Panda Express Celebrates Return Of Firecracker Shrimp With Multi-Course Valentine’s Day Dinner

Panda Express is celebrating Valentine’s Day with a bang. Firecracker Shrimp is making its return to menus nationwide for a limited time starting today, February 14. 

In honor of its return, and for the first time ever, Panda Express is inviting guests to enjoy a one-of-a-kind Spark Connections dinner experience at select Los Angeles and New York locations. It will transform the two restaurants into elevated dining destinations for special culinary evenings. 

The experience will include a five-course prix fixe menu curated by Panda’s very own Culinary Innovation Team. The family-style menu will include elevated takes on its signature items as well as American Chinese dishes that will only be available for these experiences. The menu will feature:

• Special amuse bouche and a welcome drink inspired by Panda Crafted Beverages
• Bread Service: Chinese donut, burrata with honey, sesame seed, chili crisp and scallion, and a side of cilantro jalapeño relish
• Appetizer: Mongolian beef sandwich made with shaved rib eye, topped with a cheese sauce and onions served with a side of lotus root and yam chips
• Main Course: Firecracker Shrimp, served with Panda’s regional specialties quinoa brown fried rice and an eggplant tofu side
• Dessert: ‘Tea’ramisu made with chiffon cake, milk tea, mascarpone whipped cream

Guests are able to secure their spots here for either 6pm or 8pm seatings in Los Angeles or New York. Priced at $38 per person, the dining experience will last approximately 75 minutes.

In the spirit of sparking connections, guests may be seated at a private or communal table. Tickets are limited to approximately 200 seats total per city location; availability for tickets are on a first come, first-served basis and are expected to go fast. A minimum of two tickets is required for booking, with a maximum of four tickets per reservation. This is an 18+ event.

To bring this experience to life, Panda has partnered with the acclaimed Olivier Cheng Catering and Events (OCC), the team responsible for bringing some of the most renowned culinary experiences to life like the Met Gala and for fashion houses like Chanel and Hermès. The premium dining experience will be complete with sit-down service, live music on display by a violinist and more surprises.

A fan-favorite since Panda Express introduced it in 2020, Firecracker Shrimp is made with seared wok-fired shrimp, fresh vegetables and flavors of Sichuan cuisine. Firecracker Shrimp is a premium item with an upcharge of $1.50 for bowls and plates.

For fans that cannot attend the experience, Panda Express will continue the celebration by offering all Panda Rewards members the opportunity to redeem one free small entree of Firecracker Shrimp with a purchase of a 2-item plate, from Monday, February 19 through March 3, 2024, or while supplies last.