When you think of PF Chang’s, the first things that come to mind are Asian-inspired flavors, wok-fired dishes, and signature plates like Mongolian Beef, Lettuce Wraps, and Kung Pao Chicken. But some diners may be surprised to learn that PF Chang’s once experimented with a unique mac and cheese dish.
In 2019, PF Chang’s briefly offered an “Asian Mac & Cheese”—a bold fusion dish that reimagined the American comfort food classic with Korean rice cakes, truffle oil, and mushrooms. While it generated buzz, it never became a permanent menu item.

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Did PF Chang’s Ever Serve Mac and Cheese?
Yes, but only for a short time. In the summer PF Chang’s tested an Asian Mac & Cheese as part of its limited-time offerings.
Unlike American mac and cheese with elbow pasta, PF Chang’s version featured:
- Korean rice cakes (tteok) in place of macaroni.
- Creamy cheese sauce infused with Asian flavors.
- Mushrooms and scallions for depth.
- Truffle oil and toasted breadcrumbs for richness and crunch.
It was a creative mashup that appealed to adventurous diners but was discontinued within the year.
What Made PF Chang’s Asian Mac & Cheese Unique?
| Ingredient | PF Chang’s Asian Mac & Cheese | Traditional Mac & Cheese |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Korean rice cakes (tteok) | Elbow macaroni pasta |
| Flavoring | Mushrooms, scallions, truffle oil | Cheddar cheese, cream |
| Texture | Chewy, bouncy rice cakes | Soft pasta noodles |
| Topping | Toasted breadcrumbs | Sometimes breadcrumbs |
| Inspiration | Fusion of Asian and American comfort food | American comfort food classic |
Fun Fact: Using tteok instead of macaroni gave the dish a chewy, sticky texture that made it very different from Western mac and cheese.
Why Did PF Chang’s Discontinue Mac and Cheese?
Several reasons may explain why the Asian Mac & Cheese didn’t stay:
- Menu Identity – PF Chang’s is known for Asian-inspired entrées, and mac and cheese didn’t quite fit the brand identity.
- Customer Demand – While some diners loved the creativity, others preferred traditional PF Chang’s classics like Lettuce Wraps and Kung Pao Chicken.
- Complex Ingredients – Truffle oil and tteok may have been costly or difficult to maintain consistently across locations.
- Seasonal Promotion – Many restaurants rotate unique dishes as limited-time specials, not permanent offerings.
Does PF Chang’s Offer Mac and Cheese Today?
PF Chang’s does not serve mac and cheese, even on its kids’ menu.
For children, the kids’ menu usually includes:
- Honey Chicken
- Chicken Fried Rice
- Lo Mein (kid-sized portion)
- Sweet & Sour Chicken
So, if you’re craving mac and cheese, you won’t find it at PF Chang’s.
Alternatives to Mac and Cheese at PF Chang’s
While PF Chang’s doesn’t serve mac and cheese, here are some menu items that provide a similar comforting, creamy, or indulgent feel:
1. Lo Mein
Stir-fried noodles with vegetables and your choice of protein.
- Similar comfort-food vibe with soft noodles.
2. Fried Rice
Egg, vegetables, and savory soy-based flavor.
- Filling, hearty, and customizable.
3. Coconut Curry Vegetables
A creamy, flavorful vegetarian entrée.
- A lighter alternative to cheesy comfort food.
4. Dynamite Shrimp
Crispy shrimp with creamy Sriracha aioli.
- Creaminess and crunch similar to breadcrumb-topped mac and cheese.
5. Buddha’s Feast (Steamed or Stir-Fried)
Vegetables with tofu in a savory sauce.
- Plant-based option with hearty texture.
Could PF Chang’s Bring Back Mac and Cheese?
It’s possible, though unlikely as a permanent menu item. Restaurants often revive limited-time dishes when customers show strong demand. PF Chang’s could bring back Asian Mac & Cheese as a seasonal or regional special.
Tip: If you’d like to see it again, request it through PF Chang’s official app or customer feedback surveys.
PF Chang’s Mac and Cheese vs Other Restaurant Versions
Many restaurants have added gourmet twists to mac and cheese. Here’s how PF Chang’s attempt compared:
| Restaurant | Signature Mac & Cheese Style | PF Chang’s Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Panera Bread | Classic cheddar-based | PF Chang’s used rice cakes |
| Cheesecake Factory | Creamy with bacon or chicken add-ons | PF Chang’s added truffle oil |
| Noodles & Company | Mac & Cheese with protein add-ins | PF Chang’s fused Asian flavors |
| PF Chang’s | Limited-time Asian Mac & Cheese | Used mushrooms, scallions, and truffle |
Customer Reactions to PF Chang’s Mac & Cheese
Reviews from 2019 were mixed:
- Positive: Adventurous eaters loved the fusion twist and truffle flavor.
- Negative: Traditional mac and cheese lovers found the texture of rice cakes unusual.
Overall, it was seen as a creative experiment, but not necessarily a dish with mass appeal.
FAQs About PF Chang’s Mac and Cheese
1. Did PF Chang’s ever serve mac and cheese?
Yes, a limited-time Asian Mac & Cheese in 2019.
2. What made it different?
It used Korean rice cakes (tteok), mushrooms, and truffle oil instead of pasta and cheddar.
3. Is mac and cheese on the PF Chang’s menu today?
No, as of 2025, mac and cheese is not offered.
4. Was it on the kids’ menu?
No, it was a main entrée, not a kids’ item.
5. Why was it discontinued?
Likely due to limited demand, menu identity, and higher ingredient costs.
6. Will PF Chang’s bring back mac and cheese?
It’s possible as a seasonal item, but not confirmed.
7. Was PF Chang’s mac and cheese spicy?
No, it was creamy and rich with mushrooms and truffle oil.
8. What did it cost?
Around $13–$15 depending on location.
9. Did customers like it?
Some loved the creativity, others preferred traditional comfort food.
10. What’s a good alternative to mac and cheese at PF Chang’s?
Lo Mein or Coconut Curry Vegetables offer a similar comfort-food feel.
11. Did PF Chang’s mac and cheese include meat?
No, it was vegetarian but could be customized.
12. Can you find PF Chang’s mac and cheese recipes online?
Yes, some food bloggers recreated the dish using tteok and truffle oil.
13. Did PF Chang’s advertise this dish widely?
No, it was a quiet limited-time feature, so not all customers knew about it.
14. Was it gluten-free?
No, due to cheese sauce and breadcrumbs.
15. Is mac and cheese likely to return to PF Chang’s menu?
Unlikely, since PF Chang’s focuses on Asian entrées, but possible as a one-off promotion.
16. Do other Asian restaurants serve mac and cheese?
Some fusion restaurants offer Korean-inspired mac and cheese with gochujang or kimchi.
Conclusion
PF Chang’s Mac and Cheese was a fascinating fusion experiment that briefly appeared in 2019 as Asian Mac & Cheese, using Korean rice cakes, mushrooms, truffle oil, and breadcrumbs. While it never became a permanent item, it showcased PF Chang’s willingness to innovate and combine American comfort food with Asian flavors.
As of 2025, you won’t find mac and cheese on the PF Chang’s menu, but you can enjoy other comforting entrées like Lo Mein, Fried Rice, or Coconut Curry Vegetables. And who knows—if enough customers request it, PF Chang’s might one day bring back its bold take on mac and cheese.

















