The Australian takeaway landscape is undergoing a dramatic shake-up, with traditional favourites like fish and chips and doner kebabs being pushed aside by a new wave of exotic and trending global cuisines. What was once a simple choice between a classic battered sav and a greasy kebab has evolved into a far more adventurous culinary adventure, largely influenced by the explosive popularity of K-pop music, binge-worthy Netflix series, and the relentless scroll of social media platforms.
Analysis from leading food delivery service, Just Eat, reveals that cuisines once considered niche or “far-flung” are now firmly entrenched in the nation’s top ten favourite takeaway dishes. While staples like Indian curries and Chinese stir-fries continue to hold their ground, the defining characteristic of modern takeaway choices is their global flair.
The Rise of International Flavours
The most striking shift is the meteoric rise of Korean fried chicken. Fuelled by the global phenomenon of K-pop artists like Blackpink and the gripping drama of Squid Game, this crispy, flavour-packed dish has become a bona fide sensation. It’s a prime example of how cultural touchstones can directly impact consumer demand, transforming a once-obscure dish into a mainstream must-have.
Thai cuisine, too, has cemented its place in the takeaway hierarchy, with dishes like Pad Thai now regularly appearing on order lists. This surge in popularity for international flavours highlights a growing appetite for diverse tastes and a willingness among Australians to explore beyond their culinary comfort zones.
Social Media’s Culinary Command
The influence of social media platforms cannot be overstated. Sites like TikTok have become powerful trendsetters, dictating what’s hot and what’s not in the food world. This has led to a significant surge in demand for specific trending items, often driven by viral challenges and influencer endorsements.
One such example is the immense popularity of “Dubai chocolate.” This social media sensation has seen a staggering increase in demand, with related products experiencing an almost unbelievable 2,684 per cent rise in orders over the past year. This phenomenon underscores how quickly online trends can translate into tangible consumer behaviour.
Furthermore, the growing emphasis on wellness and healthier eating has also played a crucial role. While traditional comfort foods remain popular, there’s a noticeable shift towards options that align with these lifestyle trends.
Evolving Tastes and Shifting Preferences
Just Eat, which has been a significant player in the food delivery market for two decades, has witnessed this evolution firsthand. Starting with a modest selection of seven cuisines, including familiar favourites like Italian, Indian, Chinese, and fish and chips, the platform now boasts over 100 diverse culinary options. Newer additions such as Bangladeshi, Brazilian, and Nepalese cuisines reflect the increasingly eclectic palates of Australian diners.
The data paints a clear picture: fish and chips, once a dominant force in the takeaway scene, has fallen out of the top ten. Similarly, dishes like doner kebabs and chicken korma, which were once weekend staples, have also seen their rankings slip. They’ve been supplanted by contemporary favourites such as loaded fries, a versatile and customisable option that appeals to a broad audience, and the aforementioned Korean fried chicken and Pad Thai.
TikTok’s impact extends beyond savoury dishes, with Japanese-inspired matcha products experiencing a significant uptick. Orders for matcha-related items on Just Eat have more than doubled in the past year alone, demonstrating the platform’s ability to tap into emerging trends.
Leigh Phillipson, Commercial Director at Just Eat, commented on the profound impact of platforms like TikTok. “We’ve seen platforms such as TikTok have a real impact on the popularity of orders,” he stated. “Korean cuisine, in particular, has seen a boom in the last few years, significantly boosted by shows like Squid Game and music by artists like Blackpink.”
He further elaborated on the changing consumer mindset: “Items that most Brits in 2006 would have been utterly confused by, such as matcha and fibre drinks, are now surging in popularity, directly aligned with current wellness trends.”
While newer cuisines have gained traction, it’s important to note that classic dishes haven’t entirely disappeared. Just Eat confirmed it still partners with over 11,000 independent Indian restaurants, highlighting the enduring appeal of these beloved flavours. As Phillipson noted, “Despite the ever-increasing choice, British favourites like Indian, Chinese, and fish and chips remain as popular as ever.”
The Shifting Top Ten: A Snapshot
To illustrate the dramatic transformation, consider these snapshots of the top ten takeaway tastes:
Current Top 10 Takeaway Dishes:
- Margherita pizza
- Chicken chow mein
- Sweet and sour chicken
- Korean fried chicken
- Chicken tikka masala
- Pepperoni pizza
- Loaded fries
- Pad Thai
- Smashburger
- Veggie burger
Top 10 Takeaway Dishes (circa 2006):
- Pepperoni pizza
- Chicken tikka masala
- Sweet and sour chicken
- Margherita pizza
- Chicken chow mein
- Chicken korma
- Fish and chips
- Beef burger
- Doner kebab and chips
- Chicken box
This comparison clearly shows the evolving tastes and the undeniable influence of global culture and digital trends on what Australians are choosing for their evening meal. The takeaway menu of today is a vibrant reflection of a connected world, where flavour knows no borders and a viral video can spark a culinary revolution.
