The Rebel Yellow

The Rebel Yellow

Panda Express CEO doesn’t mind if you call its food ‘inauthentic’

Andrew and Peggy Cherng describe the chain’s menu as American Chinese food, reflecting a mix of Chinese cooking and American tastes.

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The Rebel Yellow
Aug 28, 2026
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Photo via TODAY (YouTube)

Call Panda Express inauthentic Chinese food and Andrew Cherng won’t argue with you. The chain’s co-founder and co-CEO says he takes “no offense” at the criticism and questions how authenticity should be defined across the many cuisines associated with China. He says Panda Express leaves the ultimate judgment to its customers.

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