Panda Express vs Chipotle

The Panda Express vs. Chipotle comparisons initially don’t seem appropriate because of their differences in menu, an orange-and-apple comparison, if you may. But when you take a closer look, these comparisons are more warranted than it appears for two reasons, namely: first, both are considered as fast casual restaurant chains and, second, both have their own takes on non-American cuisines.

Oranges and Apples Comparison

Let’s take a look at the differences that makes the Panda Express and Chipotle comparisons akin to oranges-and-apples comparisons. For one thing, Panda Express serves its customer American-Chinese foods including Orange Chicken, Beijing Beef, Firecracker Chicken Breast, Kung Pao Chicken, and Teriyaki Chicken. These may or may not be served with the customer’s choice in steamed rice, fried rice, mixed vegetables, or chow mein.

Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. is known for its Mexican-inspired cuisine, especially for its large Mission-style or San Francisco-style burritos and tacos. The name itself comes from chipotle, a type of chili pepper that has been smoked and dried before serving. The menu is fairly simple yet it’s effective in its simplicity with just four main items – burritos, tacos, bowls and salads.

But each of these items can also be customized according to the customer’s preferences. The basic toppings include chicken, pork, steak, and carnitas for meat lovers as well as vegetarian toppings like guacamole. The extra toppings, most of which are available for free, include rice, beans, queso, cheese, salsa, and lettuce.

Most of the restaurants also offer a children’s menu, as well as a wide range of fruits drinks, soft drinks, margaritas, and beer.

Unlike Panda Express, Chipotle has an uncommon focus on keeping its menu simple. According to its management, by doing just a few things, Chipotle can do them better than anybody else – and it’s working because the chain is among the fastest-growing chains in the fast casual segment.  Panda Express strives to introduce new items to its menu, most of which comes from its Panda’s Innovation Kitchen.

For another thing, Panda Express has a buffet-style method of serving food to its customers although it’s only an option.  Customers can also avail of the dine-in and take-out services.

Chipotle, in contrast, adapted the assembly line process in letting its customers customize their tacos, burritos, and bowls. Customers line up at the food counter and choose from the fresh ingredients, which are then assembled in front of them by the servers.

Which of the two serve more delicious food? Well, it depends on your personal preferences, especially since they have different foreign cuisine-inspired menus adapted for the American taste.

We can confidently say, nonetheless, that both Panda Express and Chipotle have great chicken dishes! We love Panda Express’ orange chicken and Chipotle’s Chicken Burrito Bowl with Cilantro Lime Rice.

Health and Music Comparison

Both fast casual chains are also surprisingly health-conscious, an uncommon trait in the fast-food industry filled with fat-laden, sodium- and MSG-rich foods.  Panda Express, for example, offer only dishes without MSG, whether these were prepared by the chain’s employees or were delivered by its suppliers.  Emphasis must be made that MSG has been linked to a wide range of illnesses so the chain’s decision to completely exclude it is commendable.

Chipotle is also known for its strong commitment to offering healthy food with ingredients sourced from organic farmers and only the freshest ingredients used in its food. As proof of it, all Chipotle restaurants don’t have fridges, microwave ovens and food warmers, and can openers since all ingredients must be freshly prepared.

When it comes to atmosphere, both chains are just about even, especially as you can’t expect fine dining décor from fast-food establishments. The music in these chains, however, is uncommon in the industry because there are no Billboard hits on. Instead, the chains use customized music created by third-party producers – Chris Golub for Chipotle and Trusonic for Panda Express.

In the Panda Express vs. Chipotle comparison, we have to say that Chipotle wins when it comes to food quality including the freshness of the ingredients and the flavors of the dishes. But in terms of customer service, cleanliness and ambiance, they are about even.