Uber Eats' Cravings Report reveals what South Africans ordered most in 2025

South Africans continue to show a strong preference for convenience food, as reported in the Uber Eats 2025 Cravings Report.

"In terms of the big trends we've seen, chicken remains the most craved item on the menu. Pretty much... searches we saw for chicken, nationally, and really curated with pap - stood out as the country's signature combo," says Ntsoaki Nsibanyoni, General Manager for Uber Eats Sub-Saharan Africa.

She adds: "We also saw malva pudding leading the dessert menu with about 53,000 orders made on the platform for malva pudding.

"All in all, South Africans were curating their flavours. They showed their cultural diversity through the platform and we really were excited about making sure that we were the platform of choice for South Africans."

Some individuals relied heavily on the app, with 1,245 users placing at least 365 orders in 2025.

The data also indicates a shift in consumer behaviour, as South Africans are increasingly using the app for special occasions.

For instance, on Valentine’s Day, users sought out more than just traditional chocolates.

"South Africans were very expressive in terms of how they curated their menus this year. We also saw that during Valentine's Day; we really had some interesting findings. South Africans not only ordered your standard chocolate items, but they also curated bundles. We saw people going into our grocery and retail platform items and really creating bundles for their loved ones."

Nsibanyoni notes the trend reflects how delivery apps have become part of everyday life rather than an occasional luxury.

Beyond food, the report points to the platform’s economic impact.

"R17 billion rand was injected into the economy through the platform, and 12.7 million hours were saved through the convenience culture to South Africans."

Nsibanyoni states that the app created new income opportunities for thousands of delivery partners, with one driver completing 8,250 trips, travelling 48,940 kilometres.

To listen to Ntsoaki Nsibanyoni in conversation with CapeTalk's Africa Melane, click the audio below: