The cute little fakeaway packs a punch with price and flavour
The little red box packs more than meets the eye
During a trip to Marks & Spencer to pick up a few fresh items for dinner, I scrapped home cooking in favour of a ready-to-go. This is an uncommon decision but a little Chinese box branded a “takeaway for one” grabbed my attention.
There are dozens of microwave meals stacked high to choose from and, I must admit, the cute, red takeaway box appealed almost as much as the dishes inside. M&S shoppers can pick up two spring rolls, egg fried rice, vegetable chow mein and a helping of sweet and sour chicken for only £6.50.
After price comparing the takeaway meal to the fresh veggies and protein I’d intended to buy, the Chinese box felt like a bargain. I also compared the box to my favourite takeaway, a little gem tucked away in Kensington, and realised the same meal would come in at £22 – a £15.50 saving.
While I appreciate local takeaway portions would be far bigger than what’s inside the box, the supermarket option does save you the guilt trip of wasted food once your dinner is finished.
Overall, I was very happy with my purchase. All that remained was to discover whether it actually tastes as good as it feels on your wallet or if it’s money wasted. And I’m thrilled to reveal the bargain buy tastes just like your favourite takeaway.
Marks & Spencer’s takeaway for one
The sweet and sour chicken was tangy with small citrus tinges. 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 bog-standard but it served it’s 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 then M&S has you covered. I’m going to grab a few on my next trip and suprise the family when they suggest a takeaway. They won’t know the difference.