The food delivery revolution - 6 Minute English

Summary

The 6 Minute English episode explores the revolution in takeaway food, driven by the rise of delivery apps like Deliveroo and Just Eat. The pandemic has seen a surge in demand for home-delivered meals, with a variety of cuisines available worldwide. The episode delves into 'dark kitchens,' virtual restaurants that cater exclusively to delivery, ensuring dishes are designed for travel. The trend raises concerns about the loss of basic cooking skills, suggesting that cooking may become a hobby rather than a necessity. The show concludes with a quiz revealing Hawaiian Poke bowls as Deliveroo's most ordered dish.

Takeaways

• 🍽️ The popularity of takeaway food has surged due to the convenience of food delivery apps like Deliveroo and Just Eat.
• 🌐 A wide variety of dishes and styles from around the world are now available for delivery, expanding beyond traditional options like pizza and curries.
• 🏠 With cafes and pubs closed during lockdowns, many food chains and restaurants have shifted to delivery-only services to cater to those in isolation.
• 📈 Takeaway companies have seen a dramatic increase in orders as people are spending more time at home due to the coronavirus pandemic.
• 🍔 The most ordered dish on Deliveroo last year was Hawaiian Poke bowls, reflecting changing tastes in takeaway options.
• 🏡 'Dark kitchens' are digital, delivery-only restaurants that operate without waiters, tables, or diners, focusing solely on preparing high-quality dishes for delivery.
• 👨‍🍳 Chef Anton Soulier's Taster is an example of a 'dark kitchen' operation, managing twelve kitchens in London, Paris, and Madrid.
• 🛵 Delivery by bike has become a significant factor in how food is prepared and presented, influencing the types of dishes that are popular for takeaway.
• 🍲 There is a concern that the rise in takeaways and delivery-only food could lead to a decline in basic cooking skills among the population.
• 🔮 The trend of eating out and takeaways may continue to grow, potentially shifting cooking at home from a daily necessity to a hobby or leisure activity.

Q & A

Who are the hosts of the 6 Minute English episode?

The hosts are Neil and Georgina.

What is a 'poke bowl' mentioned in the conversation?

A poke bowl is a Hawaiian dish that typically includes raw fish, rice, and various vegetables and toppings.

What significant change in takeaway food is discussed in the episode?

The episode discusses the explosion of food delivery apps and the rise of a wide range of food dishes being available for delivery.

What are 'dark kitchens'?

'Dark kitchens' are delivery-only restaurants where chefs cook in kitchens without waiters, tables, or diners, preparing dishes solely for delivery.

What was Deliveroo's most ordered dish last year according to the episode?

Deliveroo's most ordered dish last year was Hawaiian Poke bowls.

How have cafes and pubs adapted during lockdown according to the episode?

Many cafes and pubs have switched to delivery-only services to bring meals to people who are isolating.

What concern is raised about the increase in takeaways?

The concern is that people are losing basic cooking skills due to the increase in takeaways and delivery-only food.

What does Anton Soulier predict about the future of home cooking?

Anton Soulier predicts that in the future, cooking at home may become a weekend hobby rather than a daily necessity.

What does the term 'dog's dinner' mean as used in the episode?

The term 'dog's dinner' is an informal way to say something that looks messy or has been very badly done.

What trend does the episode suggest might happen in the future regarding kitchens?

The episode suggests that in the future, people might not have kitchens as they rely more on takeaways and delivery-only food.