South Africans didn’t just order food in 2025—they turned Uber Eats into a canvas for extravagance, romance, and unfiltered demands. The second annual Uber Eats South Africa 2025 Cravings Report has landed, packed with jaw-dropping stats that showcase Mzansi’s vibrant food culture.
From record-breaking spending to heartfelt delivery notes, the report highlights how deeply food delivery has woven itself into daily life. As Ntsoaki Nsibanyoni, Uber Eats General Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa, puts it: “Our annual Cravings Report shows just how vibrant, diverse and proudly South African our food culture is.”
One super user racked up a staggering R465,320 across the year, while premium tequila orders hit nearly R18,000 in a single tap. These extremes paint a picture of a nation embracing convenience with bold personality.
Fried Chicken and Pap Reign Supreme Again
For the second consecutive year, fried chicken dominated as the most-searched item on Uber Eats in every single city across South Africa. When paired with pap, it became the country’s undisputed most-loved order—a classic comfort combo that captures the heart of Mzansi cuisine.
Malva pudding held firm as the top dessert, reminding us that no meal is complete without a sweet ending. These staples reflect enduring traditions, delivered effortlessly to doorsteps nationwide.
The report also spotlights regional diversity: Durban emerged as the vegan capital, with over 21,000 plant-based orders proving that healthier options are gaining serious traction alongside traditional favourites.
Epic Splurges: Tequila Takes the Crown
While many orders stay practical, some South Africans went big. The priciest single order was a bottle of premium tequila at R17,773.24, closely followed by another combining tequila with two bottles of whiskey for R17,668.51.
These lavish booze deliveries underscore how Uber Eats has become the go-to for celebrations, late-night indulgences, or simply treating oneself without leaving home.
On the savvy side, Uber One members maximised perks—one top saver pocketed over R20,000 in delivery fee reductions, including more than R18,000 credited back on food orders alone. It’s proof that loyalty pays off in a big way.
Daily Orders: Uber Eats as a Lifestyle
For many, Uber Eats isn’t occasional—it’s essential. A remarkable 1,245 users placed at least 365 orders in 2025, equating to one delivery every day. The ultimate champion hit 2,772 orders, totalling that eye-watering R465,320 spend.
Loyalty to favourites runs deep too: one dedicated customer ordered 419 times from the same restaurant. These habits show how the platform has transformed routines, saving South Africans over 12.7 million hours collectively by bringing meals and groceries right to the door.
Delivery partners matched the dedication—the busiest courier completed 8,250 trips, clocking nearly 49,000 kilometres. The fastest? A peach rooibos iced tea delivered in just 48 seconds.
Love Letters in the Special Instructions
Food became a vehicle for emotion in 2025. Valentine’s week exploded with thousands of thoughtful orders: groceries, flowers, snacks, and full meals sent with messages that read like poetry.
One standout birthday note declared: “You are truly an absolute star lighting up my world… I love you more than words could ever capture.” Couriers even paused to appreciate the sentiment.
Romantic consistency shone through—one user repeated the exact same date-night order weekly for the entire year. Another opted for portions “for two” over 500 times. The special instructions box evolved into a confessional for affection, turning routine deliveries into memorable moments.
Bold Demands and Late-Night Cravings
South Africans mastered the art of customisation with unapologetic flair. Notes ranged from “BREAST ONLY” repeated over 50 times on a chicken order to “PLEASE MAKE CHIPS EXTRA CRISPY” echoed 16 times.
Burger tweaks got intense: “NO WHITE SAUCE AND NO GARNISH… ONLY BBQ SAUCE” demanded with emphatic repetition. These passionate requests highlight a culture that knows exactly what it wants—and isn’t shy about saying it.
Late-night orders surged, with Cape Town doubling average after-dark activity. Cities like Johannesburg and Pretoria led romantic gestures, proving cravings don’t clock out.
What 2025’s Cravings Tell Us About Mzansi
The Uber Eats South Africa 2025 Cravings Report captures a nation that’s passionate about food, unafraid to splurge or save, and creative in expressing itself through orders.
From unbreakable loyalty to fried chicken and pap, to turning delivery notes into love declarations, South Africans infused personality into every tap. As platforms like Uber Eats continue to evolve, these trends signal a future where convenience amplifies our unique flavours, rituals, and indulgences.
Whether it’s a daily ritual, a R17k tequila toast, or a heartfelt message hidden in an order, 2025 showed we’re not just satisfying hunger—we’re celebrating life, one delivery at a time.
This blend of tradition, extravagance, and emotion makes South Africa’s food delivery scene truly one-of-a-kind. Here’s to more cravings in the years ahead.