Yorkshire.com Editorial Team
Published on September 2nd, 2026
•Deliveroo has announced that Chicken Shawarma is the UK's favourite takeaway of the summer for 2026. This delicious Middle Eastern dish has gained popularity, especially during the sunny season and the World Cup finals, making it the unexpected star of the summer takeaway scene.
Surge in Popularity
This summer, Chicken Shawarma Wrap orders have seen a remarkable increase of over 70% compared to the same period last year. This surge has helped the dish secure its place at the top of Britain's takeaway list, as more people discover its flavourful and satisfying qualities. The rise in demand is so significant that more than half of the restaurants now offering shawarma on Deliveroo didn’t sell it at all a year ago. This shift is not just about big chains adding a new item; independent restaurants and local grills have embraced the chicken wrap, showcasing its roots in culinary tradition.
Evening Delight
Chicken Shawarma has proven to be a popular choice for evening meals, with orders peaking at 7pm. Fridays are the busiest days for shawarma orders, as many people look to enjoy a hearty meal while relaxing after a long week. The combination of tasty ingredients and the convenience of takeaway makes it an ideal choice for those winding down for the weekend.
Leading Cities
Deliveroo has revealed which cities are leading the charge in shawarma orders this summer. The top cities are:
Coventry - the unofficial shawarma capital of the UK this summer
Newcastle
Reading
Edinburgh
Glasgow
Bristol
This list highlights the growing popularity of Middle Eastern cuisine across various regions, with more people enjoying the rich flavours and satisfying wraps.
Words from Deliveroo's General Manager
Jeff Wemyss, the General Manager of Deliveroo for the UK and Ireland, shared his thoughts on the Chicken Shawarma's rise to fame:
“Chicken Shawarma has spent years as the wrap you order at 11pm - reliable, delicious, always there. This summer, it became the main event. Independent grills up and down the country have been serving the dish rooted in generations of culinary tradition for years, and we couldn’t think of a more deserving winner for Deliveroo’s Takeaway of Summer 2026.”
