MREs, or Meals Ready to Eat, are a portable source of calories for military organizations around the world. In the United States, many of us stockpile MREs as quick-access food for natural disasters and other emergencies — you might even have a favorite menu choice already. However, foreign tastes differ greatly from our own, and this leads to some interesting and unusual food and drink contents from outside North America.

In the past, we've featured several foreign MRE poll articles here on OFFGRIDweb — check out Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3. Each includes unboxing/taste-test videos of three different MREs, followed by a poll that asks which meal appeals to you the most. These videos come from one of our favorite YouTubers, a man with an iron stomach who goes by Steve1989MREInfo. Steve has eaten a huge variety of MREs for his channel, including some dating back more than 100 years.

Today's MRE choices come from China, Thailand, and South Korea.

Foreign MRE #1: China

Steve1989 foreign MRE taste test unboxing survival food ration meal 1

This 2014 ration was produced as a ration for Chinese Air Force personnel on long missions. It contains:

  • White tuna
  • White rice and red beans
  • Spicy green vegetables
  • Pickled kelp
  • Protein bar
  • Chocolate wafers
  • Instant soup mix
  • Hot sauce

Here's the full video review from Steve1989:


Foreign MRE #2: Thailand

Steve1989 foreign MRE taste test unboxing survival food ration meal 3

This 2016 ration was designed as a lightweight meal for members of the Royal Thai Army. It contains:

  • Panang curry with chicken
  • Jasmine rice
  • Dried pineapple
  • Instant coffee with creamer and sugar
  • Two packets of fish sauce with chilis
  • Three Mentos mints

Here's the full video review from Steve1989:


Foreign MRE #3: South Korea

Steve1989 foreign MRE taste test unboxing survival food ration meal 2

This 2016 South Korean battle ration includes a powerful flameless heater for warming the food without access to a fire or stove. It also contains:

  • Ham fried rice
  • Sausages in barbecue sauce
  • Beans and beef
  • Stir-fried kimchi (spicy fermented cabbage)
  • Almond cakes
  • Chocolate candies

Here's the full video review from Steve1989:


Now that you’ve seen all three foreign MRE tests, which one of these meals would you rather end up with in a survival scenario? Tell us in the poll below.


Prepare Now:

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