South Africans know exactly what they want when it comes to food delivery — and they aren’t shy about asking for it. Uber Eats’ 2024 Cravings Report reveals some fascinating (and occasionally bizarre) ordering habits, from an unwavering love for crispy chicken to poetic special requests and extravagant cognac splurges.
Midnight munchies & chicken obsession
Crispy chicken was the undisputed champion of Uber Eats searches in South Africa, proving once again that fried perfection is the national comfort food. And what pairs better with it than pap? South Africans have spoken: it’s the ultimate duo.
Late-night cravings also hit hard, with Johannesburg and Pretoria leading the charge, placing over 1.2 million orders between 11 PM and 3 AM. If you were sleeping, someone in Gauteng was definitely tucking into a plate of chicken and pap.
Gourmet splurges & vegan vibes
Luxury is alive and well on Uber Eats. The priciest single order of 2024? A jaw-dropping R20,000 spent on premium cognac. Because if there’s one thing South Africans know how to do, it’s indulge.
Meanwhile, Durban secured its spot as the country’s most vegan-friendly city, with 0.6% of all orders being plant-based. Johannesburg and Pretoria collectively placed the highest number of vegan orders, proving that plant-based eating is growing beyond coastal enclaves.
The power users & delivery legends
Some Uber Eats users took their loyalty to new heights. One dedicated foodie placed 2,378 orders — averaging more than six a day! Another customer ordered on 364 days of the year (we’re guessing they gave their delivery driver a break on Christmas).
On the savings side, one smart shopper used Uber One to save over R18,000 across 779 orders, enough to fund a solid beach holiday. And then there’s the ultimate duo: one customer ordered from the same delivery driver 320 times — surely, they’re on a first-name basis by now.
For the couriers, 2024 was a marathon. One standout driver logged nearly 40,000 kilometers — almost enough to circle the Earth. They also clocked 4,500 hours and completed 7,959 trips, proving that South Africans’ appetite for convenience knows no bounds.
Food orders with a side of poetry
Special requests often include extra sauce or no tomatoes — but some Uber Eats users took things to a whole new level. One poetic customer turned their ramen order into a lyrical masterpiece:
“In the swirling mists of your ramen creation, I’ve a trifling, yet bold, culinary sensation. Dear chef, in your pot of wonders so vast, might I request, not one egg be cast, but three! Oh yes, three jolly eggs indeed, to accompany my noodles in their hour of need.”
Move over, Shakespeare — this is food poetry at its finest.
Another user displayed an almost militant commitment to crispy chips, writing “no garnish, no sauce, crispy chips!!!” in eight separate orders. Dedication to texture is real.
A look ahead
“As demand for food and grocery delivery continues to grow, the Uber Eats Cravings Report highlights the unique ways South Africans interact with the service,” says Cassie Jaganyi, Head of Communications at Uber Eats South Africa. “From midnight snacks to guilty pleasures, we look forward to bringing even more delicious moments to the table for years to come.”
With 2024’s insights in the books, one thing is clear: South Africans love their food — and they love getting it delivered, exactly how they want it.