There are few things in life as disappointing as the Panda Express in the Union. I've worked here for seven years now and probably eaten here seven times. It seems I have to refresh my memory at least once a year on why I never bother.
They NEVER have the side vegetable option. Most of the time I check before getting in line and opt for something else, but ever so often, I actually fall victim to hope. Seriously, why even list it as an option if you are never going to have it? There are few lunch-related experiences as irritating as being looked at like a Martian for having the audacity to order something listed on the giant menu overhead.
Perhaps there is a reason some folks don't want the rice or noodles? If I'm in the mood to kill 1,000 calories on lunch, there are some much, much better was to do it than the generic wonderland that is a Panda Express.
I can't necessarily fault them for not making something which no one buys, but if that is the case, stop pretending to offer it.
So if you don't want to power bomb yourself with 500 calories of fried carbs, forget having a side. However, ordering two small entrees à la carte, which seems logical enough, costs a couple of bucks more than ordering the two-entree plate and just throwing away said 500 calories of fried carbs that you never wanted.
Seriously, never again. This place is by far the biggest rip off in the student union. read more