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17 Takeout Dishes Better Than Your Local Restaurant

Ever think your kitchen could beat the local restaurant scene? Well, buckle up, because we’re about to show you 17 dishes that do just that. These aren’t just any recipes; they’re game changers, ready to make your dinner table the new hot spot in town. From comfort foods to fresh twists, we’ve got your back.

Say goodbye to waiting for a table or shouting over crowd noise. It’s time to create your own top-notch dinner vibes, right at home. Whether it’s a solo meal or a feast for friends, this list packs a punch for all appetites. Get ready to turn the ordinary into extraordinary, one dish at a time.

And don’t worry, you don’t need a chef’s hat to nail these. Each recipe is like a friendly guide, walking you through to deliciousness, step by step. So, let’s roll up those sleeves and show the takeout spot how it’s really done. Get set to amaze yourself and everyone else with these knockout homemade dishes.

Low angle shot of crispy beef on a plate.

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Crispy Beef. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps

Who knew you could get that perfect shawarma wrap without leaving your house? Wrapped in soft bread, Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps are juicy, spiced just right, and beat any local spot. They’re a quick, delicious option that proves takeout can be both easy and amazing.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Shawarma Wraps

Beef Bulgogi Bowls

Ever crave something hearty and just plain good? Beef Bulgogi Bowls bring the heart of Korean flavors right to your doorstep, outdoing your local restaurant’s version. They’re all about tender beef and homely vibes, making them a top-notch takeout pick.
Get the Recipe: Beef Bulgogi Bowls

Rice noodles with meat and veggies on a white plate.
Singapore Noodles. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Singapore Noodles

When you want a meal that’s as colorful and vibrant as it is delicous, Singapore Noodles are the way to go. They mix textures and tastes in a way that’s hard to find elsewhere, offering a takeout experience that easily outshines the usual spots.
Get the Recipe: Singapore Noodles

Mongolian Chicken

If you’re after something both sweet and salty, Mongolian Chicken doesn’t disappoint. It’s a simple dish with big impact, perfect for those nights when only the best takeout will do. This dish shows how good chicken can really be, making local options seem basic.
Get the Recipe: Mongolian Chicken

Overhead shot of quesabirria tacos with lime wedges.
Quesabirria Tacos. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Quesabirria Tacos

Quesabirria Tacos are all the rage for a reason. They mix spiced meat with melty cheese in a way that’s just unbeatable, especially compared to what you’d find at a typical restaurant. It’s a trendy takeout choice that delivers big on flavor and fulfillment.
Get the Recipe: Quesabirria Tacos

Stir Fried Hokkien Noodles

Looking for something genuinely fulfilling and full of tradition? Stir Fried Hokkien Noodles deliver a taste of Southeast Asia that’s as authentic as it gets. It’s a comforting, filling option that’ll make you think twice about your go-to takeout places.
Get the Recipe: Stir Fried Hokkien Noodles

A bowl of grits topped with cajun shrimp.
Cajun Shrimp and Grits. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Cajun Shrimp and Grits

Nothing says comfort like Cajun Shrimp and Grits, blending Southern warmth with a bit of spice. This dish brings a piece of New Orleans to your table, offering a takeout experience that’s far better than any local restaurant could hope to match.
Get the Recipe: Cajun Shrimp and Grits

Thai Peanut Sauce Noodles

Thai Peanut Sauce Noodles hit that perfect spot between nutty and spicy. They’re a fresh take on noodles, bringing complexity in a straightforward dish. When you choose this for takeout, you’re getting something special that your local spots just can’t compete with.
Get the Recipe: Thai Peanut Sauce Noodles

low angle shot of a bowl of kung pao chicken.
Kung Pao Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Kung Pao Chicken

For a mix of heat, sweet, and crunch, Kung Pao Chicken is a solid choice. It’s consistently delicious, offering a reliable takeout option that stands head and shoulders above what you’d get at a local restaurant. It’s an easy way to spice up dinner time.
Get the Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken

Air Fryer Enchiladas

Who says you need an oven to get that perfect crunch and gooey center? With Air Fryer Enchiladas, you get a meal that beats your local spot, hands down. They’re a lifesaver on busy nights, proving fast food can still be great food.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Enchiladas

Blackened fish tacos in taco holders.
Blackened Fish Tacos. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Blackened Fish Tacos

If you thought tacos couldn’t get better, Blackened Fish Tacos are here to prove you wrong. They mix smoky flavors with fresh bites, easily outdoing anything nearby. It’s the kind of quick, delicious meal that makes you forget about other takeouts.
Get the Recipe: Blackened Fish Tacos

Sopa de Camaron

On a cold day, Sopa de Camaron is like a warm hug in a bowl. It brings the sea’s freshness right to your doorstep, making any local seafood place seem second-rate. If you love shrimp, this soup will become your new go-to.
Get the Recipe: Sopa de Camaron

A bowl of ramen with karaage chicken.
Spicy Miso Ramen. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Spicy Miso Ramen

For a spicy kick that’ll make you forget about your local ramen shop, Spicy Miso Ramen is the answer. It blends rich miso with just the right amount of heat, offering an experience that’s both invigorating and way better than takeout.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Miso Ramen

Kerala Fish Curry

Kerala Fish Curry takes you on a flavor trip that’ll make you question why you ever settled for less. It’s a dish with roots in Indian food, offering a cozy, comforting meal that stands tall above local options. Who knew staying in could taste so good?
Get the Recipe: Kerala Fish Curry

A hand holding a crispy piece of mochiko chicken.
Mochiko Chicken. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Mochiko Chicken

Ever tried Mochiko Chicken? It’s a game-changer. This dish brings you crispy, juicy bites that make other chicken dishes pale in comparison. Perfect for when you’re craving something different but still want that homemade feel.
Get the Recipe: Mochiko Chicken

Crispy Beef

How about Crispy Beef? It’s got that crunch and flavor that’ll make you think twice about ordering beef from anywhere else. For those indulgent nights, it’s the perfect way to enjoy something special at home.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Beef

Miso glazed salmon on a plate with rice and spinach.
Miso Glazed Salmon. Photo credit: All Ways Delicious.

Miso Glazed Salmon

Miso Glazed Salmon is a dish that makes any meal feel like a treat. It combines the richness of salmon with a unique sweetness, making it a stellar choice over any local fish dish. It’s all about enjoying the finer things, right from your living room.
Get the Recipe: Miso Glazed Salmon

By on March 22nd, 2024
Photo of Robin Donovan

About Robin Donovan

Robin Donovan is the creative force behind All Ways Delicious. She's a writer, recipe developer, photographer, and cookbook author with more than 40 books to her name, including the bestselling Ramen for Beginners, Ramen Obsession, and Campfire Cuisine. Her work has been featured in major publications, both print and digital, including MSN, Cooking Light, Fitness, Buzzfeed, and Eating Well. → More about Robin

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