Wherever we are in Australia, winter is typically the time of year we tend to take our social lives indoors, and from east to west an increasing number of restaurants accommodate this need with great takeaway options.
At the same time, we’re always on the lookout for good value. This has been confirmed in a recent survey of 1,767 Australians aged 18-24 by EatNow – an online takeaway ordering platform popular with young Australians – which found that nearly 1 in 2 respondents (45 per cent) would not pay more than $15 per person for a takeaway meal. So EatNow’s co-founder, Matt Dyer, has compiled a round-up of Australia’s best-value eats for several of our favourite indoor get-togethers.
EatNow’s best-value feasts under $15 per person for favourite winter get-togethers:
Footy night
It’s a boys’ night fuelled by beers and testosterone while you’re watching the big game at home. With all focus on the sport, the solution to feeding your mates needs to be as easy as possible. “First thing that pops to mind when my mates come over is meat lovers’ pizza, chicken supreme and extra garlic bread. No cutlery required. We literally dig in, hands and all,” admits Matt.
Feast ideas:
VIC – Large Meat Lover’s Pizza, $14.90, from Godfathers Pizza, Yarraville.
NSW – Medium BBQ Meat Lover’s Pizza, $13.50, from The Darling Pizzeria, Pyrmont.
SA – 9 inch Supreme ‘With the Lot’ pizza, $14.00, from Pellegrini Pizzeria, North Adelaide.
QLD – Large Troppo Pizza for $14.95 from Pizza Capers, West End.
Date Night
“After a busy week at work, sometimes ordering in is just as intimate as dining out," says Matt. Nowhere signifies romance more than Italy so serenade your partner by ordering in Italian food with a glass of Riesling for date night. Aromatic pastas filled with rich herbs and punchy flavours will tantalise your senses which makes getting cosy with your loved one all the more enjoyable.
Feast ideas:
WA – Large Portofino pasta for $14.95 per person from Fresco, North Perth.
NSW – Fettuccini Carbonara for $13.90 per person from Mi Manchi Italian, Sydney.
SA – Lasagne al Forno for $15.50 per person from La Strada, Goodwood.
Girls’ night in
There are few things less attractive than going out on a rainy Friday night. You’re craving the company of your BFFs, a good movie and some hot food to start your weekend, so pick up the phone and round up the troops, including EatNow. “Thai is our most popular cuisine and the variety of restaurant options is endless. Thai Green Chicken Curry, Pad Thai and Tom Yum Soup will warm up any wintery night with friends,” offers Matt.
Feast ideas:
QLD – Combination Pad Thai for $14.50 per person from Ruk Thai Restaurant, Kangaroo Point.
NSW – Thai Green Curry for $14.90 per person from Thanon Khaosan Thai, Haymarket.
WA – Prawn Pad Thai for $14.50 per person from Lanna Thai Cuisine in Subiaco.
Study session
The EatNow survey of 18 to 24-year-olds revealed that more than half (53 per cent) are studying. Time-poor and cash-strapped students no longer need to rely on supermarket foods, as there are varieties of options under $15 per person on EatNow. Classic Chinese boxes will complement your syllabus perfectly. “Affordable Chinese is a simple solution to allow your study to continue well into the night. Food is a student’s favourite excuse for a break. Crispy duck with fried rice will get the brainstorm flowing,” Matt says.
Feast ideas:
NSW – Combination Fried Rice for $11.90 from Wai Fo Sung Chinese, Darlinghurst.
VIC – Roast Duck Rice for $9.90 per person from Chan Charlie Chan Asian Restaurant, Melbourne.
WA – San Choi Bao with duck mince for $15.00 per person from Panda House Asian Cuisine in Belmont.
Xbox tournament
When the competition isn’t hot enough during ‘Call Of Duty’, order in Indian to stay alert. “Hot spicy foods are a stimulant. Indian curry will have your senses buzzing and on high alert when your friends are challenging you on game night,” says Matt.
Feast ideas:
NSW – Lamb Vindaloo for $14.90 per person from Indus Village, Blacktown.
NSW – Chicken Tikka Masala for $14.00 per person from Daawat Indian Restaurant, Richmond.
WA – Saag Paneer for $14.50 per person from King of Taste in West Leederville.
Surprise visit from parents
Delicate seafood morsels, sashimi and chopsticks will immediately bring an air of class to your dining room while attempting to impress the parents or in-laws when they let you know they’re around the corner and or pop in unannounced. “Sometimes guests don’t give you enough notice. It’s comforting to know that ordering dinner in is a realistic option with the Japanese restaurant offerings,” says Matt.
Feast ideas:
SA – Seared scallops for $15 per person from Ginza Japanese, Unley.
VIC – 12-piece Takoyaki for $10.60 per person from Donburi and BBQ Korean and Japanese, Melbourne.
QLD – Sunset Rolls for $14.50 from Sunny Doll Sushi, Woolloongabba.
Babysitting
Being asked to babysit can be a daunting experience, and the last thing many of us feel like doing is preparing a home-cooked meal for fussy young eaters. Ordering in tacos and fajitas make rounding up the kids to a dinner table simple. “Whenever I babysit my nephews they are begging me to order in Mexican, I think it’s the melted cheese and corn chips that keep them coming back for more!” Matt says.
Feast ideas:
VIC – Beef Nachos for $15.00 per person from El Sabor Mexican Grill Bar, North Melbourne.
SA – Double Enchiladas for $14.50 per person from Cha Chi’s Mexican Cantina, Glenunga.
QLD – Picadillo Enchiladas for $15.95 per person from Montezumas in Fortitude Valley.
Gather the tropes for a night of fun and food this winter.
