Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Takeaway: The Complete UK Guide
Whether it’s a Friday night treat, a quick weekday dinner, or a late-night craving, takeaway food has become a cornerstone of British life. From the local chippy to a cheeky kebab, a Friday night curry, or the latest Korean fried chicken sensation, takeaways have cemented their spot as a beloved ritual in UK households.
But with so many options available, from Indian and Chinese to pizza, kebabs, and healthy alternatives, finding the best takeaway near you can feel overwhelming. This guide covers everything you need to know about ordering takeaway in the UK, from finding the best local spots and understanding delivery apps to checking food hygiene ratings and staying safe.
What Is a Takeaway?
In the UK, a “takeaway” refers to food that you buy from a restaurant or shop to eat elsewhere, typically at home. The term can mean both the food itself and the establishment you buy it from.
When you search for “takeaway near me,” Google uses your location or postcode to show nearby restaurants, including:
This local search feature helps you discover nearby takeaway restaurants within minutes.
The UK’s Most Popular Takeaway Cuisines
The UK has one of the most diverse food scenes in the world. According to a 2025 survey, Chinese cuisine took the number one spot as the most popular type of takeaway, with pizza coming in second.
Here are the most popular takeaway cuisines across the UK:
1. Chinese Takeaway
Sweet and sour chicken, chow mein, fried rice, and crispy duck are popular across the country. Chinese is the favorite for Gen X (55%) and Boomers (57%). In a post-holiday survey, Chinese takeaway topped the list at 28%.
2. Pizza
Classic margherita, pepperoni, and loaded meat pizzas are ideal for sharing. For Gen Z, pizza tops the list at 54%, followed by a Chinese takeaway (43%) and burgers (41%). In Yorkshire, 46% chose pizza as a favorite.
3. Indian Takeaway
Curries, biryanis, tandoori dishes, and naan bread remain top favorites. Tikka Masala emerged as the most popular Indian main, with 28% naming it as their “go-to.” Boomers show strong loyalty to Indian cuisine (45%).
4. Fish and Chips
A British classic that remains a firm favorite, particularly among older generations. Boomers show a strong loyalty to fish and chips (46%). National results show fish and chips leading at 20%.
5. Kebab and Halal Takeaways
Doner kebabs, grilled chicken, lamb seekh kebabs, and halal options are widely available in most UK towns and cities.
6. Healthy Takeaways
Grilled dishes, salads, and vegetarian and vegan meals are now easier to find than ever. Healthy takeaway is growing in popularity as people want tasty food without heavy oil or excess calories.
7. Burgers
Burgers round out the top three for Gen Z (41%) and Millennials (36%).
8. Emerging Trends
Korean fried chicken and Pad Thai are now in Britain’s top 10 takeaways. Dubai chocolate orders rose by 2,684% in 2025. US-style fried chicken is a TikTok phenomenon transforming the British high street, with chicken shops rising 7.2% year-on-year, the fastest growth across the fast food sector.
How to Find the Best Takeaway Near You
Finding the best takeaway isn’t just about choosing the first option you see. Here’s how to make the right choice:
1. Check Google Reviews
Look for consistent ratings above 4 stars. Pay attention to comments about freshness and delivery time.
2. Compare Menus and Prices
Some takeaways offer better portion sizes or meal deals. Always compare portion size and quality before choosing based on price alone.
3. Look at Food Hygiene Ratings
In the UK, hygiene ratings are publicly available through the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme. A higher score means better food safety standards.
4. Choose Specialised Restaurants
A place that focuses on one cuisine often provides better quality than a general fast-food shop.
5. Read Reviews on Delivery Apps
Delivery app reviews give insight into food quality, portion size, and delivery speed.
Food Hygiene Ratings: What UK Consumers Need to Know
The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme (FHRS) helps people make informed choices about where to eat out or shop for food by giving clear information about businesses’ hygiene standards.
The Rating Scale
Businesses receive a rating from 5 to 0:
| Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 5 | Hygiene standards are very good |
| 4 | Hygiene standards are good |
| 3 | Hygiene standards are generally satisfactory |
| 2 | Some improvement is necessary |
| 1 | Major improvement is necessary |
| 0 | Urgent improvement is required |
What the Rating Covers
The rating covers how food is handled, stored, and prepared; the cleanliness of facilities; and how food safety is managed.
Key Statistics
- 96.9% of businesses have a rating of 3 or better
- 77.5% have achieved the top rating of 5
You can check a takeaway’s hygiene rating online before ordering.
Ordering Takeaway Online: Delivery Apps Compared
Delivery apps have transformed takeaway ordering in the UK. The three dominant platforms are Just Eat, Uber Eats, and Deliveroo, which together cover nearly all orders.
Platform Comparison
*Based on a 2021 BBC survey. Relative ranking has held steady.
Which App Should You Use?
- Just Eat: Best for value and variety. The go-to for most UK customers who want the widest restaurant choice at the lowest overall cost. 36% of Brits name it their top food delivery app, citing ease of use (58%) and speedy delivery (48%). 65% of respondents had used Just Eat within the past 12 months.
- Uber Eats: Best for fast-food chains and broad urban coverage. 54% of respondents used Uber Eats. Over half (54%) gravitate towards Uber Eats because of the speed of deliveries.
- Deliveroo: Often the most expensive, but recommended for its experience and previous service. 52% of respondents used Deliveroo.
Ordering Directly vs. Using Apps
Ordering via an app costs more than ordering direct from the restaurant. Just Eat charges restaurants a significantly lower commission than rivals, which is why its app prices tend to sit closer to what you’d pay ordering direct.
Takeaway Food Safety: Essential Tips for UK Customers
Allergen Safety
- Always ask about allergens before placing an order to check for hidden allergenic ingredients from cross-contamination.
- Never rely solely on allergen information on menus or websites, as this information can quickly become out of date if a recipe changes or ingredients are substituted.
- Phone the food business directly to discuss your allergy requirements.
- Ask how your food will be packed for delivery and how your allergen-free food will be labelled.
Food Temperature Safety
- Hot food must be kept at 63°C or above
- Cold foods must be held below 8°C to keep them safe, ideally between 0 and 5°C.
- Food that needs refrigerating must be kept cool while being transported, packed in an insulated box with a coolant gel or in a cool bag.
Delivery Safety
- Never share your delivery PIN unless the driver is in front of you or you have received your food.
- Delivery vehicles must be kept clean, maintained in good condition, and designed to prevent contamination.
The UK Takeaway Industry by Numbers
The takeaway industry is a significant part of the UK economy.
Consumer Behaviour
- 57% of consumers seek special offers when ordering a takeaway
- Average expenditure per person per week on takeaways has generally been decreasing
- The online food delivery market is forecast to reach nearly £28 billion by 2028
The Fried Chicken Boom
The number of chicken shops rose 7.2% year-on-year, the fastest growth across the fast food sector, compared to 1.7% for other takeaways. In 2025, 52% of Gen Z fast food consumers and 47% of millennial fast food consumers reported having eaten from a chicken shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UK’s most popular takeaway?
According to a 2025 survey, Chinese cuisine took the number one spot, while pizza came in second.
How do I find a takeaway near me?
Search “takeaway near me” on Google or use delivery apps like Just Eat, Uber Eats, or Deliveroo. The search uses your location to show nearby restaurants with reviews, opening hours, and menus.
Which delivery app is cheapest in the UK?
Just Eat is consistently the cheapest of the three platforms for most UK customers, with an average price premium of around 21% compared to ordering direct. Uber Eats is around 25% and Deliveroo around 31%.
What is the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme?
It’s a UK scheme that gives food businesses a rating from 5 (very good) to 0 (urgent improvement required). You can check a takeaway’s rating online before ordering.
Is it cheaper to order directly from the restaurant?
Yes. Ordering via an app costs more than ordering direct from the restaurant because apps add delivery fees, service charges, and menu markups to cover their commission.
What are the healthiest takeaway options?
Look for grilled over fried dishes, avoid creamy sauces, choose salad or rice instead of chips, and look for vegetarian or high-protein meals.
Do takeaways in the UK deliver late at night?
Many takeaways are open late and deliver into the early hours, especially in towns and cities.
What should I do if I have a food allergy?
Always phone the food business directly to discuss your allergy requirements. Never rely solely on allergen information on menus or websites, as recipes and ingredients can change.
How big is the UK takeaway industry?
The UK takeaway and fast-food market is worth approximately £23.5 billion, with nearly 50,000 takeaway businesses across the country.
What new takeaway trends are emerging in the UK?
Korean fried chicken, Pad Thai, and US-style fried chicken are booming. Dubai chocolate orders rose 2,684% in 2025. The number of chicken shops is growing faster than any other fast food sector.
Conclusion
Takeaway food has become an essential part of modern British life, offering convenience, variety, and the joy of enjoying restaurant-quality food from the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re craving a classic fish and chips, a spicy curry, or the latest fried chicken sensation, the UK’s takeaway scene has something for everyone.
By checking reviews, comparing prices, and looking at food hygiene ratings, you can make informed choices and enjoy great food with confidence. And with delivery apps making ordering easier than ever, your next favorite takeaway is just a few taps away.
Read More: IPTVMX UK Guide: Features, Safety & Legal Alternatives
[…] Read More: UK Takeaway Guide: Top Cuisines, Apps & Hygiene Tips […]