Gemma Palmer is impressed aromatically with the Bla Band Thai Chicken with Rice and Vegetables dehydrated meal. Find out why.
The Bla Band Thai Chicken with Rice and Vegetables was my first meal from this brand whose heritage lies in Swedish military rations, engineered for reliability under demanding conditions rather than taste per se. The price is reasonable given that pedigree. And – spoiler – the taste was ‘chef’s kiss’.
Gemma Palmer recommends
Ultimately, a meal you can rely on to be ready exactly when the packet says is worth its weight in gold! This is easily one of the best meals I’ve reviewed to date.- great taste
- quick to rehydrate
- real vegetable pieces
- a lot of sauce
| Quick specs |
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| Price: £9.25 (available from Base Camp Food) Weight: 164g Calories: 640 kcal Calories/100g: 390 kcal Calories/£1: 69 kcal Time to hydrate: 10 mins Vegetarian/vegan: No newheights.co.uk |
Aromatically, this meal is a delight. The coconut milk, Thai herbs, and spices create a fresh, full-flavoured experience. Unlike some other brands, the chicken plumps up perfectly and the rice fluffs up with an excellent mouthfeel. The chilli heat is well-judged, too – enough to provide a kick without upsetting your stomach if you need to keep moving.
The packaging is built like a tank. Using a durable ‘Flextus Transfoil’ laminate, it will easily withstand being shoved into a stuffed rucksack or storage container. I also love that the fill line is clearly indicated, so there is no faffing about with measuring water. I actually went slightly under the line to avoid having too much sauce, and the result was spot on and still hydrated perfectly.
What really leaves a lasting impression is the quality of the vegetables. Finding whole pieces of carrot, bell pepper, and broccoli in a freeze-dried meal is a rare treat and makes for a much more satisfying dinner.
Ultimately, a meal you can rely on to be ready exactly when the packet says is worth its weight in gold! This is easily one of the best main meals I’ve reviewed to date.
How we tested
Gemma prioritises flavour over calorie-density. She tested in autumn and early winter, in temperatures between 4-15°C, from the breezy viewpoints of the Cambridgeshire hills to relaxing in a van by the banks of the Great Ouse.
This review was first published in the March 2026 issue of The Great Outdoors. You can compare it with others in our guide to the best backpacking meals.
