To many in Britain, Indian cuisine is now one of the defining facets of UK food culture. With Indian takeaways a staple of the British food scene. Indian takeaways may be a well-trodden ground, but their journey reflects a diverse history and a changing market landscape.
Historical Context
The British love affair with Indian food goes back to the colonial era. But it was in the mid-20th century that Indian takeaways really took off. It wasn’t until after the war though, that we saw the rise of the curry houses which provided a quick fix for the British palate. Resulting in curries and their variations spreading throughout the country.
Growth of Economic Markets
Over the last decade, the UK takeaway and takeaway sector has seen dramatic growth. Breakdown: The number of takeaway and fast-food restaurants rose from around 37,000 in 2013 to just over 47,000 in 2023. It has previously been reported that this expansion is forecasted to continue. As the market value of foodservice delivery was estimated to have been approximately £13.4 billion in 2022. It is expected to reach £17 billion by the year 2026.
Spending habits and consumer preferences
UK households spend an average of around £6.40 a week on takeaways and around £820 a week per person a year. Popular dishes include Chicken Tikka Masala, Korma, and Butter Chicken, while Indian cuisine is also a favorite. A of survey recently revealed that 43% of Brits now prefer milder curries and that hotter dishes like Vindaloo and Phaal aren’t in the top ten.
Industry Challenges
There are challenges, though, despite the popularity of the Indian takeaway sector. The price surge hooked consumers with the burgeoning costs of energy and staffing. For example, a chicken curry now costs an average of £10.95, or £17.85 for curry with rice, naan, and a poppadom. In London, prices run as high as £20.45.
Emerging Trends
The trend is towards modern Indian dining in the industry. Modern establishments are actually serve remakes of classic mostly seem to hit all audiences. There’s also been a rise in the popularity of ‘fakeaways’ supermarket bought ready meals that imitate restaurant food — among those looking to cut costs. However, research suggests that these convenience meals can be just as calorie-rich as conventional takeaways, which is cause for concern from a health perspective.
