8 Most Popular Takeout Foods Around the World

Something is comforting about ordering your favorite meal and having it arrive at your doorstep. Whether it’s a cheesy pizza on Friday night, a container of steaming noodles after work, or a box of crispy fried chicken shared with friends, takeout has become a familiar part of everyday life worldwide.

But which foods have captured the biggest international following? A MoneyBeach study of online takeout searches across 109 countries found that pizza, Chinese food, and sushi were among the most widely searched options. More recent delivery reports show that international favorites continue competing with burgers, sandwiches, and other convenient meals.

Here are eight popular takeout choices that demonstrate how different cultures satisfy their cravings.

Pizza

Few takeout foods have achieved pizza’s worldwide recognition. Originally associated with Italy, this combination of baked dough, tomato sauce, cheese, and countless toppings has become a familiar meal across continents.

From New York’s large slices to traditional Neapolitan pizzas, different regions have adapted the dish to local preferences.

The MoneyBeach study found that pizza was the most-searched takeout choice in 44 of the 109 countries examined, placing it ahead of every other category in that particular analysis.

Its popularity isn’t difficult to understand. Pizza is easy to share, offers numerous topping combinations, and works for everything from casual dinners to birthday celebrations.

Customers can choose familiar options such as pepperoni and cheese or experiment with seafood, vegetables, and regional specialties.

Delivery has also become closely associated with pizza restaurants, making it one of the most recognizable foods ordered for home consumption.

Chinese Food

Chinese takeout has become a familiar dining option in cities worldwide.

Its appeal comes partly from the enormous variety of dishes available, including stir-fried noodles, fried rice, dumplings, soups, and meat or vegetable preparations.

Different countries have also developed their own interpretations of Chinese restaurant cooking.

In the United States, dishes such as General Tso’s chicken and orange chicken have become familiar takeout favorites. In Britain, Chinese takeaway menus frequently feature dishes adapted to local tastes.

The MoneyBeach study identified Chinese food as the leading search category in 29 countries, making it the second-most widespread choice in its analysis.

One attraction is the opportunity to order several dishes and share them around the table.

A combination of noodles, fried rice, vegetables, and a favorite meat dish can turn an ordinary evening into a satisfying family dinner.

Related Post:Why More Americans Are Swapping Takeout Runs for Homemade Midday Meals

Sushi

Sushi has traveled far beyond Japan, becoming a recognizable menu option in cities from London to Los Angeles.

The dish comes in several forms, including nigiri, maki rolls, and combinations of seafood, vegetables, and seasoned rice.

While some people associate sushi exclusively with raw fish, many popular varieties contain cooked ingredients or no fish at all.

California rolls, for example, commonly feature imitation crab, avocado, and cucumber.

Sushi placed third in the MoneyBeach search analysis, leading in 10 countries.

Its popularity reflects both traditional Japanese culinary influences and internationally adapted varieties.

Takeout sushi is particularly convenient for customers who want several small selections in one meal.

However, seafood quality and proper handling are important. Refrigerated items should be stored according to food safety guidance rather than left sitting at room temperature for extended periods.

Fish and Chips

Few meals are more closely associated with British takeout culture than fish and chips.

Traditionally featuring battered fish served with thick-cut fried potatoes, the dish remains a familiar sight in British seaside towns and neighborhood takeaway shops.

Cod and haddock are common fish choices, although availability and regional preferences vary.

Customers frequently add mushy peas, tartar sauce, vinegar, or other accompaniments.

The MoneyBeach analysis found fish and chips to be the leading takeout search category in six countries.

The dish’s appeal lies in its straightforward combination of crunchy batter, tender fish, and satisfying potatoes.

In Britain, fish-and-chip shops have long been part of local communities, serving generations of customers.

Although the classic combination remains familiar, restaurants sometimes offer alternative seafood, different cooking methods, and contemporary side dishes.

For many diners, however, the traditional version remains hard to beat.

Fried Chicken

Golden, crunchy, and full of flavor, fried chicken has become a takeout favorite across many different food cultures.

American-style fried chicken is especially recognizable, thanks to international fast-food chains. However, restaurants worldwide have introduced distinctive seasonings, sauces, and cooking techniques.

For example, Korean-style fried chicken is often coated in sweet, spicy, or garlic-based sauces. Other versions feature seasoned flour coatings, spicy marinades, or regional spice blends.

The MoneyBeach study ranked fried chicken fifth, identifying it as the most-searched takeout category in five countries.

More recent findings reinforce its appeal. Uber Eats’ 2025 Kenya Cravings Report identified fried chicken as the country’s most-searched food on the platform, followed by pizza.

Its popularity is easy to understand. Fried chicken works as a single meal, a family-sized order, or something to share at gatherings.

Add fries, coleslaw, or a favorite dipping sauce, and dinner is ready.

Indian Food

Indian cuisine offers an impressive variety of takeout dishes, from creamy curries to grilled meats and fragrant rice preparations.

Popular restaurant choices include butter chicken, biryani, samosas, and various dals.

Naan and other flatbreads are also familiar additions to Indian takeout orders.

The MoneyBeach analysis placed Indian food sixth, identifying four countries where it was the leading takeout search category.

One reason for its international appeal is the enormous range of regional flavors.

Northern Indian restaurant cooking often features breads and rich gravies, while southern Indian traditions include dishes such as dosa, idli, and numerous rice preparations.

Indian restaurants outside the country have also developed menus that reflect local preferences.

For diners who enjoy sharing, ordering several curries, breads, and rice dishes lets you experience different flavors in one meal.

Korean Food

Korean cuisine has gained international visibility through its distinctive flavors and growing presence in popular culture.

Takeout options extend beyond Korean fried chicken to dishes such as bibimbap, bulgogi, japchae, and tteokbokki.

Bibimbap typically combines rice with vegetables and other toppings, while bulgogi features marinated meat prepared through grilling or another cooking method.

Japchae is made with sweet potato starch noodles, and tteokbokki features chewy rice cakes commonly served in a spicy sauce.

Korean cuisine placed seventh in the MoneyBeach analysis, leading takeout searches in three countries.

The variety makes it appealing to people who enjoy experimenting with different textures and seasonings.

Many Korean meals also feature small side dishes known as banchan, although what accompanies an order depends on the restaurant.

For first-time customers, a familiar rice bowl or noodle dish can provide an approachable introduction.

Thai Food

Thai food has established an enthusiastic following far beyond Thailand.

From pad Thai and green curry to tom yum soup and basil stir-fries, the cuisine offers a wide variety of flavors and preparations.

Many dishes combine lemongrass, lime, chili, garlic, and fish sauce.

Pad Thai is especially recognizable internationally, featuring stir-fried rice noodles with eggs, tofu, shrimp, or other proteins.

Thai curry dishes offer another familiar takeout option, often served with steamed rice.

The MoneyBeach study identified Thai cuisine as the most-searched takeout category in two countries, placing it eighth in the comparison.

Although that figure was smaller than pizza’s or Chinese food’s, it demonstrates Thai cuisine’s presence in international takeout searches.

For diners seeking something different from pizza or fried chicken, Thai noodles and curries offer plenty of possibilities.

How Takeout Preferences Are Changing Worldwide

The popularity of these eight foods reflects an earlier international snapshot, not an official ranking of meals ordered worldwide in 2026.

MoneyBeach’s analysis relied on Google search volumes around 2020 and identified the leading takeout-related search category in each of 109 countries. It did not measure the actual number of meals delivered.

More recent data show how quickly preferences can evolve.

Deliveroo’s November 2025 global trends report, covering nine markets, found particularly strong interest in portable foods such as bagels, sandwiches, and smash burgers.

A smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel from London’s Papo’s Bagels topped that platform’s international trending list. An Italian piadina from Bologna placed second, while a chicken sandwich from Dubai ranked third.

These results suggest familiar handheld meals continue to compete with established international takeout favorites.

Delivery habits also differ substantially by country, restaurant availability, and consumer preferences. No single platform’s data can definitively identify the most frequently ordered food worldwide.

Why These Eight Foods Remain Takeout Favorites

The appeal of takeout goes beyond avoiding the effort of cooking.

It lets customers explore international cuisines, share meals with friends, and enjoy familiar favorites without visiting a restaurant.

Pizza makes group dinners simple, while sushi offers numerous small selections. Chinese, Indian, Korean, and Thai restaurants let you combine different dishes, and fried chicken remains a familiar comfort-food choice.

Fish and chips remains a longstanding takeaway tradition.

As delivery services expand their selections, consumers have more opportunities to explore dishes from different cultures.

Whether your favorite order is pizza, noodles, curry, or crispy fried chicken, the world’s takeout scene proves that great food can travel far beyond its place of origin.

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