It looks like Panda Express is attempting to out-Wonka Willie Wonka.
Original Orange Chicken, Honey Walnut Shrimp and other menu items are the inspiration for a collection of chocolate bars that the Rosemead-based fast food chain has come up with in partnership with Los Angeles-based Compartés, an acclaimed gourmet chocolate company.
Compartés is known for its small-batch, hand-packed chocolates, its artistic designs and adventurous flavors such as Avocado Toast.
(Yes, it has “Wicked: For Good” chocolate bars: a green one that’s Dubai chocolate and a pink and purple one that’s strawberry-lavender flavored.)
There are four Panda Express flavors.
The Original Orange Bar is milk chocolate with orange extract, crisped rice and red chili flakes.
The Kung Pao Bar is dark chocolate with peanuts and dried chili peppers.
The Honey Walnut Bar is white chocolate with candied walnuts Panda Express’ sweet candied walnuts, honey and honeycomb pieces, which are made with corn syrup, sugar and molasses.
The Fortune Cookie Bar is also white chocolate and Panda Express fortune cookie pieces.
The 3-ounce candy bars are for sale in a holiday gift box set while supplies last beginning Tuesday, Dec. at Compartes.com/pandaexpress
But diners can get a free Fortune Cookie Bar at participating restaurants on Friday, Dec. 5 with the in-store purchase of any two-item Panda Express Plate. The occasion is National Comfort Food Day.
The press release describes the offer as extremely limited and on a first-come-first-serve basis. Panda Express restaurants open as early as 8:30 a.m.
Another Panda Express promotion going on its Wok Wednesday, an online game for rewards members.
Panda Express’ menu is currently featuring Crispy Sesame Shrimp & Beef and Rainbow Veggie Chicken Breast. No hint that they’ll become chocolate bars.
Information: pandaexpress.com