Reader Reviews

Rating: 4 / 5

I was buying the Tasty Bite Indian ready to heat pouches and then Trader Joes came out. Joe's Indian Fare as they call it is much more authentic and tastier then Tasty Bites, especially the eggplant. The eggplant was very much worth buying.

There's

Pav Bhai
Madras Lentil
Punjab Eggplant
Jaipur Vegetable
Dal Makhani
Punjab Choley (spicey!)
Palak Paneer and more

at just over $2.00 each I thought they were a great deal and very convinient for a short trip. They weigh 7 to 10oz depending on which you choose.

Most are at least a little spicy and they all are vegetarian.

They also sell some prepackaged rices as well, the Lentil Biryani is pretty good and my husband is a fan of the Spanish rice.

I also tried the Tuna in Yellow Curry and it was good. Not quite authentic, it had a lot more lemongrass flavor than I was used to but very tasty. Also a little spicy. These weigh 7oz and come in Yellow, Green & Spicey Red.

I thought they were convenient, tasty and affordably priced. Heavier than freeze dried, but fantastic for those who want to enjoy their food on the trek.

Rating: 4 / 5

I've also enjoyed these and their predecessors. We used these early-on during a Scout 50 Miler in the Emigrant Wilderness a few years ago (2004), and three packs plus rice fed 9 hungry Scouts and Scouters.

Yes, they're heavier than freeze-dried, but if you figure on a pack of this plus some quick-cook rice, the weight and cost penalty isn't so bad. And, hey, bring along a little saffron to add to the rice, and you're REALLY set!

Rating: 4 / 5

They taste great and the packaging is sufficiently durable. I like to bring the water to a boil and pull out just enough to cook TJ's couscous. By the time the couscous has sat covered and is cooked so is the Indian Fare. If you pour the couscous into the Indian Fare and eat out of the package clean-up is super easy.

Rating: 5 / 5

It is as close as you can get to a good restaurant experience in the wilderness - all the work is done for you and the food tastes fresh. Jaipur Vegetables & eggplant are especially yummy; some of the lentil dishes could pass as chili!

I use these on short trips - especially climbs - or for the first day or two on longer trips. I also use them at home frequently and my children all enjoy them!

*One of my favorite ways to use them (works especially well with the spinach and the other less chunky ones) is to tear open the corner and eat it like a packet of Gu, or squeeze it onto bread as a lunch or any quick no-fuel meal. I know it sounds sketchy, but it is quite delicious, because of the savor and spice (just don't look at it).

My rating is actually a 4.5 because I wish they had more vegan options - most all of the dishes have cream or butter.