Pei Wei Asian Diner
A Nice Alternative to Fast Food in Orlando, Florida
Pei Wei (pronounced pay way) Asian Diner is a fast food chain created by the owners of PF Changs (a high class, high priced Asian restaurant.)
They serve similar items as PF Changs only at a more reasonable price, most under $10.00, and in smaller portions (although they’re still large enough to share.)
Pei Wei Asian diner is a step beyond the ordinary fast food Orlando, Florida restaurants. With a blend of Korean, Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese and Chinese cuisines there’s something for every taste bud.
When you first walk in you’ll be greeted with a soothing atmosphere. The lights are low and the decor is very simple. With woks and pans hanging from the ceiling. And an open kitchen so you can see how your food is being made.
To order you go to the front register. You tell them what you’d like, pay and then they give you a number to put on your table so they can find you when the meal is ready. Once your food is ready someone brings it out to you and makes sure you have everything you need.
If you have a smaller appetite you can choose to eat off their small plates section which is pretty much just appetizers. It offers things like Thai Wonton soup, pork egg rolls and one of my personal favorites, crab wonton.
If you’re looking for a little lighter fare you could always try The Asian Chopped Chicken salad. With chicken, lettuce, Napa cabbage, carrots, Thai basil, tomatoes, crispy wonton, toasted sesame ginger vinaigrette.
There’s also plenty of other attractive options on the menu if you’re looking to eat healthy. Pei Wei Asian Diner offers brown rice as well as white for those preferring the healthier route.
And there’s plenty of vegetarian friendly dishes. Most of the dishes can also be made vegetarian by substituting vegetables or tofu. But not all. Some have chicken already mixed in.
They also offer low carb and other healthy options. All you have to do is ask. The friendly people working there are very well trained and willing to help.
Or, you can choose from this Orlando, Florida restaurants noodle and rice bowls section like I did. You’ll be amazed to see so many different things to choose from. Including ingredients that are sometimes hard to find. Like tofu.
Now I know what you’re thinking.....tofu? Really? But I assure you it’s really good. Especially the next day after all the spices have had time to settle in.
On my last trip to Pei Wei Asian Diner I wanted to get the Lo Mein. I know, not very adventurous. But I like to stick with what I know. Especially when I haven’t been to the place before.
The Lo Mein was made with red wine sauce, scallions, garlic, onions, bean sprouts, shiitake mushrooms, carrots, egg noddles. Then you can choose to add chicken, beef, vegetables or tofu. And for $1.00 more you can get shrimp. Of course I went for the tofu.
My Mom, also not the most adventurous type went for the fried rice. With soy sauce, scallions, eggs, red bell peppers, broccoli and carrots. I decided to splurge and get her the shrimp for $1.00 extra. Both were very tasty and large enough to leave leftovers.
Pei Wei Asian Diner also has a few signature dishes that may tickle your taste buds. Like the Orange Peel with chile bean sauce, orange peels, scallions, garlic, snap peas and carrots. Now that sounds interesting!
Be sure to check for the little symbol that lets you know if it’s a spicy dish. Otherwise you may be in for a hot surprise.
Nothing on the menu exceeds $10.00 in price. Kids meals are served to children 12 and under for $3.75 and if you want to add a drink you’re only looking at $0.50 more to make that happen. Between my mother and I both getting an appetizer and an entree I spent under $20.00.
There’s also beer, wine and a nice selection of teas to choose from.
If you decide to go to Pei Wei Asian Diner with a group of people you can order off the party menu. There you’ll find an abbreviated menu of the original items except they are meant to feed parties of 5-7 people.
For example, the Lo Mein I ordered off the regular menu cost me $6.95. But, if I were to order the party portion it would be $35.00.
The portion I got for just myself was enough to feed me for two days. So I’m sure the party portions in reality feeds 7-10 people.
This restaurant in Orlando will also provide you with everything you need to have your party. Including plates, plastic cutlery, serving utensils, condiments and napkins (if you want to take it away.)
There aren’t servers at Pei Wei Asian Diner but there are people that’ll bring you your food and anything else you request.
I have a rule of thumb, if they refill my drinks or take away dirty dishes I always leave a tip. Usually $1.00 per person. Dining in Orlando, Florida is a fun experience and anyone that makes it easier deserves a little compensation.
Pei Wei Asian Diner offers plenty of free parking. One of the popular one's can be found right up the street from the
Orlando Fashion Square Mall.
Being close to the mall it gets a little crowded on nights and weekends. If you want take out you can call first and pick it up. Or there’s a separate register that you can order at so you don’t have to stand in line behind the people who are dining in.
If at first you don’t like the food at Pei Wei Asian Diner give it one more try. Most people find a few dishes that they love.
I suggest getting a few different things and sharing it with a friend. That way you can try a bunch of different things to see what you like and what you can live without.
One cool thing is you can have as many fortune cookies as you want! They are just sitting there waiting to be devoured.
Some people argue that since there’s such a great variety of authentic Asian Orlando, Florida restaurants right up the street from the Pei Wei near the mall you only jip yourself.
But, if you’re looking to get in and out and have some decent quality food than Pei Wei Asian Diner would be a good choice. It’s not fine dining in Orlando but offers a good alternative to fast food.
Orlando, Florida Pei Wei Asian Diner Restaurant Locations:
Colonial 3011 E Colonial Dr. Suite B Orlando, Florida 32803
University Blvd 3402 Technological Ave. Suite 232 Orlando, Florida 32817
Orlando-Phillips Crossing 8015 Turkey Lake Rd. Suite 400 Orlando, Florida 32819
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