Celebrate Chinese New Year with these cheap ways to enjoy takeaway food

THERE is only ONE way to celebrate Chinese New Year  . . . with a takeaway.

The Year of the Rat is not the only reason to order in a Chinese as it is already the nation’s most popular takeaway grub.

But it can get expensive. A weekly takeaway can set you back more than £1,000 a year.

But it does not have to cost a fortune, thanks to these thrifty “fakeaways” . . .

Chinese, please: Stick with the Chinese New Year theme, but fake it to make a saving. On average, we spend £9.86 per person on a Chinese takeaway, so instead create your own. A chicken chow mein sweet and sour chicken meal box serves two from Tesco for just £5, usually £8.

Add to your feast with a selection of half-price appetisers — such as crispy chilli prawns, £1.75, usually £3.50.

SAVING: Around £12.97 for two

Doner spend a lot: Drank too much last night? Save pounds on post-pub kebabs — usually around £6 from kebab shops — by stocking up on Babek doner kebab meat, £2 for 600g, from Iceland.

SAVE: at least £4

Pail imitation: Create your own KFC bargain bucket. Get a bag of frozen Southern fried chicken thighs, £3 from Iceland. For the sides, grab Southern fried chips, £1.50, and a bag of mini corn cobs, £1. Gravy fans should head to B&M for Mayflower Southern style gravy mix, £1, which makes 1.6 litres of gravy. All of this works out at around £6.50 — far cheaper than a six-piece bargain bucket, approximately £10.49.

SAVING: £4.20

Cheeky swap: Most of us love a Nando’s. But you can create your very own chicken feast at home without having to fork out for a takeaway. Head to Sainsbury’s and buy a Nando’s Bag Bake, £1, down from £1.20.

If you also buy 1kg of chicken breast fillets for £5.50, you can make more than enough for everyone.

A Nando’s chicken butterfly costs £8.25 — so you make a big saving when cooking for a family.
SAVE: At least £1.75

PRICES correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.

Deal of the day

PICK up a Salter Chinese New Year set for £15, down from £20 at Sainsbury’s. Including a steel wok, Blue Dragon soy sauce, chow mein stir-fry sauce and sweet chilli and garlic stir-fry sauce.
SAVE: £5

Cheap Treat

IF you fancy making your own Chinese curry, head to Tesco. It has two for £2 on selected Sharwoods sauces such as Chinese curry and sweet and sour sauce, usually £1.85 a jar.
SAVE: £1.70

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