As the time gets later and later, and you're positively drained from the workday [1], you suddenly realise, I have no idea what I'm eating tonight. With no thawing frozen chicken in sight or even one of those ready-made salads, you succumb to what feels like the easiest, best, tastiest option: delivery. With so many food-delivery apps [2] and different restaurant options, your tastes are totally covered, with superbright, delicious-looking pictures to tempt you. Everything looks perfect on the screen, but unfortunately, things don't always go to plan.
Suddenly, your supposedly crisp Sicilian-style diavola pizza is cold and soggy. And let's not even get started on the biggest delivery foe: french fries [3] (I believed in you, french fries!). These aren't even necessarily the worst of experiences (all I can say is, probably don't order ice cream any time soon), but you can make some safer choices when it comes to ordering in food that you want to travel well. Scroll through to find the absolute best bets for food delivery.
Ramen
Ah, ramen. Perfect for those nights you just want to cuddle on your couch with your dog, wrap yourself in a warm blanket, and try not to think about the next workday for just a little while. Dip into its supercomforting broth, noodles, pork, and eggs on your cosy nights in. Although the delivery could come just a little cold, you can always reheat it quickly without affecting the integrity of the dish.
Bowls
Bowls are a great option for a quick, healthy meal at home. Order a protein-rich bowl — either by way of chicken, meat, or beans like chickpeas and lentils — and fill it with fresh greens and brown rice or quinoa, and you'll be left satisfied and bright with energy after. Make sure to order any dressings on the side, and your bowl will arrive as fresh as ever.
Pasta
Pasta had to be on this list, because, well, it's pasta. Basically one of the most perfect foods known to man, pasta allows your imagination to run wild, going from a pear ravioli, to a bolognese, to my favourite, the classic carbonara. The great thing about pasta is that although it might arrive just a bit cold, you can always quickly microwave it for about 30 seconds to get it at the perfect temperature again. Apart from that, not much else can really go wrong because it's . . . pasta *cue angel sounds.*
Salad
Another great food-delivery option, salads will remain fresh and crispy all the way to your humble abode *as long as* you request for the dressing to come on the side. Most restaurants will do this, but it helps to probably write it in the notes just in case. Once that's assured, it's smooth (crunchy) sailing from there.
Arepas
This Venezuelan staple is a perfect food-delivery option, as there is no possibility of sogginess with arepas' always-crisp grilled exterior. With a corn base, arepas are naturally gluten-free and extremely tasty, with potential fillings ranging from just cheese, to plantains and beans, to chicken or beef. Delicious, easy, and durable in delivery!
Chicken Curry
One of my favourite dishes to order in, a great chicken curry is comforting, homey food that will accompany you in all your coziest moments. With a rice base and topped with chicken perfectly spiced with coriander, cumin, turmeric, pepper, ground mustard, and more, you'll want to sop up all the remaining sauce with a spoon — or soft naan if you order that too! A 10/10 food, and a fantastic option for delivery.
Doughnuts
So, let's say you're craving something sweet. You'll probably want to order something more on the individually portioned side, rather than whole cakes or pies (although if you do that, you are my hero). As previously stated, I really recommend you to just not order ice cream under any circumstances. Doughnuts, on the other hand? They'll arrive at the perfect temperature if they're fresh from the bakery.
Pad Thai
Another delicious takeout dish, pad thai will always be there like a super-comforting friend. Dependable, but just a little spicy so it's never boring, Pad Thai is probably exactly what you should order tonight. Noodles, your choice of shrimp, chicken, or meat, and filled with vegetables too, pad thai is a pretty well-rounded plate and will arrive as fresh as ever to your door.
Sushi
Ah, the always-dependable sushi. Of course, it varies from restaurant to restaurant how fresh the fish is and how delicately it's prepared, but sushi is one of those things that's always pretty good. Order your spicy tuna or dragon roll, sit back, and relax without having to worry if your food gets to you cold or not, because with sushi, it doesn't really matter.
Pizza
There's a reason why pizza is the original delivery option. Just have your oven set at 400 degrees Fahrenheit so you can quickly pop your pizza in, just in case it somehow arrives a bit cold. But pizza is always cheesy, tomatoey, with the best bread, so yeah, it's still always perfect.
Shawarma And Falafel
A Mediterranean classic, a shawarma, filled with thin-cut meat, onions, arugula, tzatziki sauce, and more, this perfect Middle Eastern dish will leave your taste buds satisfied and is a great, well-rounded meal, too. Order with a side of falafel, deep fried ground chickpeas, and you'll have a protein-packed, fresh order right at your door.
Sweet & Sour Chicken
Sweet and sour chicken is the best of both worlds: crispy and warm, protein-rich yet gooey and dangerously delicious, and yes, sweet and sour. Order some from your favourite local Chinese restaurant, accompanied with some veggies and maybe brown rice, because balance. It'll arrive perfect and ready to be devoured!
Ceviche
If you don't feel like reheating at all, the best option is a meal that was never hot in the first place. Peruvian ceviche, made of fresh raw fish cured in fresh lemon or lime juice, is spiced with ají and chili peppers to create a well-rounded meal for when you just need something refreshing (hello, summer!). Munch on this with a side of camote, a special sweet, bright orange sweet potato.
Chocolate Chip Cookies
For something sweet that will last in your home more than just a day or two (if you have the willpower, of course), try ordering some yummy chocolate chip cookies from your local bakery. Pro tip: have some sea salt on hand for a sweet & salty twist on the old classic.
Carnitas Tacos
And how could we forget about the always-delicious carnitas tacos? Get your favourite Netflix show ready (any Outlander [4] fans?) and dig into tacos filled with pork, onions, and coriander. These will always arrive at your doorstep as great as ever, and you can pair your order with homemade sauces!