Certain foods are better left to the professionals, either because of their complexity, time-consuming preparation, or specialized equipment required. Some foods are best left to the experts due to their complexity, specialized equipment, or simply the time they demand. Whether it’s for convenience, flavor, or authenticity, these 20 dishes are worth ordering rather than making at home. Here’s why, along with tips and alternative options. By opting to order these foods, you can save time, effort, and potential frustration while enjoying the best versions of these dishes prepared by experts. For those who love cooking at home, consider simplifying these dishes with shortcuts like pre-made kits or quality ingredients.
Here’s a list of 20 foods that are usually better to order than make at home, with reasons and tips for enjoying them.
Sushi
Why Order? Sushi-grade fish requires strict handling and cutting techniques to ensure safety and quality. Mastering perfect rice takes years of training.
Tips: Order from reputable sushi bars known for fresh ingredients. If you’re craving a DIY touch, try assembling poke bowls with pre-sliced sashimi from trusted suppliers.
Options: Nigiri, sashimi, or specialty rolls like dragon rolls or rainbow rolls.
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Croissants
Why Order? The butter layering and precise folding in croissants are extremely labor-intensive. One mistake can ruin the signature flaky texture.
Tips: Look for bakeries specializing in French pastries or try frozen pre-made options like those from Trader Joe’s.
Options: Classic, almond, or chocolate croissants.
silviascucina
Ramen
Why Order? Authentic ramen involves slow-simmered broth (often for 12+ hours), fresh noodles, and meticulous seasoning.
Tips: Visit ramen shops that offer different broth styles like tonkotsu, shoyu, or miso. For quick fixes, enhance instant ramen with fresh toppings.
Options: Spicy miso ramen, vegan ramen, or creamy tonkotsu.
futuredish
Dim Sum
Why Order? Making delicate dumplings, buns, and rolls requires skill and time, often needing specialized steamers.
Tips: Visit authentic dim sum restaurants where dishes are freshly prepared. For convenience, try frozen dim sum from Asian markets.
Options: Soup dumplings, BBQ pork buns, or shrimp siu mai.
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Macarons
Why Order? These delicate cookies require precision in meringue-making, piping, and baking. Humidity can ruin a batch.
Tips: Buy from high-end patisseries. If attempting at home, invest in a quality silicone mat and sift ingredients thoroughly.
Options: Classic flavors like pistachio, raspberry, or seasonal variations.
Carson Downing
Pho
Why Order? A rich, flavorful broth requires hours of simmering beef bones and spices. Shortcut versions don’t match up.
Tips: Visit Vietnamese restaurants with a reputation for authentic recipes. You can buy pre-made pho broth for a semi-homemade version.
Options: Beef pho (pho bò), chicken pho (pho gà), or vegetarian pho.
inspiredtaste
Tandoori Dishes
Why Order? Tandoori cooking needs a clay oven (tandoor) that achieves high, consistent heat for proper charring and tenderness.
Tips: Opt for Indian restaurants that specialize in traditional cooking techniques. Pre-marinated tandoori chicken kits are a decent shortcut.
Options: Tandoori chicken, lamb kebabs, or paneer tikka.
seattleindiabistro
Pizza (Neapolitan Style)
Why Order? True Neapolitan pizza requires a wood-fired oven reaching temperatures above 800°F for a crisp-yet-chewy crust.
Tips: Look for pizzerias certified by Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana for authentic quality. For homemade, use pizza stones and high-heat ovens.
Options: Margherita, marinara, or quattro formaggi.
Angela Sorrentino / Getty Images
Barbecue Brisket
Why Order? Slow-smoked brisket needs 12–18 hours of cooking at a controlled temperature with a professional smoker.
Tips: Support local barbecue joints known for smoked meats. For DIY attempts, consider sous vide before finishing on a grill.
Options: Smoked brisket plates, brisket sandwiches, or burnt ends.
epicurious
Pad Thai
Why Order? The right balance of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors in pad Thai relies on specific sauces and a wok at high heat.
Tips: Order from Thai restaurants that make their sauces in-house. Try meal kits for a quicker alternative.
Options: Shrimp pad Thai, chicken pad Thai, or tofu pad Thai.
Kelsey Hansen
Gelato
Why Order? Gelato has a different churning technique and lower fat content compared to ice cream, making it hard to replicate at home.
Tips: Choose gelaterias with rotating seasonal flavors. Store-bought brands like Talenti can be a good alternative.
Options: Pistachio, hazelnut, or fruity sorbets.
tourissimo
Tamales
Why Order? Traditional tamales are labor-intensive, requiring hours of filling, folding, and steaming.
Tips: Buy fresh tamales from local Mexican eateries or markets. Freeze extras for later.
Options: Pork, chicken, or vegetarian tamales.
Jody Horton
Paella
Why Order? The authentic socarrat (crispy rice at the bottom) and perfect balance of seafood and spices require skill.
Tips: Look for Spanish restaurants that specialize in paella. For home cooking, use a paella pan and saffron.
Options: Seafood paella, chicken and chorizo paella, or vegetarian paella.
greatbritishchefs
Fried Chicken
Why Order? Achieving the perfect crispy coating and juicy interior requires a controlled deep fryer.
Tips: Pick up fried chicken from reputable spots like Popeyes or a local favorite. For homemade, try an air fryer for less mess.
Options: Nashville hot chicken, Korean fried chicken, or buttermilk fried chicken.
epicurious
Cheesecake
Why Order? Cheesecakes are prone to cracking, overbaking, and require precise timing.
Tips: Order from bakeries specializing in cheesecakes. For a quick fix, try pre-sliced versions at stores like Costco.
Options: Classic New York, chocolate swirl, or berry-topped.
inspiredtaste
Bagels
Why Order? Proper bagels require boiling in malt water and baking for the signature texture.
Tips: Support local bagel shops with fresh, daily-made offerings. Avoid grocery-store versions unless freshly baked.
Options: Plain, everything, or sesame bagels with cream cheese or lox.
Vicky Wasik
Biryani
Why Order? Perfect biryani needs layers of spiced rice and meat cooked with precision to avoid mushy textures.
Tips: Order from Indian or Middle Eastern restaurants specializing in biryanis. For shortcuts, try pre-spiced mixes.
Options: Chicken biryani, mutton biryani, or vegetable biryani.
The Spruce Eats / Bahareh Niati
French Onion Soup
Why Order? This soup needs a slow caramelization of onions and broiling of cheese-topped bread.
Tips: Order from French restaurants. For home versions, use a pressure cooker to save time on caramelization.
Options: Classic French onion soup or variations with Gruyère cheese.
Vicky Wasik
Peking Duck
Why Order? Authentic Peking duck involves air-drying the skin and roasting it to crispy perfection, a highly specialized process.
Tips: Look for Chinese restaurants specializing in traditional Peking duck. Enjoy with pancakes, hoisin sauce, and green onions.
Options: Full Peking duck or duck wraps.
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Soufflés
Why Order? These delicate desserts are highly sensitive to timing and can collapse easily.
Tips: Order soufflés from fine dining restaurants where they’re made fresh to order.
Options: Chocolate, Grand Marnier, or savory cheese soufflés.
Dave
