UK's Top Takeaways Evolve: Social Media Fuels New Cravings

British takeaway habits have experienced a significant evolution over the past twenty years, with traditional favorites like kebabs and fish and chips now being overshadowed by global flavors. What was once a market dominated by a handful of cuisines has expanded to over 100 options available for delivery.

Dishes that were once top-ranked in 2006, such as doner kebab and fish and chips, have fallen out of the top 10. They have been replaced by emergent popular choices including Korean fried chicken, loaded fries, and Pad Thai.

Social media trends are a major driver behind these changing tastes. TikTok's influence has led to a surge in demand for items like Japanese matcha products, with orders doubling in the past year. Dubai chocolate has also seen exceptional growth in demand.

Leigh Phillipson, commercial director at Just Eat, noted that platforms like TikTok have a substantial impact on order popularity, citing the rise of Korean cuisine due to cultural phenomena like 'Squid Game' and Blackpink's music. He also highlighted that items such as matcha and fibre drinks are trending as part of a broader wellness movement.

Despite the rise of new international dishes, classic British favorites, including Indian and Chinese cuisine, continue to be highly popular. The platform still hosts over 11,000 independent Indian restaurants, demonstrating the enduring appeal of these traditional options.