# Tangy Glazed Pork Ribs Panda Express Has Been Spotted Serving Up New Shanghai Ribs By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2020-12-28 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shanghai-ribs References: [chewboom](https://www.chewboom.com/2020/12/28/new-shanghai-ribs-spotted-at-panda-express/) Just recently, [Panda Express](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/handbreaded-chicken-strips) has been spotted selling new Shanghai Ribs at select locations. Though only available in limited test markets, the new Shanghai Ribs are a delicious new option for those who can get their hands on them. The dish consists of meaty pork ribs wok-tossed in a sweet, savory, and tangy glaze. The pork ribs are then finished with sesame seeds for a bit of nutty flavor. Customers can add five Shanghai Ribs to any entree as a premium side for an additional $1.25. As some fans might have noticed, this is not the first time Panda Express has offered ribs. The brand also served up some limited-time Chinese Spare Ribs about 5 years ago. Image Credit: Panda Express ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.0/10 - Popularity: 58% | Activity: 82% | Freshness: 9% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Limited Test Market:** Panda Express' new Shanghai Ribs are currently available in limited test markets, creating an opportunity for the company to gauge consumer interest and refine the product. - **Sweet and Tangy Glaze:** The use of a sweet, savory, and tangy glaze on the pork ribs presents an opportunity for food manufacturers to explore new flavor combinations and innovative marinades. - **Premium Side Option:** Panda Express offering the Shanghai Ribs as a premium side for an additional $1.25 indicates a potential trend for fast food chains to introduce more high-end and indulgent add-ons to their menus. ### Where This Applies - **Fast Food:** The introduction of Shanghai Ribs at Panda Express showcases an opportunity for the fast food industry to diversify their offerings by adding Asian-inspired dishes to their menus. - **Food Manufacturing:** The popularity of tangy glazes on pork ribs presents an opportunity for food manufacturing companies to develop new products and sauces tailored towards enhancing the flavor profiles of meat dishes. - **Restaurant Chains:** The premium side option of Shanghai Ribs at Panda Express indicates a potential trend for restaurant chains to introduce more upgraded, high-value, and customizable add-ons to attract and retain customers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Hand-Breaded Chicken Strips](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/handbreaded-chicken-strips.md) - [Mongolian-Style Brisket Toppers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mongolian-brisket.md) - [Sichuan-Inspired Seafood Entrées](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/panda-express-2.md) - [Chinese Cuisine Mashup Dishes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crispy-sesame-shrimp-beef.md) - [Wing-Inspired Pork Rib Appetizers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/winged-ribs.md) - [Wagyu Beef QSR Dumplings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spicy-wagyu-beef-dumplings.md) - [Chili Crisp Ribs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ribs-with-chili-crisp.md) - [Plant-Based East Asian Ribs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spare-ribz.md) - [Protein-Packed Asian Cuisine Bowls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/firecracker-steak-and-shrimp.md)