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Food Delivery and Takeout

Options for ordering meals from local restaurants to be delivered to your home or picked up for takeout.

Sections

Edmonton has a well-established food delivery ecosystem, with several popular apps and platforms available. These services allow you to order from a variety of restaurants, ranging from fast food to fine dining.

a. Uber Eats

  • Overview: One of the most widely used food delivery apps in Edmonton. It offers a user-friendly interface and a broad selection of restaurants.
  • Features: Real-time tracking, scheduled deliveries, and options for contactless delivery.
  • Delivery Fees: Typically range from $2.99 to $6.99, depending on the distance and demand.
  • Popular Restaurants: Remedy Cafรฉ (Indian fusion), OEB Breakfast Co., and Seoul Fried Chicken.

b. DoorDash

  • Overview: Another major player in Edmontonโ€™s food delivery scene, known for its extensive restaurant partnerships.
  • Features: DashPass subscription for reduced delivery fees, group ordering, and pre-ordering.
  • Delivery Fees: Usually between $1.99 and $5.99, with additional service fees.
  • Popular Restaurants: The Old Spaghetti Factory, Pho Hoan Pasteur, and Duchess Bake Shop.

c. SkipTheDishes

  • Overview: A Canadian-based platform that is particularly popular in Edmonton. It often features local restaurants and chains.
  • Features: Loyalty rewards, real-time tracking, and a wide range of payment options.
  • Delivery Fees: Typically $2.99 to $4.99, with occasional free delivery promotions.
  • Popular Restaurants: High Voltage Food & Coffee Bar, Meat (BBQ), and Padmanadi (vegan).

d. Instacart

  • Overview: While primarily a grocery delivery service, Instacart also partners with some local stores and delis for prepared food delivery.
  • Features: Same-day delivery and the ability to combine grocery and meal orders.
  • Delivery Fees: Start at $3.99 for orders over $35.

e. Local Delivery Services

  • YEG Eats: A smaller, Edmonton-focused delivery service that supports local businesses.
  • Ritual: A pickup-focused app that allows you to order ahead and skip the line at participating restaurants.

2. Key Cuisines and Restaurant Options

Edmontonโ€™s food scene is diverse, reflecting the cityโ€™s multicultural population. Here are some popular cuisines and notable restaurants for delivery and takeout:

a. Canadian and Local Favorites

  • Poutine: Try La Poutine or The Next Act Pub for this quintessential Canadian dish.
  • Burgers: Check out The Burgerโ€™s Priest or Jackโ€™s Burger Shack.

b. Asian Cuisine

  • Chinese: Panda Hut Express and Double Greeting Wonton House are local favorites.
  • Japanese: Izakaya Tomo and Dorinku Tokyo offer sushi, ramen, and izakaya-style dishes.
  • Korean: Seoul Fried Chicken and NongBu Korean Eatery are highly rated.
  • Vietnamese: Edmonton has a strong Vietnamese food scene; try Pho Hoan Pasteur or King Noodle House.

c. Indian and South Asian

  • Popular Spots: Remedy Cafรฉ (Indian fusion), New Asian Village, and Zaika Indian Bistro.

d. Middle Eastern

  • Shawarma and Falafel: Visit Paramount Fine Foods or YEG Kebab for authentic Middle Eastern flavors.

e. Vegan and Vegetarian

  • Options: Padmanadi (vegan Asian cuisine) and The Moth Cafรฉ (plant-based dishes).

f. Italian

  • Pizza and Pasta: Rosso Pizzeria and Vaticano Cucina are excellent choices.

g. Specialty and Gourmet

  • Bakeries: Duchess Bake Shop is a must-try for pastries and desserts.
  • BBQ: Meat is a popular spot for smoked meats and BBQ dishes.

3. How the Ordering Process Works

Ordering food delivery or takeout in Edmonton is straightforward. Hereโ€™s a step-by-step guide:

  1. Choose a Platform: Download a food delivery app (e.g., Uber Eats, DoorDash) or visit the restaurantโ€™s website if they offer direct ordering.
  2. Browse Restaurants: Use filters to search by cuisine, dietary preferences, or delivery time.
  3. Select Your Items: Add dishes to your cart, customize orders (e.g., spice level, toppings), and review your selection.
  4. Enter Delivery Details: Provide your address and any special instructions (e.g., buzzer code, leave at the door).
  5. Payment: Pay using a credit card, debit card, or digital wallet (e.g., Apple Pay, Google Pay). Some platforms also accept cash.
  6. Track Your Order: Most apps provide real-time tracking so you can monitor the progress of your delivery.
  7. Receive Your Food: Ensure youโ€™re available to collect your order or provide clear instructions for contactless delivery.

4. Delivery Fees and Approximate Costs

  • Delivery Fees: Range from $2.99 to $6.99, depending on the platform, distance, and time of day.
  • Service Fees: Most platforms charge an additional service fee (5-15% of the order total).
  • Tips: Itโ€™s customary to tip delivery drivers in Canada. A standard tip is 10-20% of the order total, with a minimum of $3-$5 for smaller orders.
  • Promotions: Many apps offer discounts for first-time users or free delivery on orders over a certain amount.

5. Tips for Takeout Etiquette

  • Be Prompt: If youโ€™re picking up your order, arrive on time to ensure your food is fresh.
  • Check Your Order: Verify that all items are included before leaving the restaurant.
  • Tipping: Itโ€™s polite to tip staff when picking up takeout, especially if the restaurant provides excellent service. A tip of 10-15% is appreciated.
  • Packaging Disposal: Edmonton has a strong focus on recycling and composting. Dispose of takeout containers responsibly by separating recyclable and compostable materials.

6. Unique Local Considerations

  • Winter Weather: Edmonton experiences harsh winters, so plan for potential delays in delivery during snowstorms or icy conditions. Consider tipping extra during bad weather as a courtesy to delivery drivers.
  • Local Ingredients: Many Edmonton restaurants prioritize locally sourced ingredients. Look for menus that highlight Alberta beef, bison, or seasonal produce.
  • Cultural Festivals: During events like the Edmonton Heritage Festival, some restaurants may offer special menus or limited-time dishes inspired by the festivalโ€™s themes.
  • Support Local: Edmonton has a strong โ€œshop localโ€ culture. Opt for independent restaurants and local delivery services to support the community.

7. Additional Resources

  • Edmonton Food Bank: If youโ€™re in need of assistance, the Edmonton Food Bank partners with local restaurants and organizations to provide meals.
  • Yelp and Google Reviews: Use these platforms to find highly rated restaurants and read customer feedback.
  • Social Media: Follow local food bloggers and Instagram accounts (e.g., @yegfood) for recommendations and updates on new restaurants.

By using this guide, youโ€™ll be well-equipped to enjoy Edmontonโ€™s diverse and delicious food scene through delivery and takeout. Whether youโ€™re craving comfort food, international cuisine, or something healthy, Edmonton has plenty to offer!