A great winter warmer, the Real Turmat Asian Curry gets a Best in Test accolade.

Real Turmat Asian Curry’s accurate flavour descriptions, clear instructions, and consistently thorough rehydration place it in a class of its own.

Gemma Palmer’s Best in Test

While it may be slightly more expensive than some other rehydrated meals, the quality and taste justify the cost.
Pros
  • accurate description of flavours
  • spicy notes
Cons
  • sparse aubergine pieces
Quick specs
Price: £11.39 (available from Base Camp Food)
Weight: 132g
Calories: 537
Calories/100g: 112
Calories/£1: 47
Time to hydrate: 8 minutes
Vegan/vegetarian/dairy free/gluten free? vegan
Allergen: soya beans
www.realoutdoorfood.shop

All that plus the taste, which is not far off a freshly prepared dish. The dish offers a satisfying blend of flavours and textures from the combination of the rice, aubergine, and pea protein chunks.

The packaging is recyclable with a striking orange and black style. The pack has been further made durable by vacuum packing the contents, which helped when playing tetris with gear in my backpack.

The external fill line was a real lifesaver. It made adding water incredibly easy and kept my hands cool, which was essential because the meal rehydrated incredibly quickly. I was surprised at how fast the ingredients started to plump up and come together.

The dish is very filling, thanks to the generous portion size and high-quality ingredients. The curry is entirely vegan, making it a suitable option for those with dietary restrictions. The only allergen is soya beans.

real turmat asian curry
537 calories on the go. Credit: Gemma Palmer

With 537 calories per serving, this provides ample energy and the rice and pea protein went a long way in helping me feel full.

The curry is a balanced blend of spices, with a subtle hint of heat that complements the rice and vegetables. The aubergine pieces retained their shape and texture, adding to the sense of this being a real meal.

I highly recommend this option for anyone looking for a delicious and quick preparation meal. In my opinion it’s the best one for winter. While it may be slightly more expensive than some other rehydrated meals, the quality and taste justify the cost.

Testing Conditions

Gemma tested these meals during winter hikes on the chilly, windy Cambridgeshire river trails. She enjoys a hot meal stop in winter and favours plant-based options if available. This review was first published in the September 2025 issue of The Great Outdoors.