What Pei Wei is and how to order
Pei Wei is a fast-casual Asian restaurant chain where you order at a counter, pay, and then pick up your food at a window or table. Unlike a traditional sit-down restaurant, you don't have a server, but unlike a drive-through, you walk inside to order and collect your meal. The chain serves noodle dishes, rice bowls, sushi, and appetizers — most items are made to order after you place them.
When you arrive, you'll see a menu board or printed menu at the counter. You tell the cashier what you want, specify any changes (like swapping vegetables or adjusting spice level), pay right there, and then wait for your number to be called. Wait times are usually 5 to 15 minutes depending on how busy the location is and what you ordered. Some locations have a small seating area; others are pickup-only.
Pei Wei locations are found inside shopping centers, strip malls, and some standalone buildings. You can find the nearest one using their website or Google Maps. Hours vary by location but most are open for lunch and dinner, typically 10:30 a.m. to 9 or 10 p.m.
Key Takeaways
- You order and pay at the counter before your food is made, then pick it up when your number is called.
- Most dishes can be customized — you can change proteins, vegetables, sauce levels, and spice heat.
- Pei Wei accepts cash, credit cards, debit cards, and mobile payment apps like Apple Pay and Google Pay.
- You can order ahead through their app or website to skip the line, though you still pick up in person.
- Prices typically range from $8 to $15 per entree, with appetizers and sides costing $3 to $8.
Menu categories and what to expect
Pei Wei's menu is organized into sections: noodle dishes, rice bowls, sushi, appetizers, and sides. Noodle dishes come in pad thai, lo mein, and chow mein styles — you choose your protein (chicken, beef, shrimp, tofu, or vegetarian) and the noodles are tossed with vegetables and sauce. Rice bowls work the same way: you pick a protein and it comes over rice with vegetables and your choice of sauce.
Sushi rolls are pre-made or made to order depending on the location and how busy they are. Appetizers include spring rolls, dumplings, and fried items. Sides like fried rice, steamed vegetables, and edamame are available separately if you want to add to your meal or share.
Most dishes let you choose your heat level — mild, medium, hot, or extra hot. You can also ask for sauces on the side, extra vegetables, or to hold ingredients you don't want. The staff will write your requests on the order ticket so the kitchen knows exactly what you're getting.
How to pay and what payment methods work
Pei Wei takes cash, all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), and debit cards at the counter. They also accept mobile payment apps including Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay if you have those set up on your phone. You pay before you receive your food — there's no tab or bill at the end.
If you're ordering ahead through their app or website, you'll enter your payment information online before you arrive. You still pick up in person, but your meal is already paid for and the kitchen starts making it as soon as your order goes through. This can save 5 to 10 minutes if the location is busy.
Some Pei Wei locations offer delivery through third-party apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Grubhub. Prices may be slightly higher on delivery apps because of service fees, and delivery times are usually 30 to 45 minutes depending on how far you are from the restaurant.
Ordering ahead through the app or website
The Pei Wei app and website let you browse the full menu, customize your order exactly how you want it, and pay before you go to the restaurant. You'll need to create an account with your email and password, or you can sign in with Google or Apple ID. Once you're logged in, select your nearest location, build your order, and choose a pickup time.
Pickup times are usually available in 15-minute windows starting about 10 to 15 minutes from when you place the order. If you order during a rush (lunch or dinner time), the earliest slot might be 20 to 30 minutes out. You'll get a confirmation email with your order number and estimated pickup time.
When you arrive at the restaurant, tell the staff your name or order number and they'll hand you your food. If you ordered through the app, your payment is already done, so you don't stop at the register — you go straight to the pickup counter. This is especially useful if you're in a hurry or want to avoid waiting in line.
Customizing your order and dietary needs
Nearly every entree at Pei Wei can be changed. You can swap proteins (pay extra for shrimp if you choose it instead of chicken), add or remove vegetables, change the sauce, or ask for sauce on the side. You can also request no oil, extra garlic, or any other modification. Write these requests on the order form or tell the cashier, and they'll note them on your ticket.
If you have allergies, tell the staff when you order. Common allergens at Pei Wei include peanuts, tree nuts, soy, and sesame. The kitchen can usually prepare dishes without these ingredients, but cross-contamination is possible in a shared kitchen, so be clear about the severity of your allergy. Ask to speak to a manager if you have a severe allergy and need to know exactly how the dish is prepared.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available — tofu is a standard protein choice, and many noodle and rice dishes can be made with vegetables only. Gluten-free options are limited but some locations offer gluten-free soy sauce or noodles; ask your local restaurant what they have.
Pricing and what affects the cost
Most Pei Wei entrees cost between $8 and $15 depending on what you order and which protein you choose. Chicken and tofu are usually the least expensive; shrimp and beef cost a bit more. Noodle dishes and rice bowls are similarly priced. Appetizers run $3 to $8, and sides like fried rice or extra vegetables are $2 to $4.
Prices vary slightly by location — restaurants in cities or high-rent areas may charge more than those in smaller towns. Sushi rolls are typically $6 to $10 each. Combo meals (entree plus a side and drink) are sometimes offered at a slight discount compared to ordering items separately.
Delivery through third-party apps adds a service fee (usually $2 to $4), a delivery fee (varies by distance), and sometimes a small markup on menu prices. Ordering directly through the Pei Wei app or in person avoids these extra charges.
What to do if there's a problem with your order
If your food arrives wrong — the wrong protein, missing items, or prepared incorrectly — tell the staff right away while you're still at the counter. Most locations will remake the dish or give you a refund on the spot. Keep your receipt in case you need to reference your order.
If you ordered ahead through the app and your food isn't ready when you arrive, check with the pickup counter. Sometimes orders get delayed if the restaurant is unusually busy. They'll give you an updated time or remake your order if something went wrong.
If you received your order and got home and found a problem, contact the restaurant directly by phone. Have your receipt or order number ready. Most locations will offer to remake the item or refund you if you return within a reasonable time (usually the same day). For delivery orders through a third-party app, you can report the issue through the app itself and request a refund or credit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I modify my order after I've paid?
If you're still at the counter and haven't left, yes — tell the cashier right away and they can update your order before it goes to the kitchen. If you've already left or ordered ahead, call the restaurant directly and ask if they can adjust it. They may be able to if the kitchen hasn't started cooking yet, but there's no may provide.
How long does food usually take?
Most dishes are ready in 5 to 15 minutes depending on how busy the location is and what you ordered. Sushi rolls may take longer. If you order ahead through the app, the kitchen starts making your food as soon as your order comes through, so it's often ready right around your pickup time.
Do I need to tip at Pei Wei?
Tipping is optional at counter-service restaurants like Pei Wei. Some people tip $1 to $2 or round up their total; others don't. If you're paying with a card, the register may ask if you want to add a tip, but you can decline. There's no tip jar or expectation like there would be at a full-service restaurant.
What if I'm ordering for a group?
You can order multiple entrees at once — just tell the cashier how many dishes you want and what each one is. If you're ordering through the app, you can add as many items as you need to your cart. The kitchen will prepare everything together, and you'll pick it all up at once when your number is called.
Can I return food if I don't like it?
Most restaurants will remake a dish if you didn't like it or it wasn't what you expected, especially if you tell them right away. If you've already left and eaten most of it, a refund is less likely, but it doesn't hurt to call and ask. Keeping your receipt makes it easier to resolve issues.