Panda Express Cantonese BBQ Brisket Is Back for September 2026 

Panda Express brought back Cantonese BBQ Brisket nationwide on September 1, 2026, after the dish sold more than 5 million scoops during its original June-to-August run. The premium entree costs a $2.20 upcharge, packs 44 grams of protein at 410 calories per serving, and is available at all 2,500+ U.S. locations while supplies last.

Panda Express doesn’t bring items back unless people won’t stop asking for them. That’s exactly what happened with Cantonese BBQ Brisket. After debuting in June 2026 as the chain’s first-ever brisket dish, it became one of the most talked-about limited-time offerings (LTOs) in Panda Express history, according to Evelyn Wah, the brand’s Vice President of Brand Innovation.

What Is Panda Express Cantonese BBQ Brisket?

Cantonese BBQ Brisket is Panda Express’s first-ever brisket dish: slow-cooked, hand-cut into thick pieces, flame-seared in the wok, and tossed in a Char Siu-style barbecue sauce. Panda Express describes it as a “meat cute,” a fusion of America’s most prized beef cut with traditional Cantonese barbecue flavors from Guangdong province.

Unlike most Panda Express entrees, the dish is all meat with no vegetables mixed in. It’s built for guests who want a concentrated, high-protein option rather than a stir-fry blend.

Why Did the Panda Express Cantonese BBQ Brisket Return Happen?

Panda Express brought Cantonese BBQ Brisket back because it nearly sold out nationwide during its first run and generated more customer conversation than almost any recent LTO. Executive Director of Culinary Innovation Jimmy Wang called it “the most ‘American Chinese’ dish we’ve ever made,” and the brand’s official return timed the relaunch to Labor Day weekend.

In the company’s August 31 announcement, Wah put it plainly: “Fan excitement for Cantonese BBQ Brisket was immediate and undeniable. Its return celebrates the incredible response we saw this summer and brings back the craveable, high-protein flavors that made it such a standout.”

Panda Express Cantonese BBQ Brisket 2026: Timeline So Far

• June 2, 2026: Original nationwide debut
• August 10, 2026: Initial run’s scheduled end date (some locations sold out earlier)
• August 31, 2026: Official press release confirming the comeback
• September 1, 2026: Nationwide relaunch, timed to Labor Day weekend
• 5 million+ scoops served during the original run, per Panda Express

No official end date has been announced for this second run. Based on the original 10-week run and typical LTO return windows, expect availability into mid-October or early November 2026.

Where Can You Get It?

Cantonese BBQ Brisket is available at all 2,500+ U.S. Panda Express locations starting September 1, 2026. It’s offered across every format:

• Bowls, Plates, and Bigger Plates
• A la carte servings
• In-restaurant, drive-thru, delivery, and app orders

There are no location restrictions this time around, though supply can still run out during peak lunch and dinner rushes.

Panda Express Cantonese BBQ Brisket Price: What Does It Cost in September 2026?

Cantonese BBQ Brisket carries a $2.20 premium upcharge in its September 2026 return, up $0.25 from the $1.95 upcharge during its original summer run.

Some Los Angeles-area locations are reportedly charging a $2.25 upcharge instead. As always, prices vary by market and location.

Panda Express Cantonese BBQ Brisket Calories: How Many Are in a Serving?

A single serving of Cantonese BBQ Brisket contains 410 calories. That serving size is 5.61 ounces, roughly six sauce-coated slices of brisket, making it one of the more calorie-dense entrees on the Panda Express menu relative to its portion size.

Panda Express Cantonese BBQ Brisket Nutrition: Full Breakdown

Cantonese BBQ Brisket does not qualify for Panda Express’s Wok Smart menu, which is reserved for lower-calorie entrees under 300 calories.

Panda Express Cantonese BBQ Brisket Protein: Why It’s the Menu’s Highest

Cantonese BBQ Brisket delivers 44 grams of protein per serving, the highest of any dish Panda Express has ever released. That beats Grilled Teriyaki Chicken (33g), Black Pepper Sirloin Steak (19g), and Honey Walnut Shrimp (13g) by a wide margin, making it a go-to pick for anyone tracking daily protein intake.

That timing isn’t an accident. High-protein fast food has become one of the biggest menu trends of 2026, and Panda Express positioned Cantonese BBQ Brisket as an “effortless protein-maxxing” option that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for macros.

How Does It Compare to Other Premium Entrees?

Choose Cantonese BBQ Brisket if protein density matters more than price. Choose Black Pepper Sirloin Steak if you want a lighter, lower-calorie option. Choose Honey Walnut Shrimp if you prefer a sweeter flavor profile over smoky BBQ.

What Are Customers Saying About the Return?

Early reactions to Cantonese BBQ Brisket have been largely positive, with some caveats. One reviewer described it as “tender, fatty in a good way, smoky,” adding that “the BBQ glaze is awesome” and it’s “spicy but not over the top.” An Instagram reviewer rated it seven to eight out of ten, calling it “definitely flavorful.”

Feedback isn’t universally glowing, though. Some customers report inconsistent sauce coverage between orders, along with occasional dry bites and concerns about small portion sizes relative to the premium price.

Best Ways to Order Panda Express Cantonese BBQ Brisket

Best Bowl Combo (Highest Protein Per Dollar)

Pair Cantonese BBQ Brisket with Super Greens for roughly 53g of protein and 540 calories at around $10.90.

Best Plate Combo (Balanced Meal)

According to Panda’s own Culinary Innovation team, combining Cantonese BBQ Brisket with Grilled Teriyaki Chicken over Super Greens delivers 86g of protein and 10g of fiber, ideal for a serious post-workout meal.

Best Flavor Combo

Panda recommends pairing Cantonese BBQ Brisket with Orange Chicken over Chow Mein or Super Greens, finished with the Strawberry Dragonfruit Panda Crafted Beverage for a sweet contrast to the smoky brisket.

Pro Tips for Ordering

• Ask for extra Char Siu sauce if you’ve had dry bites before coverage can vary by scoop
• Pair it with a rice side to soak up the sauce
• Order earlier in the day, since brisket can run out during lunch rushes
• Use Panda Rewards points to help offset the premium upcharge
• Don’t wait too long to try it; there’s no confirmed end date

Will Cantonese BBQ Brisket Become a Permanent Menu Item?

Panda Express hasn’t announced permanent status for Cantonese BBQ Brisket, but the pattern is familiar. Both Honey Walnut Shrimp and Black Pepper Sirloin Steak started as limited-time items before earning permanent spots on the menu after strong repeat demand. If this second run performs as well as the first, a permanent announcement in early 2027 wouldn’t be surprising.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Cantonese BBQ Brisket return to Panda Express?
Panda Express relaunched Cantonese BBQ Brisket nationwide on September 1, 2026, following its original June 2–August 10 run, which served more than 5 million scoops.

How much does Cantonese BBQ Brisket cost now?
The premium upcharge is $2.20, up from $1.95 during the summer run. A Bowl with Cantonese BBQ Brisket and two sides costs approximately $10.90.

Why did the price increase on the return?
Panda Express hasn’t explained the $0.25 increase publicly, though rising beef costs and general inflation across fast-casual dining are likely contributors.

How much protein does Cantonese BBQ Brisket have?
Each serving contains 44 grams of protein, the highest of any item Panda Express has ever offered.

How many calories are in Cantonese BBQ Brisket?
A single 5.61-ounce serving contains 410 calories, along with 19g of fat and 14g of carbohydrates.

Is Cantonese BBQ Brisket available at every Panda Express?
Yes. It’s available at all 2,500+ U.S. locations starting September 1, 2026, though individual restaurants may sell out during peak hours.

When will Cantonese BBQ Brisket end this time?
No official end date has been announced. Based on the original run length, expect availability into mid-October or early November 2026.

Does Cantonese BBQ Brisket contain allergens?
Yes, it contains sesame, soybean, and wheat. Check with your local restaurant for detailed allergen and cross-contamination information.

How does it compare to Honey Walnut Shrimp?
Cantonese BBQ Brisket has more protein (44g vs. 13g) and fewer calories (410 vs. 430), but carries a higher upcharge ($2.20 vs. $1.50).

Will Cantonese BBQ Brisket become a permanent menu item?
It’s not permanent yet. If demand during this second run matches the first, Panda Express could announce permanent status sometime in 2027.