There's a good chance that you, like most Americans, have found yourself ordering more restaurant takeout lately. Whether you're stressed about remote learning, struggling to keep up with an ever-growing pile of laundry, or just trying to avoid another trip to the grocery store, carryout is becoming an increasingly popular option.

By now, though, you are probably getting tired of the same old sameness. So, what's for dinner tonight? Pizza, again? Pasta? A cheeseburger? 

Or are you ready to try something new? If you’re tired of your go-to takeout places, here are five cuisine ideas to try.

1. Indian

Indian cuisine is richly diverse, which means there’s something for everyone. Known for aromatic, flavorful spices, slow-cooked meats, and spectacular vegetarian dishes, Indian food is poised to excite your taste buds. Common seasonings in Indian food include garlic, ginger, bay leaves, cloves, cinnamon, and cumin. 

Top dishes to try from Indian restaurants

• Butter Chicken: Mildly spiced chicken marinated in lemon juice and spices, then cooked in a creamy tomato sauce. Best served over rice. (Vegetarians can try butter cauliflower, which uses the same sauce!) 

• Biryani: Mixed rice dish similar to a curry, often seasoned with saffron, star anise, and veggies. May be served with veggies, chicken, or other meats. 

• Vindaloo: A popular Indian curry dish made with meat or vegetables, lots of spice, and vinegar. Chicken vindaloo is one of the more popular options, but you can also order lamb, beef, and other types of meat.  

“Restaurant-style Indian food in the US is great but very different from home-cooked and street food in India. Panipuri, Dosa, and Samosa Chaat are among my favorites when ordering to-go” says Menufy Co-Founder, Ash Desai.

Somerville, Massachusetts: Check out Masala Square

2. Ethiopian

Ethiopian cuisine is characterized by flatbread, vegetables, and heavily spiced meat dishes. As with Indian food, there are plenty of vegetarian options. Ethiopian food is often eaten with your hands and is usually served on a large plate with a large sourdough flatbread. Typical seasonings in Ethiopian food include garlic, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, chili, turmeric, and paprika. 

Top dishes to try from Ethiopian restaurants

• Tibs: Seasoned, sautéed chunks of meat and vegetables, similar to fajitas. Usually beef, but may also be made with lamb. 

• Fit-Fit: Seasoned eggs scrambled with tomatoes, onions, and sometimes other vegetables. Often served with foul, similar to refried beans. 

• Kitfo: Raw, minced meat that is marinated in a chili powder blend and herbed butter. Often served with rice and other spices. (This is an Ethiopian version of beef tartar.) 

Overland Park, Kansas: Check out Elsa’s Ethiopian Restaurant

3. Polish 

Meat and potatoes are common in Polish cuisine, which may be more familiar for less adventurous eaters. Popular Polish spices include dill, oregano, cumin, garlic, and bay leaves. Dishes are usually hearty and filling—perfect for those cooler fall evenings. 

Top dishes to try from Polish restaurants

• Pierogi: Pasta pockets stuffed with cheese, potatoes, sauerkraut, or sausage. Boiled, then fried in butter and onions. 

• Kielbasa: Savory Polish sausage, often served with pierogies, onions, and green peppers. 

• Bigos: Cabbage-based stew with sausage, onions, mushrooms, and herbs and spices. 

Mount Prospect, Illinois: Check out Qulinarnia Modern Polish Cuisine

4. Moroccan 

Moroccan cuisine is diverse, with influences from Arab and Mediterranean culinary traditions. Typical spices used in Moroccan food include saffron, mint, citrus, cinnamon, cumin, ginger, mace, fennel, and fenugreek. The most familiar dish is couscous, a steamed wheat dish mixed with nuts, meats, vegetables, and other spices.  

Top dishes to try from Moroccan restaurants

• Chicken Bastilla: Savory pie of chicken seasoned with saffron, ginger, and cinnamon, layered with crispy pastry and topped with a fried omelet and almonds. 

• Tagine: Slow-cooked stew cooked (and served) in a tagine clay dish. It can be made with a variety of meats or vegetables. 

• Harira: Tomato-based soup made with lentils, chickpeas, and beef or lamb stock. It may be served with rice or broken noodles. 

Tampa, Florida: Check out Karima's Cuisine

5. Korean 

Primarily based on rice and meats, Korean cuisine is a popular option for both foodies and less adventurous eaters alike. Typical seasonings include soy sauce, ginger, garlic, red chili powder, pepper, sesame oil, and honey. Korean may remind you of your favorite Chinese dishes, but the flavor profiles are slightly different. 

Top dishes to try from Korean restaurants

• Bibimbap: Rice bowl dish served with a variety of toppings, meats, and vegetables. It is typically topped with a fried egg, kimchi (fermented veggies), soy sauce, and soybean paste. 

• Bulgogi: Marinated, sliced beef barbecue grilled and often served on a bed of rice or wrapped in lettuce. Seasonings include garlic and sliced onions.  

• Hobakjuk: A sweet pumpkin porridge made from steamed pumpkins and rice soaked in water. It is a popular breakfast meal and may be served hot or cold. 

Chula Vista, California: Check out Korean Kitchen

Ready to try new flavors?

Find restaurants near you by filtering cuisines in Menufy search results!

• Desktop browsers: Filters are located on the right (see screenshot below)

• Mobile browsers: Tap on the Filter by Cuisine shortcut or scroll to the bottom of the search results.

• Menufy online food ordering app (iOS, Android): Filters can be accessed through the funnel icon on the top right.

Order something new from a restaurant near you by visiting www.menufy.com or by downloading our mobile app (Android or iOS).