Chinese fakeaway-difference in price

[Almostbacktoschool]

We’re pretty skint after Christmas, as I’m sure many are. Wanted to do a Chinese takeaway for Dd tomorrow evening and games for mini New Year’s Eve before bed. She’s never had a Chinese before and keeps mentioning it (think she saw on tv)
Would there really be a massive difference in me making it all at home-cost wise?
Spring rolls & prawn crackers and chicken chow mein for 3?

Sounds great, can I come? I think this would be cheaper to make at home yes. Enjoy!

You don't even have to make it. Some supermarkets do a deal of popular take-away items, usually with Prawn crackers etc too. I am pretty sure Tesco do one.
That way, less mess to clear up and it is all in tubs for that take-away feel too.

I think the cost difference would depend on what sort of cupboard items you have. Like do you already have a few different spices, garlic/ginger, egg noodles etc. I think it would be cheaper if you have a few bits already. I'd be tempted to buy spring roll and meat dish from Chinese and make my own egg fried rice etc

It depends if you already have the store cupboard ingredients or not. If you have to buy all of them then no, it won't be very cheap! But if you already have shaoxing wine, oyster sauce, mirin etc then it should be. Are you going to make your own spring rolls too or buy them?

Jeez yes.

Spring rolls and prawn crackers are the faffiest things to make yourself though and not really worth the effort. If those are non-negotiable for your family, get them separately from the takeaway.

But you can do a delicious stir fry main dish for buttons. There are loads of Chinese cooking videos on YouTube.

Iceland also have freezers dedicated to take away style meals.

I'd just buy a supermarket meal deal rather than make it from scratch.

I think I would just get the takeaway and look for money off (Uber eats usually offers discounts) supermarket stuff never tastes as good

I made spring rolls from scratch - never again.

Buy supermarket spring rolls and prawn crackers.

Then buy your egg noodles, chow mein sauce, chicken and some veg - I reckon you'll spend no more than £10.

Tesco has everything you need! In the chilled section you can get ready made chicken chow mein, spring rolls, prawn toast, etc. Much, much cheaper than from a take away. I'd love to be able to cook authentic Chinese food 😋

Yes, Tesco do boxes of 'Chinese Takeaway for Two' or whatever, so you just have to heat up the components. That's probably your cheapest option.

We often make our own and it's much cheaper. We do salt and pepper wings, crispy shredded chilli beef, Chinese curry, chow mein, Kung Pao, all sorts of things, not all as one meal!
A Chow Mein is easy and just buy spring rolls, prawn crackers and some sweet chilli dip.

M&S do a meal for two box (more than enough food) for £12 which is delicious.

By the time you buy all the ingredients it won't be that cheap, I'd go for supermarket meal deal.

I've just looked on Asda.

Chow Mein sauce is 60p, I would probably buy 2 packets.
Spring Rolls range from £1.50+ for a pack of 4.
Prawn crackers start at 90p for a big bag.
Egg noodles start at £1
A pack of 2 chicken breasts costs £3
A bag of stir fry veg ranges from £1 to £3
Prawn toast is £2.95

The lowest cost is £11.55 for those ingredients and you would have sone left over.

I don't know all the prices of a take away but I know at my local prawn toast is £5 and spring rolls £2.50.

Waitrose have an offer of 2 mains and 2 sides for £11
choose interesting sides and top up with a microwave pack of egg fried rice - should be plenty for two adults and a child.

Have a nice evening

Markies Chinese meal deal all the way.

I'd buy the spring rolls and prawn crackers (I prefer the supermarket ones of both to takeaway) and then make the chow mein as it could be done so simply and cheaply but still be delicious!
Sounds like a lovely evening 👍

As ever, it depends whether you are thinking short term or medium term.

If you decide you like it and are eating this food once a week, buying a wok and a big bottle of soy sauce will pay for itself within a couple of months.

I can also say stir frying is an unbelievably fast way to put food from scratch on the table.

Sorry if already suggested but I think the M&S Chinese is really nice, I tried the crispy sweet and sour chicken but I think they do a box meal for 2 as well.

i really fancy one now!

How old is DD? IF under 13ish, i'd just get a supermarket meal deal. If older i'd definitely try to order at least mains from the local takeaway. Starters can definitely be bought in the supermarket but mains can be funny especially if you don't have all the ingredients.

@strivingtosucceed She’s only 4, but keeps talking about a Chinese banquet 🤷🏻‍♀️🤣

Thanks everyone, I think I’ll definitely buy the prawn crackers, spring rolls & dip and make the main. Trying to compare the two, it looks around a saving-ish of around £11, it’s not huge 🤔

I'd do this. Second choice Tesco meal deal version.

I wouldn't make your own prawn crackers, spring rolls or sesame prawn toast from scratch. Too much faff and likely special ingredients or equipment.

Yes it would be cheaper to buy supermarket ready meals.

However chicken chow mein is my favourite Chinese dish and I've never tried a supermarket version that's anywhere near comparable to a takeaway. They are too saucy/slimy with soggy noddles & veg and very bland! Completely different to the real thing.

For a one off I would be tempted to buy main dish from the takeaway and perhaps grab prawn crackers/spring rolls from supermarket as those are usually ok enough.