The British summer has finally arrived, and we Brits are suddenly remembering that we hardly know what to do with ourselves when a heatwave strikes. When the mercury rises and it’s too hot to do anything, it’s definitely too hot to slave over a hot stove – so a tasty summer takeaway is the answer. Here’s some inspiration to tempt your tastebuds this summer…
Sushi
Sushi is an ideal takeaway choice for summer. Served chilled, it’s a great healthy dish to help you cool down in the summer heat. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, there’s no reason to miss out on all the summer sushi goodness: there are plenty of vegetable-based options, from avocado temaki to cucumber maki, they’re a great alternative to a salad on a hot summer’s day.
Greek
We think it’s fair to say that the Greeks know a thing or two about eating in scorching weather, and if you’re feeling in the mood for Mediterranean food then look to your nearest Greek restaurant for your takeaway choice. For a mouthwatering starter, choose a selection of meze – hot and cold dishes that form the Greek answer to tapas, such as lamb koftas, houmous, calamari and delicious cheesy saganaki. Follow that with tasty roasted lamb, vegetable and halloumi kebabs served with lashings of cool tzatziki and a refreshing Greek side salad of tomato, feta cheese, red onion, cucumber and olives. It’s like having a Mediterranean barbecue, but without the effort and the clearing up!
Mexican
Is there anything better than tucking into a chicken fajita or beef and bean burrito on a hot summer’s day, savouring that delicious combination of spicy meat and wonderfully cool guacamole, cheese and sour cream? For a real Mexican feast, add some nachos to your order and enjoy them as a starter, loaded with sour cream, tomato salsa, guacamole and cheese. For added Mexican summer vibes, wash your Mexican takeaway down with a frozen Margarita or two.
Burgers or hot dogs
If you want the relaxed vibe and tastiness of a barbecue, without the arguments over burnt food why not kick back and enjoy a burger? You’ll also have a great choice of extras, such as cheese, bacon, slaw and fries. Why not add in a potato salad, a green salad and some grilled sweetcorn on the cob and you have everything you need for the perfect barbecue, without having to wait ages for the charcoal to heat up!
Indian
A hearty hot and spicy curry may be the perfect warming takeaway on a cold winter’s night, but it may not always be exactly what you’re looking for when the temperature is in the late 20s. However, the strange thing is that spicy foods trick your body into cooling itself down, as the spiciness triggers your brain to think it’s overheating and your body starts to sweat slightly. That means that contrary to what you might think, a spicy curry could be just the thing you need to cool down on a scorching day. To get the full effect, you’ll need to opt for something on the hotter end of the curry spectrum: if you can handle the heat, think Madras or Vindaloo. Why not eat your Indian summer takeaway sitting in the garden, accompanied by a cooling, yogurty Mango Lassi?
Italian
Another great takeaway choice that hails from a hot country is Italian. Pizza is great whatever the weather, and if there are any leftovers they’re perfect for enjoying cold from the fridge next day, too! Your favourite pasta dishes are also light options for a hot day.
Finish up your Italian takeaway with a decadent chilled tiramisu or creamy gelato to cool down with.
