Central Market - Pad Thai (7.25/10)

Summary

• Price: ~$4.00
• Overall: 7.25/10.  A large, but barely above average attempt at Pad Thai.  The quality of ingredients lifts the overall score here.  I wouldn't bother buying this meal based on the flavor and texture alone.
• Healthfulness: 8/10.  It's hard to beat the quality of Central Market's ingredients.   Surprisingly high in protein for a Pad Thai dish, I guess from the shrimp and tofu.
• Portion Size/Filling:  8/10.  A pretty hearty portion size (520 calories) with a decent amount of protein.  You should plan to be relatively active afterwards due to the high carb content.
• Flavor: 7/10 (Spiciness: 0/10).   The flavor was above average, but not great.   It didn't bring back memories of Thailand, or even Thai Kitchen.
• Texture: 6/10.  Probably the worst aspect to this dish.  I prefer for the noodles to be soft and saucy.  These noodles were dry and sticky.  Maybe I overcooked it.  The tails were left on the shrimp too.  The crushed peanuts were a nice touch though.

Beer Pairing - Singha

Numbers

• Calories: 520
• Fat: 15g (0g Trans Fat)
• Carbs: 73g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 20g
• Sodium: 820mg

Details

Healthfulness:  The quality and purity of Central Market's ingredients are really top notch.  There's nothing surprising or foreign in the ingredient list and you can really taste the quality.  The only drawback is the relatively high portion of carbs compared to the protein and fat.  You'd probably want to be reasonably active after eating this many carbs.  (8 out of 10)

Portion Size/Filling:  This is among the larger of Central Market's frozen offerings (520 calories;  about the same as a 12" Subway turkey sandwich).  There is a decent portion of protein, although a little low in fat and fiber, which helps to keep you full.  Because of the high carb portion, don't hit the sack after eating this meal.  (8 out of 10)

Flavor:  The flavor was ok, but it definitely couldn't be mistaken for an offering from a decent Thai restaurant.  The flavors were mild and muted.  Definitely edible, but don't expect to be licking the bowl.  (7 out of 10 for overall flavor. 0 out of 10 for spiciness.)

Texture:  The texture was not great.  The noodles, the main part of the dish, were dry, sticky and clumpy.  I like my Pad Thai noodles to be loose, saucy and soft.  The rest of the ingredients were similarly ok.  The shrimp were shelled but still had the tails on.  (6 out of 10)