Everybody knows that there's Chinese food... and then there's "Chinese food." If you don't know the difference, let me be the one to break it to you. Most of the stuff that is dished out and sold at your average strip mall Chinese takeout joint is nowhere to be found on menus in China. It's something else entirely.
The quintessential franchise version of "Chinese" cuisine is, of course, Panda Express. A staple of every mall food court, the ubiquitous fast food chain has had a hand in shaping America's palate for "Chinese" food. But what do Chinese people think about Panda Express?
In this BuzzFeed video, Chinese People Try Panda Express For The First Time. Taste testers of Chinese descent -- virgin tongues to the Panda's flavors -- sample and give their thoughts on Egg Rolls, Orange Chicken, Kung Pao Chicken, Chow Mein, and other greatest hits from the Panda Express menu.
Their reactions are interesting. Take a look:
I'm not going to lie. On occasion, I do love me some orange chicken.