With Lunar New Year just around the corner, the temptation to indulge in a Chinese feast is undeniable. But let’s face it—ordering a takeaway for the whole family can burn a hole in your wallet. So, can supermarket ready meals really compete with your local takeout? That’s the question Birmingham Live’s parenting editor, Zoe Chamberlain, set out to answer. And this is where it gets interesting: she gathered her family to test Chinese ready meals from seven major UK supermarkets—Asda, Tesco, M&S, Aldi, Lidl, Sainsbury’s, and Morrisons—to see if any could rival the real deal without the hefty price tag. But here’s where it gets controversial: while some meals were surprisingly impressive, others left much to be desired. Let’s dive in!
The Great Ready Meal Challenge
Zoe and her family judged each meal on three key factors: price, taste, and nutritional value. Here’s the breakdown of their findings, complete with Zoe’s candid reviews and star ratings.
Morrisons Chinese Style Chicken Curry
Price: £3.75 for 400g (£0.94 per 100g)
Nutrition: 571 calories, 5g saturated fat, 8.5g sugars, 2.04g salt
Cooking Time: 4 minutes 30 seconds (microwave)
Zoe’s Verdict: “This one was a letdown. The sauce was watery, the flavor was bland, and the chicken was chewy. Even the rice, though fluffy, lacked egg. We gave it a disappointing 2 out of 5 stars.”
Sainsbury’s Chinese Style Chicken Curry
Price: £3.75 for 400g (£0.94 per 100g)
Nutrition: 538 calories, 4.7g saturated fat, 7.1g sugars, 2.21g salt
Cooking Time: 5 minutes (microwave)
Zoe’s Verdict: “The chicken was decent, but the rice was unevenly cooked. It had mild flavors but lacked the spice you’d expect from a curry. A solid 3 out of 5 stars.”
Lidl Chicken Curry
Price: £2.69 for 400g (£0.67 per 100g)
Nutrition: 482 calories, 5g saturated fat, 4.7g sugars, 2.86g salt
Cooking Time: 6 minutes (microwave)
Zoe’s Verdict: “This was the clear winner! The sauce was thick and fruity, the rice was packed with peas and egg, and the chicken was plentiful. A perfect 5 out of 5 stars—this one felt like a genuine takeaway alternative.”
Aldi Sweet and Sour Chicken
Price: £2.79 for 400g (£0.70 per 100g)
Nutrition: 528 calories, 1.7g saturated fat, 29.4g sugars, 2.60g salt
Cooking Time: 5 minutes 15 seconds (microwave)
Zoe’s Verdict: “The chicken was tender, but the smoky flavor didn’t quite hit the mark. The rice was good, but it needed more egg. A decent 3 out of 5 stars.”
M&S Sweet and Sour Chicken
Price: £4.25 for 400g (£1.06 per 100g)
Nutrition: 620 calories, 2g saturated fat, 30g sugars, 3.2g salt
Cooking Time: 4 minutes 30 seconds (microwave)
Zoe’s Verdict: “The sauce was tasty but too runny, and the rice was chewy. While it wasn’t overly sweet, it lacked tang. Another 3 out of 5 stars.”
Asda Sweet and Sour Chicken
Price: £3.32 for 400g (£0.83 per 100g)
Nutrition: 553 calories, 1.9g saturated fat, 26g sugars, 2.7g salt
Cooking Time: 5 minutes (microwave)
Zoe’s Verdict: “The sauce tasted fresh, and the chicken was decently sized. A solid 4 out of 5 stars—this one came close to the top spot.”
Tesco Chinese Style Chicken Curry
Price: £3.85 for 400g (£0.96 per 100g)
Nutrition: 207 calories, 2.1g saturated fat, 5.9g sugars, 1.06g salt
Cooking Time: 4 minutes (microwave)
Zoe’s Verdict: “No rice included, which was a bummer. However, the tender chicken and creamy coconut sauce saved the day. A strong 4 out of 5 stars.”
Final Thoughts: The Takeaway Alternative
Zoe’s family agreed that while portion sizes were smaller than expected, three meals stood out: Asda, Tesco, and Lidl. But the Lidl Chicken Curry was the undisputed champion, earning the title of “most like a proper takeaway.” At just over £10 for the whole family, it’s a budget-friendly way to celebrate Lunar New Year without sacrificing flavor.
But here’s the question: Would you trade the convenience of a ready meal for the authenticity of a takeaway? Or do you think these supermarket options are worth a try? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your thoughts!
