Chung is king of frozen egg rolls

By KATHY SAUNDERS
Published January 28, 2005

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Egg rolls are a meal in our house. Toss a salad or add some fruit and cheese, and dinner is served. Groceries offer several types that go straight from the freezer to the oven to the plate.

The panel sampled five brands and found a favorite in Chung ($2). All featured some pork and shrimp. All came in packs of four, except for the panel's least favorite, the La Choy box of mini egg rolls ($1.69).

We baked the egg rolls according to package instructions and most of them crisped nicely. Chung received 50 out of 80 points.

Judges praised Chung for its crunchy crust and flavorful filling.

"Look mom, I ate the whole thing," said one judge. "This looks like it came from a Chinese restaurant."

The golden brown of the Chung brought high marks as well.

Close behind Chung was Pagoda Cafe ($3), which received 48 points. The wrap on these rolls was not as thick as Chung's, but just as crispy.

One panelist particularly liked the diced red onion in the Pagoda.

Judges also enjoyed the Kahiki egg rolls ($2) for their color and hand-rolled look. These received 40 points.

Each of the top three selections had at least two panelists willing to serve them to guests. Also tasted were egg rolls from the Publix deli counter ($2.97). Like the La Choy, the store's brand didn't deliver on flavor, texture or appearance.

Panelists were: Personal Chef Marc Easterman; Nan Jensen, registered dietitian with Pinellas County Cooperative Extension; Bob Devin Jones, actor, director and playwright; and Jim Yockey, aesthetician, Tierra Verde Salon and Day Spa. All products were tasted blind.