Brisket was immediate and undeniable. From serving more than 5 million scoops to becoming one of our most talked-about limited-time offerings, the response proved that when we push the boundaries of American Chinese flavor, we can create new cultural fusions that resonate with guests across the country," said Evelyn Wah, Vice President of Brand Innovation at Panda Express. "Its return celebrates the incredible response we saw this summer and brings back the craveable, high-protein flavors that made it such a standout."

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Cantonese BBQ Brisket returning to Panda Express? Will it be available at all Panda Express locations?
Cantonese BBQ Brisket is available starting tomorrow, September 1, at all U.S. Panda Express locations. Guests can keep the summer barbecue energy going for Labor Day festivities and beyond by visiting their local Panda Express or ordering via the Panda Express app. To learn more about this returning favorite, visit PandaExpress.com, check out this Let’s Ask the Chef Q&A or follow Instagram, TikTok and X.

Why is Panda Express bringing back Cantonese BBQ Brisket?
Simply put: our guests demanded it. During its initial debut, Cantonese BBQ Brisket drove strong demand across the country and generated the highest guest conversation among Panda’s recent limited-time offerings.   

How much protein is in Panda Express Cantonese BBQ Brisket?
Packing 44 grams of protein per serving, Cantonese BBQ Brisket stands as Panda Express’ highest-protein dish to date — offering an effortless "protein-maxxing" option without sacrificing bold, rich, wok-fired flavor.

What are the best menu pairings for Panda Express Cantonese BBQ Brisket?
To build the ultimate summer meal, try these pairing recommendations from the Panda Express Culinary Innovation team (available combos vary by bowl, plate or family meal):

• For the ultimate summer cool-down combo, combine Cantonese BBQ Brisket with Orange Chicken over a side of Chow Mein or Super Greens, paired with the new Strawberry Dragonfruit Panda Crafted Beverage for a sweet, refreshing finish.
• Pair Cantonese BBQ Brisket with Grilled Teriyaki Chicken and a Super Greens base for a protein-powered meal (86 g), fiber (10g) and big flavor.

About Panda Express^®
Panda Express, the largest Asian dining concept in the US, is a family-owned and operated restaurant brand founded in 1983 by Co-Founders and Co-CEOs Andrew and Peggy Cherng. Driven by a mission to inspire better lives, Panda Express is recognized as a trailblazer in American Chinese cuisine. The company has pioneered iconic dishes like The Original Orange Chicken^® and award-winning Honey Walnut Shrimp, creating a variety of industry-first recipes. Each dish at Panda Express is thoughtfully crafted with quality ingredients and inspired by authentic Chinese flavors and culinary principles. With over 2,500 locations across the country and a presence in 11 international countries, Panda Express continues to share American Chinese cuisine with the world.

Powered by a global family of associates, Panda Cares®, Panda's philanthropic arm, has raised more than $455 million and has dedicated countless volunteer hours in bettering the health and education for over 16 million youth, as well as supporting communities in need since 1999. In 2021, Panda Express established the Panda CommUnity Fund® — a ten-year, $20 million investment dedicated to building a more respectful society through systemic and community‑focused change. For more information about Panda, visit pandaexpress.com, or find us on Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok.

Contact:
FINN Partners for Panda Express
PandaExpress@FINNPartners.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/96a85835-12a9-400b-a717-03adac06cfa7

Bringing Brisket Back: Panda Express Welcomes Back Its Summer Hit Cantonese BBQ Brisket

Following overwhelming guest demand, the limited-time dish returns to restaurants nationwide after serving more than 5 million scoops during its initial run