The Current Takeout Dilemma: Which Orders Travel Best?

I’ve gotten a lot of email from readers asking for my opinion on which meals travel best with regard to retaining texture, taste, and overall continuity. Here are my thoughts on the subject, broken down by category.

TEX MEX
This category can be dicey. I love nachos, but they typically arrive much too moist and devoid of texture. Queso is usually a good bet but stay away from white cheese versions (queso flameado) which have a very short shelf life, even in the restaurant. Tamales are a no brainer. Just take off the husk (which actually seals in the freshness) on a to-go order and pop ’em in the microwave. Delicioso!

I’ve had problems with enchiladas as well. Many times the tortilla wrapper can become harder which compromises the flavor. Chile Relleno usually travels well but guacamole can be problematic when it takes on that brown sheen after exposure to air.

Kerbey Lane Cafe also has a Chilaquiles dish that actually improves with delivery or takeout time as the chips become less crisp and significantly change the appeal of the dish.

One of my favorite to-go orders is cabrito. The only problem is that very few Austin restaurants make a good one. By far the best, in my opinion, can can be ordered from the Texican Cafe, with locations on Manchaca, Brodie Oaks, Lakeline Mall, and the newest in Kyle.

INDIAN
Indian takeout is interesting. Samosas are usually a good bet, as are tandoori chicken or shrimp. Naan bread is great, but does not travel well at all. Chicken Tikka Masala usually travels very well. Saag Paneer can be problematic, as it sometimes loses that characteristic depth of flavor.

I’ve had good luck, however, with the Saag Paneer from Bombay Bistro.

NEW AMERICAN
Soups are among the best choices for delivery and takeout orders. The New England clam chowder from Café Blue, the tortilla soup From Los Pinos, the Shrimp Bisque from Chez Zee, and the amazing creamy pepper soup from The Pizza Cave are just a few excellent options.

Salads are also problematic. Stick to a crisp lettuce like romaine and try to avoid items like tomatoes and avocados as they can create sogginess. The Buffalo chicken salad from Hoover’s Cooking is a great choice for delivery.

American classics like pot pie, fish ‘n’ chips and comfort foods like macaroni and cheese generally travel well. The League Kitchen & Tavern has great versions of both.

Surprisingly, many people overlook pancakes, such as the sumptuous blueberry pancakes at Austin Java which maintain texture and reheat beautifully.

Gourmet burgers are popular, but a common rule of thumb is the correlation paradox: the more items you layer on the burgers (particularly tomatoes, lettuce, and grilled onions) the soggier the roll becomes. French fries almost never last through the average delivery time, a pleasant exception being the famous black pepper fries at Hyde Park Bar & Grille.

I have had decent luck with the offerings from Shane Street’s All Star Burger and Mighty Fine with their bacon cheeseburger.

CHINESE
If there ever was a restaurant category that was born for takeout or delivery, it is Chinese cuisine. Who among us hasn’t enjoyed an order of shrimp lo mein, vegetable fried rice, pork, or chicken pot stickers?

Most Chinese dishes travel quite well  and can be satisfactorily warmed in the microwave without compromising texture or flavor.  A dish like salt and pepper chicken is a good example of this. Even though the chicken is commonly lightly breaded, it can usually be reheated without the outer layer getting mushy.

Chinatown Westlake has a dish called Sizzling Honey Pepper Steak which is usually served sizzling on a hot platter, but it travels exceptionally well and when served at home over brown rice, it’s a treat. Another Chinatown dish that’s suited to takeout is the Thai pepper basil shrimp. The peppers remain firm and the shrimp never lose their flavor. The hot and sour seafood soup is another great takeout item.

So there you have it. Takeout and delivery can be tricky because both are  time sensitive. A careful amount of thought with regard to those variables will be helpful before you order.