These new Street Food bowls caught my eye — I had to grab the Gumbo and Jamaican Jerk Rice & Beans ones to see what they hittin’ for.
I haven’t tried them yet but I’ll report back 👀
Which flavor look like it’s gonna win?
2025/10/23 Edited to
... Read moreOkay, so remember when I said I was going to report back on those new Ben's Original Street Food bowls? Well, the wait is over! I finally got around to tasting both the Gumbo with Chicken Andouille Sausage and the Jamaican Jerk Style Red Beans & Rice with Chicken, and let me tell you, I have thoughts.
First off, the convenience factor is a huge win. These are microwave meals, perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something quick but still packed with flavor. Just a few minutes in the microwave, and you're good to go. It really lives up to the 'street food' vibe, giving you that quick, satisfying meal experience without needing to step out. Forget those 'uncle ben jamaican restaurant' searches; this is delicious Jamaican-inspired food you can make at home!
Let's dive into the Gumbo with Chicken Andouille Sausage. I was really curious about this one, especially with the 'uncle ben's gumbo' queries I've seen. The aroma alone was promising! It had a rich, savory depth that you'd expect from a good gumbo. The chicken was tender, and the slices of Andouille sausage added that distinct smoky, spicy kick. The rice was perfectly cooked, absorbing all those delicious flavors. It genuinely felt like a hearty, comforting meal, with just the right amount of spice to warm you up without being overwhelming. For a microwave meal, the quality of the ingredients, especially the sausage, really stood out.
Next up, the Jamaican Jerk Style Red Beans & Rice with Chicken. If you're into bold, zesty flavors, this one might be your jam. The jerk seasoning was definitely present – a beautiful balance of savory, sweet, and a good level of heat that sneaks up on you. The red beans were soft and creamy, blending well with the rice, and the chicken pieces were well-seasoned. It transported me straight to a tropical vibe, offering a very different but equally satisfying experience compared to the gumbo. It’s definitely spicier than the gumbo, which I personally enjoyed, but something to keep in mind if you're sensitive to heat.
So, which flavor won for me? Honestly, it was a tough call! If I had to pick just one, the Gumbo edged out the Jamaican Jerk ever so slightly for its comforting, rich, and truly authentic taste profile. However, the Jamaican Jerk is fantastic for when you're craving something with a bit more zing and exotic flair. Both are incredibly flavorful and a huge step up for microwave meals, especially for 'uncle ben's jamaican' cravings.
Beyond these two, I've seen other exciting options like Honey BBQ, Teriyaki, Fried Rice, and Burrito Bowl in the Ben's Original Street Food lineup. It's great to see such a variety, catering to different cravings. Always check the nutritional facts on the package if that's important to you, as these can vary by flavor. The cooking times are usually super quick, too.
Overall, if you're looking for a convenient, flavorful, and surprisingly satisfying meal option that brings 'street food' directly to your kitchen, I highly recommend giving Ben's Original Street Food bowls a try. They're quick, easy, and deliver a lot of taste for minimal effort. You can usually find them in the rice or frozen meal aisle of your local grocery store. Let me know if you try them and what your favorite flavor is!
I have to try these