I don’t enjoy writing bad reviews, and I don’t enjoy eating bad food, but sometimes it happens. Such is the case with Popeyes Cajun Rice. Despite being a fan of the chain, and enjoying the other items I’ve eaten there, this dish left me totally disappointed.

The first time I tried the rice it was bad, however I figured my experience might be an isolated incident or anomaly. But after eating the rice four different times now, I can no longer make that assumption or excuse. On each occasion, I got the same results. Some people refer to this (or similar dishes) as “dirty” rice, and I cannot help making a pun and joke here — because indeed this stuff does tastes a little bit like dirt.

It looks good enough, with plump grains of rice being coated with the Cajun meat mixture they use. Looks can be deceiving, and this might be the best example of that I’ve encountered recently. I don’t understand how ground beef, chicken gizzards, green onions and various other spices can blend together and taste so awful and dry, but they do. My eyes said it appears delicious, but my taste buds told a different story.

I simply have nothing good to say about the flavor of this item. I would not order it again under normal circumstances. I don’t want to harp on this too much because I’ve plenty of love and respect for Popeyes in general. So keep that in mind Popeyes fans, before you give me a hard time. Read my reviews of their other items like Cajun fries, onion rings, beans with rice, and loaded chicken wrap. You’ll see I’m a fan too.

The Cajun Rice from Popeyes is simply unappetizing to me. It’s dry, dull, almost bitter taste leaves me empty and unsatisfied. This dish escapes a score of “F” by a narrow margin, saved only because (#1) adding some Popeye’s Hot Sauce makes it edible, and (#2) I’m assuming it’s an ‘acquired taste‘, so I won’t write it off completely.

Price: $1.49 / $3.49 Website: Popeyes.com

Fast Food Critic Score: D-

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Nutrition Facts - Cajun Rice from Popeyes (regular).

Calories - 170
Calories from Fat - N/A
Total Fat - 6 grams
Carbs - 22 grams
Saturated Fat - 2 grams
Trans Fat - 0 grams
Cholesterol - 60 milligrams
Sodium - 530 milligrams
Protein - 8 grams

When I was a child, my Grandmother would often prepare red beans and rice. She made it because we liked it, but also because the ingredients were inexpensive and easy to purchase in bulk. Money was tight and it was a great way to stretch the dollar. It’s a simple dish, and it’s filling. As Grandpa said so often - it sticks to your ribs.

Popeyes version of this classic is not as tasty as what Grandma used to make, but it’s still pretty good. Long grain rice is cooked and seasoned with salt, onion, garlic and paprika. It’s smothered with red kidney beans and a sauce made with pork-fat that’s been cured with (among other things) brown sugar and natural smoke flavors.

In my experience, the rice is always cooked right, firm on the outside and tender on the inside. The beans are plump and hearty, but sometimes there’s not as many ‘whole’ beans as I’d prefer. The sauce is thick and has a good smokey flavor, but unlike many of Popeyes items it’s not spicy at all. Those with a preference for the hotter side of the menu will likely find this rather bland. That’s just the nature of the dish.

For instance, one time I ate several pieces of their spicy chicken beforehand, after which the beans and rice barely made an impact on my taste buds. Again, this is not Popeyes fault, it’s the dish itself. If you really want to get the most enjoyment from this, I suggest not eating anything spicy with it. Allow yourself to appreciate the soft and subtle flavors on their own. A big bowl will make a wholesome satisfying meal.

If I had one request, it would be for some cornbread to go with it. That’s the way I grew up eating. We would dunk it, and sometimes just break it up and mix it all together. But alas, Popeyes does not have cornbread on the menu. Their buttermilk biscuits are very good, and do a decent job as a substitute, but it’s not the same. If you’ve ever had beans and rice with cornbread, you know it’s a match made in heaven.

Popeyes Red Beans and Rice has a pleasant mellow flavor, and does a fairly good job of recreating the taste I loved growing up in the South. If you’re like me, and you ate the same (basic) dish for years, it will make you feel right at home. But if you’ve never been satisfied by such simple food, it’s unlikely to impress or change your mind.

Price: $1.99 and $3.99 / Website: Popeyes.com

Fast Food Critic Score: B

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Nutrition Facts - Popeyes Red Beans and Rice (regular).

Calories - 320
Calories from Fat - N/A
Total Fat - 19 grams
Carbs - 31 grams
Saturated Fat - 6 grams
Trans Fat - 0 grams
Cholesterol - 20 milligrams
Sodium - 710 milligrams
Protein - 10 grams