Project Britain

What is a Takeaway?

Imagine you’re hungry, but you don’t feel like cooking. Or maybe you want a special treat that’s a bit different from your usual home meals. That’s where a takeaway comes in! A takeaway is food that you buy from a restaurant or shop, and then you take it home (or somewhere else) to eat. You don’t eat it in the place where it was made.

Takeaways are a huge part of British life and culture. From busy city centres to quiet villages, you’ll find places selling food to take away. For many families, especially on a Friday or Saturday night, a takeaway is a much-loved tradition.

The History of Takeaways: Fish and Chips Lead the Way

While people have probably been buying food to eat on the go for hundreds of years, the idea of a ‘takeaway’ as we know it really took off in Britain with one very famous dish: fish and chips! The first fish and chip shops started appearing in Britain in the 1860s. It’s thought that the first proper fish and chip shop opened in London in 1860, run by a Jewish immigrant called Joseph Malin, who sold fried fish alongside chips. Another claim comes from John Lees in Oldham, who sold them from a wooden hut at a market in 1863.

Fish and chips became incredibly popular very quickly. Why? Fish was plentiful from the sea, and potatoes were easy to grow. They were cheap, filling, and delicious. Workers could grab a hot, tasty meal wrapped in newspaper and eat it while walking or take it home. This made them the original fast food and the first truly British takeaway.

During the First and Second World Wars, fish and chips were one of the few foods that were not rationed. This meant they were a vital source of comfort and nutrition for many people during difficult times, cementing their place in British hearts and history.

Popular Takeaway Foods in Britain Today

While fish and chips remain a classic, Britain’s taste for takeaways has grown and changed a lot over the years. Our love of takeaways now includes delicious foods from all over the world. Here are some of the most popular:

• Fish and Chips: Still a firm favourite! You can find them everywhere, often served with mushy peas, curry sauce, or gravy.
• Indian Takeaways: Curry is almost a national dish in Britain. Indian restaurants started becoming popular in the mid-20th century, especially from the 1970s onwards. Dishes like Chicken Tikka Masala (which some say was invented in Britain!), Korma, and Balti are hugely popular, served with rice and naan bread.
• Chinese Takeaways: Chinese food also became very popular in Britain from the mid-20th century. Sweet and sour chicken, chow mein, spring rolls, and crispy duck are common choices.
• Pizza: Originally from Italy, pizza takeaways are incredibly popular. You can choose from many toppings, from classic Margherita to pepperoni or vegetarian options.
• Kebabs: Often bought late at night after an event, kebabs are Middle Eastern in origin. Doner kebabs (shaved meat from a vertical rotisserie) and shish kebabs (grilled pieces of meat) served in pitta bread with salad and sauce are very common.
• Burgers and Fried Chicken: Many fast-food chains offer these as takeaways, providing quick and easy meals.
• Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese, and other cuisines: As Britain becomes more diverse, so do our takeaway options! You can now find delicious takeaways from almost every corner of the world.

Why Do We Love Takeaways So Much?

There are lots of reasons why takeaways are such a big part of British life:

• Convenience: They are quick and easy, perfect for busy evenings or when you don’t have time to cook.
• A Treat: For many, a takeaway feels like a special treat or a reward after a long week.
• Variety: You can try foods from different cultures and enjoy flavours you might not be able to make at home.
• Social Occasions: Takeaways are great for sharing with family and friends, whether it’s for a movie night, a party, or just a relaxed evening in.
• No Washing Up: A big bonus for many – no pots and pans to clean afterwards!

Takeaway Culture

The “Friday night takeaway” is a common phrase in Britain, showing just how deeply ingrained this custom is. Many families look forward to this end-of-week treat. With the rise of online ordering apps and delivery services, getting a takeaway has become even easier. You can browse menus, order, and pay all from your phone, and your food will be delivered straight to your door.

Whether it’s a traditional packet of fish and chips eaten by the seaside, or a spicy curry enjoyed on the sofa, takeaways are a delicious and convenient part of modern British food customs, reflecting both our history and our diverse culture.

A Look at Popular Takeaways

Here’s a quick summary of some well-loved takeaway choices in Britain:

Author: Mandy Barrow

Written by Mandy Barrow