15 Foods That Cost Less To Order Out Than Make At Home
Cooking at home is usually the go-to move for saving cash—but not always. Some dishes require pricey ingredients, special equipment, or a ridiculous amount of time, making takeout the smarter (and sometimes cheaper) option. Here are 15 foods that, surprisingly, are often less expensive to order out than to make yourself.
1. Sushi
Sushi might seem like a fun DIY project, but it’s a culinary art that often requires sushi-grade fish, nori, rice vinegar, and a bamboo rolling mat. One simple mistake can turn this delicate dish into a costly disaster.
Ordering sushi from a skilled chef not only guarantees quality but also offers a wide variety of options. Many sushi restaurants have perfected the balance of flavors and textures, providing a delectable experience.
The expertise and freshness that come with ordering from a dedicated sushi establishment are often worth more than home attempts, saving both money and effort.
2. Fried Chicken
Frying chicken at home sounds like a delicious endeavor until you factor in the cost of oil, buttermilk, spices, and flour—not to mention the mess and the cleanup.
A bucket from your local fried chicken joint often comes out cheaper and far less labor-intensive. Those secret blends of spices and perfect frying techniques are hard to replicate at home.
The convenience and crispy perfection offered by these restaurants make it an easy choice for a quick, satisfying meal without the greasy aftermath or the pile of dishes.
3. Ramen (Real, Not Instant)
Authentic ramen is more than just noodles; it’s a symphony of slow-cooked broth, fresh noodles, marinated eggs, and succulent pork belly. But creating this masterpiece at home can be both time-consuming and expensive.
The rich broth alone can take hours to perfect, and sourcing quality ingredients may not be easy or economical.
Ordering a well-prepared bowl from a ramen shop ensures that you get the full flavor profile without the hassle. It’s a culinary experience that’s often more economical to enjoy out than in your own kitchen.
4. Pho
Pho’s magic lies in its deeply flavorful broth, which simmers for hours to achieve its signature taste. Coupled with rice noodles, herbs, thin-sliced meat, hoisin, and chili paste, the ingredients quickly add up.
Vietnamese restaurants offer generously sized, aromatic bowls that satisfy both the palate and the wallet.
Crafting this traditional dish at home can be a daunting and costly task, especially when compared to the affordable, authentic experience available at local eateries. The precision and patience required often justify the decision to dine out.
5. Pizza (Especially Wood-Fired)
The allure of homemade pizza fades when you factor in the cost of dough ingredients, sauce, cheese, toppings, and the limitations of a home oven. Achieving that perfect wood-fired texture and taste is an art that many pizzerias have mastered.
While homemade pizza can be a fun experiment, ordering from a quality pizzeria often delivers a more satisfying and cost-effective result.
From the smoky flavor to the crispy crust, the experience of a professionally made pizza is hard to beat, making it a wise choice to order out.
6. Bagels and Lox
Bagels and lox are a classic breakfast treat, but the cost of lox alone can rival the price of a full spread from a deli. Add in quality bagels, cream cheese, and accoutrements, and you’re looking at a hefty grocery list.
New York-style delis offer this combination with the authenticity and flavor that homemade versions often lack.
The convenience and quality of ordering this beloved dish from a reputable deli can make it a more economical and delightful experience, bringing the taste of New York right to your table.
7. Indian Curries
Indian curries are rich in flavors, requiring an array of spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and more. The cost of these spices, along with ghee, yogurt, and cream, can quickly add up.
Preparing these dishes at home demands not just ingredients but skill and time to perfect the intricate flavors.
Indian restaurants often serve large portions with rice and naan, providing a delicious and cost-effective alternative to cooking. The authenticity and convenience offered by dining out make it an attractive option for curry lovers.
8. Chinese Takeout Favorites (like General Tso’s or Orange Chicken)
Recreating Chinese takeout favorites like General Tso’s chicken requires a pantry full of special ingredients like rice wine, soy sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Plus, deep-frying at home can be messy and time-consuming.
Ordering from a local Chinese restaurant ensures you get the flavorful, crispy dish you crave without the hassle.
The convenience and affordability of takeout, often with rice included, make it a no-brainer compared to the effort and expense of making these dishes at home.
9. Falafel Wraps
Falafel wraps embody the essence of Mediterranean street food, but making them from scratch involves soaking chickpeas, blending spices, and frying, which can be both time-consuming and costly.
Neighborhood Mediterranean joints often serve these wraps for a fraction of the cost, complete with fresh toppings and sauces.
The authenticity and convenience of ordering a falafel wrap from a local eatery make it a delightful and economical alternative to the home-cooked version, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
10. Dim Sum
Dim sum is a culinary experience that involves more than just taste—it’s an art form. Making dumplings, buns, and turnip cakes at home requires special equipment like steamer baskets and expertise in folding techniques.
Visiting a local dim sum restaurant offers a variety of expertly crafted dishes without the labor.
The rich tradition and social aspect of enjoying dim sum make dining out not only a cost-effective choice but also an enriching cultural experience that’s hard to replicate in a home kitchen.
11. Ice Cream Sundaes With All the Fixings
Creating an ice cream sundae at home may sound simple, but the cost of making ice cream, sauces, and toppings can quickly escalate.
Ice cream parlors offer delightfully loaded sundaes for a fraction of the cost and effort, with a wide array of choices.
The joy and indulgence of enjoying a sundae with all the fixings at a parlor is an experience that combines not just taste but the pleasure of picking out toppings, making it a fun and budget-friendly outing.
12. Fish and Chips
Fish and chips are a classic dish that many love, but making them at home can be a pricey endeavor. Fresh fish, quality batter, and the oil for frying all contribute to the cost.
Pubs and seafood shacks often serve up a cleaner, tastier version for less than the cost of ingredients alone.
The satisfying crunch and flavor of professionally made fish and chips, without the lingering smell of frying at home, make dining out a more appealing and economical option.
13. Tamales
Tamales are a labor of love that involve masa, corn husks, and slow-cooked fillings. The time and effort required to prepare them at home can be daunting and expensive.
Restaurants or food trucks specializing in tamales offer them in bulk, often at a much lower cost.
The craftsmanship and flavor of tamales made by experienced hands are hard to match, making purchasing them from a local vendor a wise decision both financially and for the taste buds.
14. Rotisserie Chicken
Rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful option that’s hard to beat. Purchasing a fully cooked bird often costs less than buying one raw, saving both time and money.
Supermarkets offer these succulent chickens without the hassle of roasting and cleaning up, providing a quick and delicious meal solution.
The convenience and affordability of supermarket rotisserie chicken make it a popular choice for busy families seeking a satisfying dinner without the fuss of home-cooking.
15. Doughnuts
Doughnuts are a sweet indulgence that can be tricky and costly to make at home. Yeast, rising time, frying, and glaze ingredients demand patience and precision.
Local bakeries offer an array of fresh doughnuts for a fraction of the home-made cost, without the risk of hot oil mishaps.
The ease and variety available at a bakery make it a delightful and economical choice for doughnut lovers, ensuring a tasty treat without the kitchen chaos.