
Australia's most popular takeaway food is a highly contested topic, with many options dominating the landscape. Fish and chips, introduced by British immigrants in the late 19th century, is a classic combination that remains popular among Australians of all ages. However, pizza and burgers have also risen to the top in recent years, with pizza being the favourite takeaway food for 27% of Australians in 2021. Asian cuisine, particularly Thai, Japanese, and Chinese, has gained remarkable popularity, with sushi being the most-searched Japanese dish. Other popular choices include chicken-based fast food, gourmet burgers, and kebabs. McDonald's remains the most visited fast-food restaurant, with over half of Australians aged 14+ eating there in an average of six months.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Most Popular Takeaway Food | Fish and Chips, Pizza, Burgers |
| Most Popular Cuisines | Japanese, Indian, Italian |
| Most Popular Fast Food Chains | McDonald's, KFC, Subway, Hungry Jack's, Domino's Pizza |
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What You'll Learn

Fish and Chips
The traditional preparation of fish and chips in Australia typically involves battered or crumbed fish, usually barramundi, flake, snapper, or mackerel, paired with thick-cut chips. Australian fish and chips are known to be less greasy than their British counterparts, with a lighter coating of batter or crumbs resulting in a crispier texture. Lemon is commonly provided as a condiment, and chicken salt is often offered as a seasoning for the chips.
While the classic fish and chip meal remains popular, variations have emerged to cater to diverse tastes and dietary preferences. Health-conscious eaters can now find options such as grilled fish, sweet potato fries, and gluten-free batter. Many local fish and chip shops also source sustainable seafood, reflecting a growing trend towards environmentally conscious practices.
When it comes to finding the best fish and chips in Australia, there are numerous renowned establishments to consider. Hooked in Albany, Denmark, and Bremer Bay is celebrated for serving up fresh daily catches from local fishermen. Costa's in Queensland has consistently been named the state's best fish and chips by the Great Australian Fish & Chip Awards. Pelican Rocks Seafood Restaurant and Café on NSW's South Coast is another popular choice for seafood lovers.
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Pizza
The average cost of a takeaway pizza in Australia is approximately $14.70. This price includes the cost of ingredients, preparation, and delivery. The demand for vegan and plant-based pizzas is increasing, with 18% of Australians opting for these options. Additionally, 25% of pizza restaurants offer gluten-free options to cater to those with dietary restrictions. The most popular pizza topping in Australia is pepperoni, followed by ham and pineapple. Other popular pizzas include the Hawaiian and the meat-laden Six Meats pizza. Margarita pizza, with its fresh tomato, kalamata olives, oregano, and mozzarella cheese topping, is also a favourite.
The convenience of pizza has contributed to its popularity, especially with the rise of online food delivery services. Pizza chains and local pizzerias have embraced delivery platforms, making it easy for Australians to enjoy pizza at home. Domino's is the leading pizza chain in Australia, with over 700 stores and a 58% market share. However, the preference for delivery and takeaway over dining in is evident, with 60% of pizza orders being made for home delivery or takeaway.
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Burgers
The rise of American diner-style restaurants in Melbourne and Sydney has played a significant role in the growing popularity of burgers. The accessibility, generous portion sizes, and cultural appeal of these establishments have disrupted the traditional fast-food industry. The success of these restaurants can be attributed to their ability to offer high-quality, affordable, and delicious food. The simplicity and freshness of burgers align with Australian values in their cuisine.
Social media has also been instrumental in the rising popularity of burgers in Australia. Burger joints have effectively utilised platforms like Instagram and Facebook to showcase their creations, leveraging the photogenic nature of burgers to attract customers. Social media groups dedicated to burger enthusiasts have provided additional avenues for exposure, allowing businesses to build a solid online presence. The sharing of mouth-watering burger images has undoubtedly contributed to the growing trend.
The versatility of burgers is another factor in their favour. Burgers can be tailored to meet diverse tastes and dietary preferences, including vegan and gluten-free options. From brioche buns to grass-fed beef patties, and unique toppings like beetroot, avocado, or halloumi, burgers cater to a wide range of palates. The rise of food trucks and gourmet burger restaurants has further solidified the popularity of burgers as a takeaway option in Australia.
The success of burgers in Australia can also be attributed to their status as a "cheat meal." Despite the growing trend of foodie fitness and wellness, burgers, with their salty, fatty, and sugary appeal, offer an indulgent experience that many crave. The social aspect of sharing a burger with friends adds to its allure. Moreover, when made with top-quality produce, burgers may not be as unhealthy as they seem, striking a balance between taste and perceived healthiness.
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Asian cuisine
Chinese food has been named Australia's favourite cuisine, according to Roy Morgan Research. However, Australian Chinese cuisine differs from its authentic Chinese counterpart. This is partly due to the historical conflict between Australian and Chinese people, which led to Chinese chefs altering their dishes to suit Western tastes and avoid direct competition with white-owned establishments. As a result, Chinese restaurants in Australia offer more meat options and deep-fried, saucy dishes, such as sweet and sour pork, sticky lemon chicken, and dim sim.
The adaptation of Chinese cuisine to Australian palates can be observed in dishes like 'san choy bow', where pigeon mince, unfamiliar to Australians, was replaced with pork or beef mince. Additionally, vegetables like cabbage and bamboo shoots were substituted with celery and water chestnuts, respectively.
Indian cuisine is another popular Asian cuisine in Australia, with its popularity aided by the large South Asian population in the UK, which created a mainstream-friendly version of North Indian dishes that spread worldwide. Similarly, Chinese migrants to Australia brought seeds from China and grew their own vegetables, increasing the availability of authentic ingredients.
The presence of sizeable ethnic communities, such as Chinese and Indian Australians, has contributed to the popularity of their respective cuisines. This is evident in the case of Vietnamese cuisine, which gained traction in Australia as non-Vietnamese people ventured to areas like Richmond and Cabramatta to explore Vietnamese food.
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$9.54

McDonald's
According to research firm Roy Morgan, McDonald's remains the most visited fast-food restaurant in Australia, despite the wide array of burgeoning food choices available. Over half of Australians aged 14 and above (52.7%) eat at McDonald's within an average of six months, outpacing its traditional fast-food rival KFC, which stands at 40.8%.
The Australian McDonald's franchise is one of the largest contributors to the company's total revenue among its internationally operated markets. In 2023, McDonald’s Australia Holdings Pty Ltd generated an estimated annual revenue of approximately $831 million. As of October 2024, there were 1,044 McDonald's stores in operation across Australia, with New South Wales having the highest number of outlets at 332.
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Frequently asked questions
The most popular takeaway food in Australia varies depending on the source and year of analysis. According to Deliveroo, the grilled chicken burrito from Guzman y Gomez in Sydney was the most popular sold takeaway food in Australia in 2020. Fish and chips, a classic in Australia, is also often mentioned as one of the most popular takeaway foods. Other popular options include pizza, burgers, and Asian cuisine, particularly Thai, Japanese, and Chinese dishes.
Japanese and Indian cuisines top the list of Australia's most searched cuisines, with sushi and biryani being the most searched dishes from these categories. Other popular international dishes include hot dogs (American), kebabs (Turkish), fish and chips (English), and tapas (Spanish). Pizza and pasta from Italian cuisine are also widely enjoyed.
McDonald's is the most visited fast-food restaurant in Australia, with over half of Australians aged 14+ eating there in an average of six months. KFC is the second most popular, followed by Subway, Hungry Jack's (the Australian version of Burger King), and Domino's Pizza. Other leading fast-food outlets in Australia include Red Rooster and Grill'd.











































