In honor of National Orange Chicken Day (July 15), The Knockturnal was invited to an exclusive media preview at Panda Express’ Midtown Manhattan location (835 3rd Ave) for the debut of their Orange Chicken Kitchen, a vibrant pop-up celebrating the legacy and evolution of their iconic American Chinese comfort food.
As the home of The Original Orange Chicken®, Panda Express is going all out with this immersive, limited-time experience running July 15–20. The pop-up is a tribute to the beloved dish that helped define the brand, now reimagined through exciting new creations and cultural flair.
What’s on the Menu?
Attendees were treated to exclusive tastings of Panda Express’ most buzzworthy twists on the classic, including:
- Orange Chicken with Bacon: A savory, smoky twist on the OG
- Orange Chicken Wings: Bold, crispy, and full of punch
- Hot Orange Chicken: A fan-favorite returning by popular demand, blending sweet, spicy, and tangy in one satisfying bite
Hot Orange Chicken is available at Panda Express locations nationwide from July 9 -September 30, or while supplies last.
The Chef Behind the Flavor
At the media preview, we spoke with Chef Adrian Lok, Panda Express’ Senior Manager of Culinary Innovation, who gave an inside look into the creative and cultural journey behind these dishes. With a background in global spices and a passion for fusing culinary traditions, Chef Lok shared insights into America’s growing obsession with swicy (sweet + spicy) food trends and how Orange Chicken continues to evolve as a craveable classic.
Orange Vibes Only
The Orange Chicken Kitchen lounge was a full sensory experience dripping in vibrant orange artwork from floor to ceiling. Guests relaxed in the custom-designed space, tried their luck at winning exclusive Panda merch from a themed claw machine, created personalized Panda Express bag charms, and soaked in the energy of the moment.
Set the Tone
The night came alive with music from DJ Mustafa Ali-Smith, a vinyl-only DJ who specializes in classic funk, soul, deep house, and R&B. His carefully curated set added the perfect sonic seasoning to the evening. Having just attended Brooklyn’s annual Soul Summit, a massive celebration of deep house and funk in Fort Greene Park, DJ Mustafa brought that same soulful energy and vibration to this Panda Express celebration.
The music felt like an intentional extension of the menu, bold, layered, and culturally rich. His deep crates and instinct for atmosphere proved that flavor isn’t just on the plate; it’s in the pulse of the room.
Don’t Miss It
Whether you’re a longtime Panda fan or a foodie in search of something new, the Orange Chicken Kitchen pop-up delivers on flavor, fun, and cultural connection. The staff at the 835 3rd Ave location are friendly, welcoming, and proud to share the evolution of a dish that has become a nationwide favorite.
📍 Orange Chicken Kitchen Pop-Up
Location: 835 3rd Ave, New York, NY
Dates: July 15–20, 2025
Learn more about Panda Express and explore The Original Orange Chicken®.
Follow DJ Mustafa Ali-Smith for more soul-powered sounds and upcoming sets.