Trader Ming's (Joe's) Ginger Peanut Noodle Salad (10 oz.)

Item Purchased: Trader Ming's (Joe's) Ginger Peanut Noodle Salad (10 oz.)
Location Purchased: Trader Joe's / 1840 N. Clybourn Ave. / Chicago, IL
Price: $2.49 + tax

Review: From their ready-to-eat section, Trader Joe's offers a lunch-size plastic container full of eastern noodles. I'm not sure how I feel about the cutesy attempt to make this item seem more authentic by changing "Joe" to "Ming," but the noodles sure are tasty.

Wheat noodles with a ginger soy dressing already cooked into them, this dish can be eaten hot or cold. I opted for nuking it and eating them warm. The ginger taste is subtle and even the soy isn't overbearing. Some might say this is a bland dish, but those people are probably the people who think that going to their local Chinese buffet and pigging out on deep-fried chicken strips dipped in sweet-and-sour sauce is eating authentic Chinese food. If your taste buds haven't been completely wiped out by American ethnic derivatives and fast food, you should enjoy this affordable lunch, perfect for taking to work with you.

My only complaint is the accuracy on the label. It says "Ginger Peanut Noodle Salad" and that is exactly what I got. A ginger noodle salad with exactly one peanut in it. Ah well, maybe next time, I'll buy some extra peanuts to throw in. I suspect, though, that I simply picked a dud.

Rating: 3.75 / 5