In an era where many consumers are seeking budget-friendly alternatives to traditional takeaways, supermarket 'fakeaway' boxes have surged in popularity. However, a recent critique of Marks & Spencer's Chinese fakeaway offering suggests that not all such products deliver on their promise of convenience and flavour.
Disappointing Dining Experience
Food reviewer Big Daddy B, who boasts a substantial following of 241,000 on Instagram, recently shared his candid assessment of the M&S Chinese Favourites box, priced at £12.75. His objective was to determine whether this meal deal represented good value or if customers would be better served by sticking with a conventional takeaway.
What's Inside the Box?
The M&S Chinese Favourites box includes a variety of dishes: Sweet n' Sour Chicken, Sticky Chilli Chicken, Beef and Black Bean, four Vegetable Spring Rolls, Egg Fried Rice, and Vegetable Chow Mein. Preparation involved a straightforward 25-minute oven bake, which the reviewer described as fairly painless.
Mixed Reactions to the Components
According to the influencer, the Vegetable Spring Rolls emerged as the standout item, praised for their crisp texture and great flavour. The Beef in Black Bean also received a somewhat favourable mention. However, the reviewer noted a significant decline in quality with the remaining dishes.
He characterised the Sweet n' Sour Chicken as particularly bland, with scarce and subpar chicken pieces. The Egg Fried Rice was deemed acceptable but lacking in richness, while the noodles were similarly described as bland. The Sticky Chilli Chicken, despite an appetising appearance, was criticised for being excessively dry.
Portion Size Concerns
Another major point of contention was the portion size. The reviewer highlighted that the servings were notably tiny, suggesting that two substantial eaters would find the meal insufficient. He remarked that it was only adequate because his wife has a modest appetite.
Overall Verdict and Rating
Big Daddy B concluded that if the box were discounted to around £8-9 with a yellow sticker, it might offer decent value. However, overall, he expressed disappointment, awarding the product a modest rating of just 6 out of 10.
Social Media Backlash and Support
The review garnered over 2,600 likes and sparked a lively discussion among followers. Some individuals expressed gratitude, stating that the review had saved them £12.75, while others affirmed their preference for authentic Chinese takeaways, which they argued provide better value at approximately £20 for two people.
Conversely, a segment of the audience remained optimistic, with comments such as 'Looks decent' and 'Looks delicious, I might try it.' A third supporter noted that they and their husband occasionally enjoy the box and find it lovely.
Marks & Spencer has been approached for comment regarding these criticisms, but no official response has been provided at this time. This review underscores the ongoing debate about the quality and value of supermarket fakeaway options in today's competitive food market.
