If you’re a frugal mum backpacker like I am, you’ll prolly agree that food is one of those things that (unfortunately) often gets the scrimping. And by that, I don’t just mean costs but also actual weight. Two words: Baggage allowance (why I bring food from home to my overseas travels, it’s because they bring familiar comfort).
So you can imagine my excitement when a bagload of 555 Tuna Rice was delivered to my doorstep for sampling. The latest addition to 555’s extensive line of gustatory goodies, 555 Tuna Rice combines meat with the most important component of Filipino cuisine: rice. This ulam rice comes in a convenient, easy-tear foil pouch that you can eat presto or dunk in hot water for a more enjoyable hot meal. You can even eat it while commuting!
At only 200 grams, the packs are easy to stash in your bag. I brought mine to the beach, but I imagine it perfectly fits hikes too (for canned meals can be very heavy plus no need to bring a can opener). Because it’s lightweight, it’s also convenient grub for office workers and students. Or for those times when you’re famished and too lazy to cook and there’s nothing in the fridge or there are no convenient stores nearby.
Varieties
There are currently three 555 Tuna Rice variants – afritada, adobo, and sisig – all in equal parts meat and rice. All use, uhm, tuna meat, with that distinct lutong bahay taste that we Pinoys have grown to love. Just a spoonful brings me back to them good ol’ days when me mum used to cook for me (and she’s one really amazing cook) everyday.
My personal favourite is sisig, an equally yummy (but healthier) version of a rather sinful Filipino dish. It’s mildly spicy – which I like – but if you’d rather have something milder and a little bit sweet, I reckon you’ll love the afritada and adobo variants.
Affordability
Taste notwithstanding, for me, the best thing about 555’s Tuna Rice is the price. At only P27.50 per pack, it’s cheaper than a usual carinderia meal or a hotdog sandwich from a convenient store. Or canned corned beef. Or a one-way trip from Manila to Bataan. Or… you get the gist.
Now that’s scrimping without sacrificing anything.
