Backpacker's Pantry Chana Masala - 8.8 Oz

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.

Very Flavorful, but watch out. This thing has some heat!!

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.

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.

Awesome flavor. You can taste all the spices! Makes you think of your favorite Indian restaurant, while out in Gods country! Highly recommended.