During my quick stop at Marks & Spencer to grab some ingredients for a homemade dinner, I ended up going for a ready meal instead – not my usual move, but a little Chinese "takeaway for one" box caught my eye amidst the sea of microwave meals.
The adorable red takeaway box was just as enticing as its contents: two spring rolls, egg fried rice, vegetable chow mein, and sweet and sour chicken, all for £6.50. When I weighed the costs against buying fresh produce and protein, it seemed like an absolute steal.
Comparing it further to my go-to takeaway in Kensington, I realised I'd be pocketing a whopping £15.50 – the same grub there would set me back £22. Granted, your typical takeaway portions dwarf what's crammed into this box, but with less potential waste, it eases any post-dinner guilt trips,
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To say I was pleased with my buy is an understatement. The only thing left was the taste test: could this wallet-friendly deal actually replicate the flavours of my beloved takeaway?
I'm over the moon to report that it truly does satisfy those takeout cravings without the usual spend. The sweet and sour chicken was tangy with small bursts of citrus.
The spring rolls boasted a delightful crunch with every bite and packed enough filling that they didn't feel like chomping down on packed air. The chow mein was stuffed with veggies and heavy enough on the stomach to be an entire main.
I went back and forth between the noodles and chicken – sometimes combining them both in a single bite! The egg fried rice was pretty standard, but it served its purpose regardless.
The fakeaway may not look like much but I was stuffed. Thankfully, very little went to waste and I was completely satisfied.
If you fancy a cheeky takeaway without remortgaging your house, then has you covered. I'm going to grab a few on my next trip and surprise the family when they suggest a takeaway. They won't know the difference.