Panda Express Typhoon Chili Shrimp 2026: Locations, Calories & Review 

Panda Express Typhoon Chili Shrimp is a new limited-time premium entree currently being tested at 20 select restaurants in California, Louisiana, and Texas through September 7, 2026. It features crispy tempura-battered shrimp tossed in a savory, spicy chili sauce with crunchy garlic pieces and bell peppers  and carries a ~$1.50 premium upcharge.

Panda Express doesn’t make a lot of noise when it tests new menu items. No press releases, no nationwide billboards. But the food community notices. Typhoon Chili Shrimp, the chain’s newest spicy shrimp entree, has been quietly rolling through 20 test restaurants across three states  and the early reactions are turning heads.

What Is Panda Express Typhoon Chili Shrimp?

Typhoon Chili Shrimp is Panda Express’s newest premium seafood entree, introduced as a regional test item in summer 2026. The dish features:

• Crispy tempura-battered shrimp  crunchy exterior, tender center
• Bell peppers and onions  for color, freshness, and textural contrast
• Savory spicy chili sauce  bold, garlicky, and moderately hot
• Crunchy fried garlic topping  the signature finishing touch

Unlike Honey Walnut Shrimp, which leans sweet and creamy, Typhoon Chili Shrimp leans savory and spicy. It’s wok-tossed, carries a medium heat level, and is categorized as a premium entree with an additional charge on top of the standard Bowl, Plate, or Bigger Plate price.

Where Can You Find Typhoon Chili Shrimp? (Test Locations by State)

Typhoon Chili Shrimp is currently available at 20 select Panda Express locations across three states. The test window runs through September 7, 2026.

Which California Cities Have Typhoon Chili Shrimp?

Panda Express has not published a full list of exact addresses for test locations. Based on available reports, the Los Angeles, San Diego, and Orange County metro areas are your best bets in California. Before making the trip, confirm availability by:

• Checking the Panda Express app  participating stores will list the item in their online menus
• Calling your local store directly
• Browsing r/PandaExpress on Reddit, where users regularly post confirmed sightings

Which Louisiana Cities Have Typhoon Chili Shrimp?

Louisiana is one of three test states. New Orleans and Baton Rouge metro area locations are most likely to carry the dish, though availability varies by store.

Which Texas Cities Have Typhoon Chili Shrimp?

Texas represents the largest potential test market. Houston, Dallas, and Austin area locations have been flagged by early reviewers. Houston, in particular, has had positive Yelp reviews referencing the chili shrimp. Check the app before visiting.

How Much Does Typhoon Chili Shrimp Cost?

Typhoon Chili Shrimp is classified as a premium entree  the same tier as Honey Walnut Shrimp  which adds roughly $1.50 to $2.00 on top of the standard meal price. Here’s how the math looks:

Prices vary by location and market. Always check the Panda Express app or in-store menu for final pricing, taxes, and delivery fees.

What Are the Ingredients in Typhoon Chili Shrimp?

Panda Express has not published a full ingredient list for this test item. Based on confirmed reports and the dish’s known components, here’s what makes up the entree:

Shellfish (shrimp), wheat (tempura batter), soy. Shared-equipment contact may also occur. Confirm directly with your local restaurant if you have severe allergies, as full allergen data for test items is not yet publicly available.

What Does Typhoon Chili Shrimp Taste Like? (Review)

The flavor profile here sits firmly in savory-spicy territory. The tempura batter holds up well after saucing, keeping a satisfying crunch rather than turning soggy. The chili sauce brings enough heat to notice, but it doesn’t overpower the shrimp  the garlic topping adds the most character, delivering an aromatic, roasted finish that sets this dish apart from anything else currently on the Panda Express menu.

If you regularly eat Kung Pao Chicken without breaking a sweat, Typhoon Chili Shrimp will feel comfortable. If Orange Chicken is usually your ceiling, expect a noticeable step up.

Early customer reactions highlight four consistent themes:

• Crispy texture that holds after saucing
• Bold garlic aroma and finish
• Balanced, buildable heat
• A fresher alternative to the sweetness of Honey Walnut Shrimp

Panda Express Typhoon Chili Shrimp Nutrition and Calories

Official nutrition facts have not yet been released by Panda Express for this test item. Based on comparable shrimp entrees on the Panda Express menu, here are estimated figures:

These are estimates only. Official data will be published by Panda Express if the dish moves to a broader rollout.

How Unhealthy Is Panda Express Shrimp?

Relative to other Panda Express entrees, shrimp dishes tend to fall in the moderate range  not the worst option, but not a light meal either. For reference, Honey Walnut Shrimp contains approximately 370–430 calories per entree with around 28g of fat and 13g of protein.

Typhoon Chili Shrimp’s tempura coating and chili sauce will contribute calories, fat, and sodium. The sodium range is the most significant concern for anyone monitoring daily intake, as fast-casual Chinese entrees typically run high. That said, pairing the dish with Super Greens instead of Fried Rice reduces the overall calorie and sodium load of your full meal noticeably.

What Is Panda Express Shrimp Made Of?

Panda Express shrimp entrees are built around whole shrimp coated in a tempura-style batter. The shrimp used across Panda Express dishes are generally large, individually battered, and wok-cooked. Typhoon Chili Shrimp specifically uses:

• Whole shrimp (tempura-battered)
• Savory chili-garlic sauce (proprietary blend)
• Fresh vegetables (bell peppers, onions)
• Crispy fried garlic pieces as a garnish

Panda Express has not released the full sauce formulation, which is typical for test-market items.

How Does Typhoon Chili Shrimp Compare to Chili Crisp Shrimp (2023)?

This isn’t Panda Express’s first attempt at a bold shrimp entree. In September 2023, Panda Express launched Chili Crisp Shrimp nationwide  a Sichuan-inspired dish featuring a tangy, fermented chili crisp sauce. Here’s how the two compare:

The key content gap most competitor posts miss: Chili Crisp Shrimp proved that a spicy shrimp entree can succeed at Panda Express. Typhoon Chili Shrimp follows the same test-to-national playbook.

Will Typhoon Chili Shrimp Go Nationwide?

Panda Express has a clear pattern with test items. Chili Crisp Shrimp started as a regional concept before going nationwide in September 2023. More recently, Buldak Sweet & Sour Chicken (2025–2026) followed a similar limited test → broader rollout trajectory after strong social media performance.

Signals that suggest a national rollout is possible:

• Heavy TikTok and Reddit coverage from outside the test markets
• Positive early taste reviews across California, Texas, and Louisiana
• Strong interest from customers who typically avoid the chain’s sweeter entrees

The one variable worth watching: only 20 stores are in this test, which is smaller than Panda Express’s typical pilot scale. The September 7, 2026 deadline is when Panda Express will evaluate results. If sales data holds up, expect an announcement in Q4 2026 or early 2027.

What Else Is Panda Express Testing in 2026?

Typhoon Chili Shrimp is part of a broader 2026 testing strategy that includes the Sichuan Chicken & Fries Shake Box, currently being piloted in Milwaukee, Detroit, El Paso, Omaha, and Jacksonville. Panda Express appears to be leaning into premium, bold-flavored items with limited-market launches  testing appetite (literally) before committing to nationwide supply chains.

How Should You Order Typhoon Chili Shrimp?

• Call ahead or check the Panda Express app before visiting any location in CA, TX, or LA
• Best side pairings:
  • Chow Mein  soaks up the chili sauce well
  • Super Greens  balances the richness of tempura
  • Steamed White Rice  lets the garlic and chili flavors lead
• Panda Rewards: Earn your standard 10 points per $1 spent, even on premium entrees
• Avoid pairing with Honey Walnut Shrimp in the same meal if you’re sodium-conscious  combined sodium will be high

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Panda Express Typhoon Chili Shrimp?
Typhoon Chili Shrimp is a limited-time test entree from Panda Express featuring crispy tempura-battered shrimp, bell peppers, onions, a savory chili sauce, and a crunchy garlic topping. It’s currently being tested at 20 select locations in California, Louisiana, and Texas through September 7, 2026.

Where is Typhoon Chili Shrimp available in 2026?
It’s only available at 20 Panda Express test locations in California, Texas, and Louisiana. It is not available nationwide. Check the Panda Express app or call your local store to confirm availability before visiting.

How much does Typhoon Chili Shrimp cost at Panda Express?
As a premium entree, it carries a roughly $1.50–$2.00 upcharge. A Bowl with Typhoon Chili Shrimp runs approximately $10.80, depending on your location.

When does the Typhoon Chili Shrimp test end?
The announced test window ends September 7, 2026. After that date, Panda Express will decide whether to expand, modify, or discontinue the item.

Is Typhoon Chili Shrimp very spicy?
It registers as a medium heat level  comparable to Kung Pao Chicken. Noticeably spicy, but not extreme. Reviewers describe the heat as gradual and buildable rather than immediate.

What are the calories in Panda Express Typhoon Chili Shrimp?
Official calorie data has not been released for this test item. Based on comparable shrimp entrees, the estimated range is 280–330 calories per serving. Panda Express will publish official nutrition facts if the dish rolls out nationally.

What is Panda Express Typhoon Chili Shrimp made of?
The dish contains tempura-battered shrimp, bell peppers, onions, a savory spicy chili sauce, and crunchy fried garlic pieces. Panda Express has not released the full sauce recipe for this test item.

How does Typhoon Chili Shrimp compare to Honey Walnut Shrimp?
Both are premium tempura shrimp entrees with a ~$1.50 upcharge. Honey Walnut Shrimp is sweet, creamy, and mild. Typhoon Chili Shrimp is savory, spicy, and heavy on garlic. Choose Typhoon if you prefer bold heat over sweetness.

Will Typhoon Chili Shrimp become a permanent Panda Express menu item?
No confirmation yet. Panda Express follows a test-to-national strategy  Chili Crisp Shrimp (2023) used the same path before going nationwide. Strong test performance could lead to a wider rollout in late 2026 or 2027.

Can you order Typhoon Chili Shrimp on the Panda Express app?
Yes, but only at participating test locations. The item will appear in the app menu only for stores that are part of the 2026 regional test. It will not be visible at non-participating locations.

Is Typhoon Chili Shrimp Worth Tracking Down?

If you’re in California, Texas, or Louisiana and enjoy crispy seafood with real heat behind it, the answer is almost certainly yes. Typhoon Chili Shrimp fills a genuine gap in the Panda Express menu  a spicy, savory shrimp option that doesn’t rely on sweetness to carry the dish.

The test window closes September 7, 2026. Check the Panda Express app for your nearest participating location, call ahead to confirm availability, and go while you still can.