The Rise of the Fakeaway: Why UK Home Cooks Are Ditching Deliveroo
In the middle of the UK’s cost-of-living crisis, something unexpected has happened in kitchens across the country — the fakeaway has taken over. Instead of ordering from Deliveroo or Just Eat, thousands of people are recreating their favourite restaurant dishes at home. Think Nando’s-style chicken, Greggs Festive Bakes, or Wagamama katsu curry — all made for a fraction of the price and often in under 30 minutes.
This isn’t just about saving money. It’s about flavour, creativity, and the satisfaction of saying “I made this.”
The Fakeaway Movement: Born from Necessity and Nostalgia
The idea of cooking “fakeaway” versions of restaurant favourites isn’t new — but it’s exploded since 2020. With rising food prices, tighter budgets, and the convenience of supermarket dupes, the UK’s love affair with takeaways has shifted toward the home kitchen.
On TikTok and Reddit, #fakeaway has millions of views. Users proudly share their Greggs-inspired bakes, Domino’s-style pizzas, and Nando’s chicken platters — often claiming they taste even better than the originals. Supermarkets have caught on too: Aldi’s “Peri-Peri” sauces and Tesco’s “takeaway range” are evidence that the fakeaway has gone mainstream.
Why People Are Swapping Deliveroo for DIY
1. Cost Savings That Add Up
A single Nando’s meal can set you back £12–15. A homemade version costs about £4 per serving — and often uses the same spices and sauces. For families, that’s hundreds of pounds saved each month.
2. Ingredient Control
Making it yourself means knowing exactly what’s in your food. No hidden oils, preservatives, or excess salt — just your chosen ingredients and seasoning.
3. Healthier Choices Without Sacrifice
The fakeaway trend isn’t about restriction — it’s about recreation. People are air-frying chips instead of deep-frying, swapping mayo for Greek yoghurt, and still enjoying their Friday-night fix.
4. A Creative, Feel-Good Challenge
There’s something deeply satisfying about cracking a restaurant’s “secret sauce.” BiteBuddy’s copycat recipes tap into that curiosity — helping home cooks achieve the exact texture, colour, and taste of their favourite meals.
These aren’t just recipes — they’re rituals. For many, Friday night fakeaways have replaced takeout as a shared experience with family or flatmates.
| Brand | Most Popular Dish | Why It’s a Hit |
|---|---|---|
| Nando’s | Medium PERi-PERi Chicken | Easily replicated with store-bought sauces and simple grilling |
| Greggs | Steak Bake / Festive Bake | Iconic British comfort food with simple pastry prep |
| Wagamama | Katsu Curry | Rich, mild curry sauce and crispy chicken — achievable at home |
| KFC | Original Recipe Chicken | Homemade spice blends and air fryer versions are trending |
| McDonald’s | Big Mac & McMuffins | DIY sauces and stackable ingredients make them perfect for breakfast |
Social Media and the Fakeaway Boom
TikTok has turned the fakeaway into a social movement. Creators like @thefakeawaymum and @budgetmealsuk regularly rack up millions of views, showing easy ways to recreate fast-food classics. The comments sections are full of people tagging friends, saying “We’re making this tonight!”
This viral sharing loop has done more for the trend than any ad campaign could. It’s community-driven, authentic, and fun — the same ethos that BiteBuddy is built on.
The Future of the Fakeaway
The fakeaway isn’t going anywhere. With energy bills high and restaurant prices rising, more people are finding joy in cooking restaurant-quality meals at home. Tools like AI recipe generators (including BiteBuddy’s) make it even easier to turn a few fridge ingredients into something impressive.
Expect to see even more supermarket collaborations, fakeaway meal kits, and niche recreations — from Zizzi’s calzones to Costa’s seasonal lattes.
The next big leap? AI-assisted fakeaways that suggest copycat recipes based on what’s in your kitchen. That’s the direction UK food tech is heading — and it’s deliciously practical.
Tips for the Perfect Fakeaway Night
- Prep sauces ahead – marinades and spice rubs develop flavour overnight.
- Invest in an air fryer – gives that crispy texture with less oil.
- Pair with your favourite sides – peri-salted fries, halloumi, slaw, or garlic bread.
- Don’t forget presentation – serve in takeaway-style boxes or paper wraps for fun.
FAQs
What does “fakeaway” mean?
A fakeaway is a homemade version of a takeaway or restaurant meal — same flavours, less cost.
Are fakeaways healthier than takeaways?
Usually, yes. You control portion size, ingredients, and cooking methods.
Do supermarkets sell fakeaway kits?
Yes — Tesco, Aldi, and Iceland all sell “fakeaway” meal kits and sauces inspired by popular chains.
What’s the easiest fakeaway to start with?
Try Nando’s chicken — just grill marinated chicken breasts and pair with spicy rice or chips.
