Canberra brothers Mo and Marwan Saad developed Fricken using their Mum’s fried-chicken recipe. Photo: Fricken.
If you need to fill hunger pangs and don’t have time to wait for service in a cafe or restaurant, head to a great takeaway.
The best takeaways dish up tasty food, served quickly and at lower prices. Some specialise in a certain type of cuisine. Some are famous for burgers, fish and chips, rolls, wraps, toasties and other sandwiches. Still others have healthy options such as super salads. The most memorable takeaways take their coffee seriously and have a range of other drinks.
In this article, we’ll outline what makes a tasty, sought-after takeaway, and share where to find the best in Canberra.
What makes a great takeaway?
Choosing the right takeaway guarantees great food at great prices. Quality takeaways also know you don’t want to wait forever and a day to grab a bite to eat. They’ve got you covered if you arrive super early before work to kickstart your day. They also have you covered if you arrive at the end of your day looking for food to take home.
It can be helpful to keep the following in mind when choosing an amazing takeaway:
- Menu. The best takeaways offer menus with delicious variety, so there’s something for everyone. They cover savoury food and sweets. They’re serious about coffee.
- Price. You don’t want to burn a hole in your pocket with takeaway food. The best takeaways charge fair rates for their food and are cheaper than eating in a cafe or restaurant.
- Service. Takeaway food is about quick, efficient service. You want in and out with your order so you can get on with your day.
- Staff. You’ll want service with a smile from staff who are quick but friendly when you order from a takeaway.
- Location. Convenient takeaways are well located. They’re easy to access and are no hassle to visit.
The best takeaways in Canberra
RiotACT’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.
To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on RiotACT and Facebook as well as maintained a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.
Abell’s Kopi Tiam
Multiple award-winning Abell’s Kopi Tiam, in Manuka, serves traditional Malaysian and innovative Chinese dishes packed with flavour. The extensive takeaway menu covers small plates, mains, old favorites, vegetables, rice ‘n’ noodles, and sweet endings. Takeaway service is efficient and friendly.
Nicole Sheehan wrote on Google, “I’ve been eating at Kopi Tiam regularly over the past 20 years and it's kept the standard of its food and service great.”
The Fish Shack
The Fish Shack, in the heart of the city, offers tasty fish and chips, at super reasonable prices. Beyond fish, the menu features other chip-shop favs like burgers and wraps. Authentic food is prepared with quality ingredients and cooked to perfection. Milkshakes and other beverages are available.
Daniel Taylor wrote on Google, “Great menu … complete vegan, but non-vegan options are also amazing! Quick service and good opening hours, unlike many cafes around Canberra.”
Blu Ginger Indian Restaurant
Blu Ginger Indian Restaurant draws on the many culinary regions of India to create a modern, authentic menu that reflects today’s cosmopolitan India. With the freshest locally sourced produce, combined with authentic spices imported directly from the sub-continent, Blu Ginger offers classic, traditional dishes with a modern twist. Order takeaway from Blu Ginger’s menu online.
Matthew Smith wrote on Google, “Best Indian food I’ve had in Australia! Chicken Tikka was delicious!
Fricken Fried Chicken
Fricken Fried Chicken is a local, family-owned Canberra business. With a secret fried chicken recipe, customers flock to Fricken Fried Chicken, including for signature fricken burgers and boxes. Starting in a food truck, Fricken Fried Chicken now brings tasty takeaway to customers from its location on Lonsdale Street, Braddon. Order online.
On Google, Kristian Baracz wrote, “This is how fried chicken should be done … I ordered a chicken burger, chips, slaw and a side of mayo. Service was friendly and quick.”
Grease Monkey
Born and bred in Canberra, Grease Monkey serves mouth-watering takeaway burgers, pizzas, fried chicken, snacks and sides, 7 days. Burger options include the Dirty Bird, Greasy, Double Deluxe and the Chicken Parmy. The Greasy Dog and Nimbin burger are also popular. Burgers are served with seasoned chips. Gluten free options available. Various locations.
On Google, Sashi Lawler wrote, “Insanely good food. Best burger I've ever had. I had the Nimbin burger with crumbed Portabello mushrooms.”
East Pizza
East Pizza specialises in all-things pizza. Its takeaway menu features 33 cm pizzas (eight slices), made with quality ingredients and a lot of love. All 20 pizzas are available without cheese if desired. Gluten free bases available on request. All bases are egg and dairy free.
On Google, Darol Moore wrote, “This is by far the best pizza in Canberra if thin and crispy base with a while lot of flavour on top is what you after … 10/10.”
Little Theo’s Take Away Food and Pizza Bar
Little Theo’s is so good, the takeaway shop has appeared in the Australian Good Food Guide. A Canberra favorite, Little Theo’s makes all takeaway favorites from scratch. The menu features 18 types of pizza, beef, chicken and egg burgers, fish in a bun and steak sangas. Also, famous house-made calamari rings, skin on potato scallops, chico rolls, hash browns, nuggets and more.
Teegan Worland wrote on Google, “Incredibly delicious and fantastic staff! Hidden gem of a takeaway …”
If you’re looking for more information on eateries in Canberra, you might like our articles on the best cafes for breakfast, best pubs, best gastropubs, best vegetarian cafes and restaurants and best coffee shops Canberra has to offer.
Your experience with takeaways in Canberra
Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.
Have you had experience with any of the takeaways listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of food do takeaways serve?
This depends on the takeaway. Some specialise in certain cuisines, like Lebanese or Italian. Many have extensive menus with fish and chips, burgers, pizza, sandwiches, wraps, rolls and sweets. Most have healthy options to order too. Takeaways often have daily specials to keep the interest of their regulars alive and well.
How much does takeaway food cost?
The cost varies from takeaway place to takeaway place. The best venues keep their prices under control, knowing that they aren’t cafes and restaurants with full service.
Can I get vegetarian dishes at takeaways?
Many takeaways cover a range of dietary requirements and food preferences. They know that not everyone wants meat or heavy, greasy food.
How do I choose a great takeaway?
Head online, to websites or social media, to look at what takeaways offer. Many have their menus online. If you’re walking about, you’ll notice that many takeaways post their menus at street level for all to see.
Can I order ahead of time at a takeaway?
More and more takeaways offer the ability to order ahead and then pick up your food at an agreed time. It’s efficient for both parties.
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