Backpacker's PantryChana Masala - Freeze Dried Backpacking & Camping Food - Emergency Food - 21 Grams of Protein, Vegan, Gluten-Free - 1 Count

Maybe I don't expect a lot from freeze-dried meals, which also makes me cringe at their cost, but I think this meal was one of the better ones I've had. Yes, it's not restaurant or homemade quality. If you pick up a freeze-dried meal expecting that, then I don't know what to say. If you know what you're getting yourself into though, then this is a great addition to your meal rotation. Especially if you're looking for something meat-less. And as far as price goes, this is in one of the more affordable ranges for freeze-dried meals, which is nice as it gives me more options to take out with me.As others have mentioned, there is a noticeable spice to it. If you like spicy food, then it's nice to have that as an option and there were no digesting issues experienced from it. If you are sensitive to spicy foods though, then be warned. Especially if you have a limited supply of water with you.

Haven't tried this one yet but the eggs and bacon was amazing so I'm sure this is as well

This would be better if there was about half the salt. It's way too much. Also it takes at least 5 more minutes than instructed for the rice and beans to lose their crunch.

I've had this while backpacking and remembered how good/hearty it was, so when my son was going to a festival and needed easy, hearty food to supplement food trucks, etc. - got him this. So easy - add boiling water and stir, he said it tastes like it came from a restaurant and was very filling.

SPICY. A warning to those with sensitive palates. This is spicy. I love spicy food so it tastes good to me. But I can see how some might not like this.I followed the instructions, but it was still a little underhydrated. So an added a splash of hot water and let it sit. For a really long time because I got busy doing other things. Then the consistency was good.I know not at all “survivalist”, but it tasted really good scooped on flatbread with Greek yogurt, chopped fresh coriander, and a squeeze of fresh lime.The portion is large enough for two. I really enjoyed eating this.

Preface: I buy alot of freeze dried food from various manufacturers. I typically use them for camping and if they're REALLY good you may catch me eating one at home for lunch or dinner.Product Review: This flavor left alot to he desired. I am a HUGE fan of Indian food and I just felt like the seasoning was "off". It's definitely spicy. As a matter of fact the spice level kinda takes away from the Indian style flavoring. I guess the spices are just unbalanced as authentic Indian food tends to be spicy anyway. You could have blindfolded me and fed me this rice and I would have had many guesses as to the style of cuisine (Mexican, Asian, etc). As someone who orders from authentic restaurants I would say this would be more of an imitation/American approach to an Indian dish.If you like Indian food and want it in a freeze dried form Mountain House's Yellow Curry is hands down one of the best tasting freeze dried meals out there. It's no surprise that it's selling out all over the country.Overall I think Backpacker's Pantry does great on serving size compared to other brands including Mountain House. However, I think they're strategy is to go for these "exotic" dishes versus the typical American recipes to make themselves stand out. In the end they end up winning over alot of Americans whove never tried authentic versions, but for those who grew up in those cultures or who live in an area with diverse ethnic communities their meals tend to miss the mark. This is coming from my experience trying a variety of Backpacker's Pantry meals not just this one.Everyone's taste preferences are different. But in the end Mountain House meals taste more like the better versions of (insert dish) than Backpacker's Pantry hands down. Of the larger producers only Peak Refuel challenges Mountain House in regards to taste.

This was very yummy after a very long day of hiking, I would just recommend letting it sit a bit longer then the instructions if you are at a high elevation

Tried this at home in preparation for a camping trip and thought it was easy to make on a camping stove, and tasted really good. Bag is a little bulky but fits in with me gear just fine. I will eat these on my next camping trip.