Mishry Rating
Summary
We do not recommend the noodle meals by Tata Q. Both vegetarian and chicken variants lack freshness, flavor and the correct texture. It is unappetising to look at. The only saving grace is the packaging.
Heat and eat! Instant meals are known for the immense convenience they provide. But, as consumers, you would only go back for a second purchase if it is also tasty. Right?
We tried the vegetarian and chicken instant noodle meals by Tata Q to test them for their taste, texture and convenience. Our Tata Q Hot & Spicy Schezwan Noodles review revealed that these are not worth trying. This industrial-tasting meal is a waste of your sources.
Table of Contents
Tata Q Hot & Spicy Schezwan Noodles – Quick Glance
A tabular comparison of both the variants we tried –
| Variant Name | Vegetarian | Chicken |
| Price | Rs 99/- | Rs 125/- |
| Net Quantity | 290 grams | 305 grams |
| Shelf life | 12 months | 12 months |
| Mishry Rating | 1 | 1 |
Our Review Factors
What were we looking for? A fresh tasting, delicious, and convenient instant meal that can be carried while traveling as well.
To gauge Tata Q Hot & Spicy Schezwan Noodles we set the following parameters –
1. Taste
Instant meals can end up tasting industrial and artificial. We were looking for fresh flavors with the correct balance of seasoning in this meal. As these are labeled as schezwan, we expect some heat as well.
The individual taste of noodles, any vegetables/meat and overall flavor of the seasoning were checked. Individually and collectively – how tasty are all the elements?
2. Texture
Sticky, squidgy or smooth and long – what is the texture of the noodles? In the case of the chicken, how soft, juicy and tender is it? Or is the meat hard and tasteless? Do the vegetables maintain their bite or are they soft and squishy too?
3. Convenience
Just heat and heat or something else required? How easy is this meal to carry? Does it come with cutlery?
4. Other Factors
Packaging
How well is the meal packed? Any leakages? Does this have a spoon and tissue inside for added convenience?
Appearance
We eat with our eyes first. Does this meal look appetizing?
Aroma
Unheated or heated – is the aroma inviting?
Main ingredients
Yes, this is an instant meal which is why we aren’t particularly looking for healthy, good-for-you ingredients. But what are the main ingredients used and do they indicate quality?
Price
In comparison to a regular, popular instant noodle meal – are these value for money? If it is priced higher than your average instant meals, does the quality and taste justify the difference?
Shelf life
These have a shelf life of 12 months. They do not require refrigeration before opening.
Related reading – Earlier we tried Tata Q’s pasta range and chicken biryani and found them to be below average too.
Tata Q Hot & Spicy Schezwan Noodles – Detailed Review
How to heat these?
Tata Q’s meals can be prepared using two methods – hot water immersion or in a microwave. We used the microwave method.
The hot water method is as follows –
- Do not peel the tray cover.
- Boil water in a large vessel
- Immerse the pack after taking off the vessel from heat.
- Do not boil the pack.
- Shake the pack well.
- Immerse in boiling water.
- Keep it for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Take out the pack from the water and peel the cover fully.
- Mix well and enjoy.
The microwave method –
- Shake the pack well.
- Peel open the tray cover slightly.
- Do not remove it fully.
- Heat in the microwave for 60 seconds.
- Mix well and enjoy.
- The end to be pulled is shown by an arrow.
Warning – Do not consume if the product is puffed, has leaked or is bloated.
1. Veggies
Packaging – The vegetarian meal comes in a black and green carton. Inside, there is a sealed white plastic box which holds the contents. The pack comes with a fork and tissue paper neatly wrapped.
Upon opening the pack, there was an artificial aroma which instantly put us off. The noodles look extremely oily, overcooked, and squidgy. The vegetables lack the vibrancy we look for. For example, the button mushrooms are jet black.
Taste and texture wise, everything fails. The schezwan promise is not fulfilled (these aren’t spicy), they taste industrial and oily and the vegetables do not taste fresh. Only the baby corn has a mild bite, the rest are minced and squished. For 99 bucks, this is not worth it.
Product information – On an average this entire meal provides under 300 Kcal of energy. Main ingredients include water, noodles, vegetables, red chilli paste and onion schezwan noodles seasoning. It contains flavor enhancers, thickeners, acidity regulators, and permitted flavor amongst other things.
- The packaging is nice, secure and convenient.
- The entire meal lacks freshness. It tastes industrial.
- Vegetables lack a bite or vibrancy.
- The promise of schezwan has not been fulfilled.
- Meal is very oily and unappealing to look at.
- The texture of noodles is a big let down.
- This is not a tasty meal at all.
- The ingredient list could have been better.
We do not recommend this at all.
2. Chicken
The chicken meal is packed similarly, but the outer carton color is orange. All our tasting notes are the same for both the variants.
As for the chicken, it is added in the form of sausages which taste bland and off-putting. They aren’t hard, but lack flavor.
This is priced higher than the vegetarian version. At Rs 125/- this is not value for money in any way.
Product information – The main ingredients include water, noodles, vegetables and chicken jalapeno sausages. The sausages contain preservatives.
Cup noodles you might like – Italiano Flavors | Chilli Chow
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some interesting FAQs on Tata Q Hot & Spicy Schezwan Noodles.
1. Are these noodles healthy for the body?
No. Usually instant food is not considered as healthy due to the type of ingredients used to enhance the shelf life and improve the quality of the product.
Such meals are meat for occasional consumption.
2. Are these noodles too spicy?
Even though they are labeled as schezwan, they are not too spicy.
3. Do these noodles lead to stomach related problems?
When we tried this, it didn’t hamper our digestive health in any way. But, do check the ingredient list in detail to know if you are allergic to something. Moreover, we do not recommend this product for regular consumption.
4. How many can one pack of these noodles serve?
A single pack is suited for 1 person (if consuming it as a main meal). If you consume this as a snack, it can serve two people.
5. Do these noodles contain preservatives?
Yes. The chicken meal contains INS 223 (Sodium metabisulphite) and INS 250 (Sodium Nitrite). While INS 223 is used as an antimicrobial preservative, INS 250 is a common meat preservative which also gives it a red color.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, we do not recommend the instant noodle meals by Tata Q. They are unappetising to look at, taste industrial, lack freshness or any appealing flavor and have a squidgy texture.
Yes, the packaging is nice and this is convenient to use. But what is the point of convenience if the meal tastes and looks disappointing. Definitely skip these!
Have you tried any meals by Tata Q? How has your experience been?
Our reviews are unbiased and all samples used during the reviews were paid for by us. Read our entire ethics statement here.