R465,320 on takeaways? The 2025 Uber Eats Cravings Report reveals SA’s most shocking food habits
2025 was the year South Africa ate with confidence.
Image: Pexels.
If you thought you were the only one ordering a "For Two" meal just for yourself, or typing delivery instructions in aggressive capital letters, relax. You are in good company.
Uber Eats has just dropped its 2nd Annual South Africa Cravings Report, and if the data proves one thing, it’s that South Africans don’t just eat - we perform.
We choreograph our cravings, we turn the "Special Instructions" box into a drama script, and we are fiercely loyal to our favourites.
From the R17 000 tequila splurgers to the romantics writing poetry to their delivery drivers, here is a look at what Mzansi ordered, ate and how they behaved in 2025.
1. The undisputed king: Fried chicken and pap
In news that will surprise absolutely nobody, fried chicken has refused to surrender the throne. It was the number one searched item in every single city.
Paired with pap, it wasn't just lunch, but a cultural movement.
Malva pudding took a respectable second place, proving that while South Africans love savoury dishes, we definitely have a sweet tooth.
2. The "caps lock" crusaders
The real comedy gold this year was found in the "special instructions" section. South Africans did not ask politely; they demanded with passion.
One customer typed "BREAST ONLY" more than 50 times on a Tikka order.
Another typed "PLEASE MAKE CHIPS EXTRA CRISPY" 16 times.
Another eater had very specific burger requirements: "NO WHITE SAUCE AND NO GARNISH ON ANY BURGERS PLEASE ONLY BBQ SAUCE" repeated 7 times.
The anti-coriander brigade is alive and well, with one user screaming, "NO CORIANDER!! NO PEPPERS!!" 16 times with double exclamation marks.
For the second year running, fried chicken refused to loosen its grip on the nation.
Image: Supplied.
3. The high rollers and super savers
While some people ordered a burger, others used the app to stimulate the economy. One restaurant received 419 orders from a single loyal fan.
South Africa's top eater placed 2772 orders in 2025. That is spending R465,320 in one year.
The most expensive single order? A bottle of Tequila for R17 773.24.
On the flip side, the top Uber One user saved over R20 000 in fees by not paying for delivery.
4. Love in the time of delivery
Who needs Tinder when you have Uber Eats? 2025 saw the app turn into a modern-day Cupid.
One birthday order came with a note so sweet the courier probably blushed. It read: "Happy Birthday, my sweety. You are truly an absolute star, lighting up my world. Your beauty takes my breath away every single day, and not a moment passes without me thinking of you.
"I miss you deeply, and my heart aches to be near you. I love you more than words could ever capture, and I hope this birthday is as unforgettable as you are to me - filled with all the joy, love, and magic you deserve.
"Here's to you, the most incredible person in my life. I can't wait until we're together again. Forever yours."
One couple set up a standing weekly date-night order for the whole year. Consistency is key.
Meanwhile, Valentine's week saw a flood of curated bundles, flowers and chocolates delivered across JHB, Pretoria and Cape Town.
Margate and Durban showed gratitude when placing orders.
Image: Supplied.
5. The speedsters and the night owls
The fastest delivery of the year was a Peach Rooibos Iced Tea dropped off in just 48 seconds.
The busiest delivery person clocked 48 940km. That is roughly the distance from Johannesburg to Cairo and back. Another clocked 49 893 km across 6349 trips.
Cape Town recorded double the amount of late-night orders compared to any other city.
Durban claimed the title of Vegan Capital with 21 711 plant-based orders.
And finally, one restaurant took the crown with a staggering 84 283 orders this year. If queues existed on delivery apps, this one would wrap around the block, down the street, and possibly into the next suburb.
As Ntsoaki Nsibanyoni, Uber Eats general manager for Sub-Saharan Africa, puts it: “Our annual Cravings Report shows just how vibrant, diverse and proudly South African our food culture is.
"Whether it’s late-night orders, high-value treats, heartfelt request notes or the fastest deliveries in the country, people are embracing convenience with personality.
"We’re excited to keep delivering moments of joy – from everyday meals to unforgettable surprises."