Global Major Cities Guide

Quick-service food options offering convenient meals to pick up or get delivered.

Sections

1. Popular Takeaway Options in Cardiff

Cardiff has a thriving food culture, and takeaways are a big part of it. Here are some popular options:

Traditional Fish and Chips: A quintessential British takeaway. Look for places like The Codfather or Albany Fish Bar for crispy battered fish and chunky chips.
Indian Cuisine: Cardiff has excellent Indian takeaways, such as Mowgli's and The Cinnamon Tree, offering curries, biryanis, and naan bread.
Chinese Takeaways: Popular spots include Happy Gathering and Hot Wok, serving dishes like sweet and sour chicken, chow mein, and dim sum.
Pizza and Italian: Chains like Domino’s and Papa John’s are widely available, but local gems like Calabrisella and Dusty Knuckle Pizza are highly recommended for authentic Italian flavors.
Kebabs and Middle Eastern: KBS Kebabish and Shaam Nights are great for shawarma, falafel, and kebabs.
Burgers and Fast Food: In addition to global chains like McDonald’s and Burger King, Cardiff has local burger joints like Got Beef and The Grazing Shed.
Welsh Specialties: While not as common for takeaways, some places offer Welsh dishes like lamb cawl (a traditional stew) or Welsh cakes for dessert.

2. Types of Cuisine Available

Cardiff’s multicultural population is reflected in its diverse food scene. You can find:

British/Traditional: Fish and chips, pies, roast dinners.
Indian and South Asian: Curries, tandoori dishes, samosas.
Chinese: Stir-fries, dumplings, fried rice.
Italian: Pizza, pasta, risotto.
Middle Eastern: Kebabs, hummus, falafel.
Thai: Green curry, pad Thai, spring rolls.
Japanese: Sushi, ramen, bento boxes.
Mexican: Burritos, tacos, nachos.
American: Burgers, fried chicken, BBQ ribs.
Vegan/Vegetarian: Plant-based burgers, salads, vegan curries.
Halal: Many Indian, Middle Eastern, and fast-food outlets cater to halal diets.

3. Average Costs

Takeaway prices in Cardiff vary depending on the cuisine and portion size. Here’s a rough guide:

Fish and Chips: £6–£10 per portion.
Indian Curries: £8–£12 for a main dish; rice and naan are usually extra (£2–£4 each).
Chinese Meals: £6–£10 for a main dish; set meals for two start at around £20.
Pizza: £8–£15 for a medium-sized pizza; gourmet options may cost more.
Burgers: £6–£12 for a burger and fries combo.
Kebabs: £5–£10 for a wrap or platter.
Sushi: £10–£20 for a sushi platter.

Delivery fees typically range from £1.50 to £4, depending on the service and distance.

4. How to Order

You can order takeaway in Cardiff in several ways:

Online Platforms: Popular apps like Just Eat, Deliveroo, and Uber Eats are widely used in Cardiff. These platforms allow you to browse menus, place orders, and track deliveries.
Restaurant Websites: Many restaurants have their own websites or apps for direct ordering, often with exclusive discounts.
Phone Orders: Traditional phone orders are still common, especially for smaller, family-run takeaways.
In-Person: You can visit the takeaway, place your order, and wait for it to be prepared. This is often quicker for nearby locations.

5. Delivery Services

Just Eat: Covers a wide range of cuisines and restaurants across Cardiff.
Deliveroo: Focuses on higher-end and independent restaurants.
Uber Eats: Offers fast delivery from both local and chain restaurants.
Local Delivery Services: Some Cardiff-based takeaways have their own delivery drivers, especially for pizza and Chinese food.

Delivery times are typically 30–60 minutes, but this can vary during peak hours (e.g., Friday and Saturday evenings).

6. Dietary Options

Cardiff’s takeaway scene is inclusive of various dietary needs:

Vegetarian: Most Indian, Italian, and Middle Eastern takeaways offer vegetarian options like vegetable curries, margherita pizza, and falafel wraps.
Vegan: Dedicated vegan takeaways like The Lazy Leek and vegan-friendly options at places like Anna Loka are available.
Halal: Many Indian, Middle Eastern, and fast-food outlets are halal-certified. Always check with the restaurant if unsure.
Gluten-Free: Some takeaways, like Zizzi (Italian), offer gluten-free pizza and pasta. Many Indian dishes are naturally gluten-free.
Allergies: Most restaurants list allergens on their menus or websites. If in doubt, call ahead to confirm.

7. Local Tips and Considerations

Peak Times: Friday and Saturday evenings are the busiest times for takeaways. Order early to avoid long waits.
Tipping: Tipping delivery drivers is appreciated but not mandatory. A tip of £1–£3 is common.
Portion Sizes: Portions in Cardiff are often generous, so consider sharing or saving leftovers.
Sustainability: Many takeaways now use eco-friendly packaging. You can request minimal packaging when ordering.
Local Favorites: Cardiff residents love supporting independent takeaways. Look for highly rated local spots on review platforms like TripAdvisor or Google Reviews.
Late-Night Options: Cardiff has plenty of late-night takeaways, especially around the city center and student areas like Cathays. Pizza GoGo and Chicken Cottage are popular for post-night-out cravings.

8. Recommendations for First-Time Visitors

Try a traditional fish and chips meal from a local chippy.
Explore Cardiff’s Indian cuisine scene with a classic chicken tikka masala or lamb rogan josh.
Sample authentic Welsh cakes or bara brith (a fruit loaf) from a local bakery.
For a quick and affordable meal, grab a kebab or burger from a takeaway near Cardiff Central Station.

Cardiff’s takeaway scene is a reflection of its vibrant, multicultural community. Whether you’re craving comfort food or looking to try something new, you’ll find plenty of options to suit your taste and budget. Enjoy your culinary journey in Cardiff!

Cardiff

Takeaways