It’s amazing what Google searches can tell you about a nation’s interests, and especially what they like to eat. When it comes to takeaways, it’s fascinating to a country’s dining in choices reflected in what people head online to search for the most. So what the most popular takeaway choices, and how do they differ around the world? To find out, MoneyBeach did some research into search volumes – and the results aren’t always what you might expect…
1. Pizza
Well, you probably will be expecting this one. Is it any wonder that pizza comes out on top of the list of the world’s favourite takeaways? The undisputed king of takeaways is the most-searched-for dining in choice in a whopping 44 countries, including much of Europe, as well as countries ranging from Iceland to India and Peru to Morocco. And Italy, of course – a country that famously loves its own cuisine above all others, and why wouldn’t it?
Perfect for dividing up amongst friends and family or wolfing down on your own, pizza comes with so many different toppings that you could have it every night of the week and not get bored. And, with bases ranging from Italian-style thin and crispy to decadent thick crusts stuffed with cheese, there’s pizza goodness to suit every taste.
2. Chinese
The top choice of 29 countries, including ours here in the UK, Chinese is the world’s second most popular takeaway cuisine judging by the number of Google searches. Whether it’s mouthwatering crispy duck pancakes, comforting bowls of noodles or healthy stir-fried veg, Chinese has such a great variety of dishes that it’s not surprising it’s the most ordered takeaway from the USA to Australia and from Bolivia to Tanzania. Unsurprisingly, it’s also China’s top choice – as with Italy, when your own country’s food is that good, why would you want to order anything else?
3. Sushi
If you thought sushi was a niche takeaway option, think again. It’s the favourite takeaway choice of ten countries – not just its native Japan, but also countries as diverse as Brazil, Sweden, Ukraine and Azerbaijan. It’s a healthy takeaway choice – we all know that fish (and salmon in particular) makes great ‘brain food’ thanks to its omega 3, and when you add in the vegetables and vitamin and mineral-rich nori (seaweed), you have an all-round nutrient-packed treat.
4. Fish and chips
You’d have thought fish and chips would be our favourite takeaway here in the UK, but as we’ve already seen, that’s Chinese. But there were six other countries with fish and chips as their top choice, including Canada and South Africa. Perhaps unsurprisingly, it’s also a takeaway favoured by small island nations for whom fresh fish is in ready supply, with Fiji, St Lucia and Grenada all ordering it the most. We’re guessing that the Pacific Island and Caribbean versions of fish and chips are probably a bit more exciting than battered cod and mushy peas…
5. Fried chicken
Five countries search for fried chicken more than any other takeaway, and if you were expecting the USA to be one of them, you’d be surprised – they’re mostly to be found in South East Asia. Apart from The Gambia, the other top fried chicken orderers are Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos and Bali. We’d need more Google research to find out whether they prefer their fried chicken in nugget, strip or wing form.
6. Indian
You’d think this would be higher up the list – especially given the UK’s love of a good curry, which is so great that we’ve invented several of our own over the years. But according to the Google searches, only four countries order Indian takeaway above all others, and two of them are part of the same country: The Netherlands and its Caribbean island constituent Aruba. The other two countries that favour an Indian takeaway are its next-door neighbour, Pakistan, and Israel. Interestingly, the Indians themselves seem to prefer takeaway pizza!
7. Korean
Korean is a niche contender for top takeaway choice, and it’s the favourite takeaway of three countries according to the Google research. Interestingly, those countries aren’t in Asia: they’re all in the Middle East. Iran, Jordan and Lebanon have all discovered the joys of Korean food, from delicious Bibimbap (rice with sautéed meat and vegetables) to Bulogi (marinated grilled beef).
8. Thai
We’re surprised Thai is this far down the list, as we can’t get enough of the aromatic flavours of Thai cooking – especially Thai red curry. But if the Google searches are anything to go by, Thai takeaway is the most-ordered cuisine in just two places: Singapore and The Grenadines.
9. Burritos
The Thais themselves have an unexpected top takeaway choice: burritos. The Mexican favourite may not be a dish you associate with Thailand, but it’s not hard to see why it’s so popular. What’s not to like about a soft tortilla wrap filled with spicy meat, rice, refried beans, sour cream, guacamole, cheese, salsa and all sorts of other deliciousness?
10. Tapas
Denmark’s most-searched-for takeaway choice is a Spanish favourite. The great thing about tapas is that it’s the perfect way to try lots of different dishes, from patatas bravas to local specialties. Ideal for sharing with friends with a bottle or two of Rioja, the only surprising thing is that it’s only the Danes who’ve got tapas as their most-searched-for takeaway.
If your stomach is rumbling reading about the world’s most ordered takeaways, help is at hand! Head over to ChefOnline and you’ll have a huge range of takeaway options at your fingertips, whether you fancy going with the world’s best-loved choices of pizza or Chinese, or you fancy trying out something more niche, such as Korean or tapas. Enjoy!
