We all know this feeling: you pack up a dish with so much love, only for it to arrive limp, soggy, or worse—cold. The customer opens the bekas, takes one bite, and… disappointed. And in delivery, one bad experience can mean losing a loyal customer.
That’s why delivery-ready dishes are no longer just a nice-to-have, they’re now essential. It’s the basics! These are meals designed to hold their flavour, texture, and how they look—even after surviving traffic jams, bumpy rides, and Malaysian weather.
So, what exactly makes a dish delivery-friendly? And which menu items actually sell fast on delivery apps? Keep reading.
Here’s the truth: not every dish can tahan the journey.
Delivery-ready dishes usually have these traits:
Think of it this way: a dish isn’t just tasty when it leaves your kitchen—it has to stay tasty until it reaches your customer’s table.
If you’re planning to boost your delivery sales, here are some tried-and-true ideas that not only travel well but are also customer favourites in Malaysia:
Fried chicken, fried squid, even goreng pisang—crispy food is always a winner. The challenge? Keeping that garing-ness. Using SERI-AJI® Tepung Goreng gives a coating that stays crispy longer, and if you pack it in a vented box (so steam escapes), your customers get that satisfying crunch with every be.
Nasi lemak, mee kari, chicken rice—classics that Malaysians can eat any time of day. These dishes are easy to portion, pack, and reheat. A rich base made with TUMIX® Chicken Stock ensures rich consistent flavour, full-bodied chicken taste and consistent seasoning ensure every bite stays delicious and aromatic—even if the customer only eats 30 minutes later. Basic Pro Tip: keep the sambal or curry separate from the rice or noodles until serving.
Always popular on Grab and Foodpanda, but buns turning soggy is a real issue. Using AJIezi™ Meat Juicy Up keeps patties juicy and tender, even if delivery takes longer than expected. Wrap burgers in breathable paper instead of plastic to maintain texture.
Snacks like AJINOMOTO Gyoza or fried wantons are perfect add-ons for delivery orders. They’re quick to pack, travel well, and increase your order value without slowing down the kitchen.
Choosing the right dishes is only half the battle. The packaging you use is the crucial final step that protects your food, your quality, and your brand’s reputation. Here are some pro-tips to ensure your food arrives as intended.
For crispy fried items like chicken, squid, or even goreng pisang, the biggest enemy is steam. A sealed plastic or styrofoam container traps that steam, turning your perfectly crispy coating soggy and lembik. A simple solution is a paper box with vents or holes. This allows the steam to escape, preserving that satisfying crunch you worked so hard to create. It’s the perfect partner for a coating made with SERI-AJI® Tepung Goreng, which is already designed to stay crispy longer.
This is the golden rule for dishes like nasi lemak, mee kari, or rice bowls. Never pack the gravy, curry, or sambal directly on top of the rice or noodles. Use separate, smaller containers for all your sauces and condiments. This empowers the customer to assemble the dish right before eating, ensuring the best possible texture and a fresh-tasting meal every time.
For burgers and sandwiches, plastic wraps or containers are a recipe for disaster. They trap heat and moisture, causing the buns to become soggy and collapse. Instead, use breathable paper, wax paper, or foil-lined paper bags. These materials help maintain the structure and texture of the bun, ensuring the customer gets a firm, delicious burger, not a disappointing mess
The thing about delivery is: It isn’t just about getting the food to the customers. Well, of course it is, but it’s actually more about how consistent you are in doing it. A customer who loves your burger in-store should get the exact same burger at home. No soggy surprises, no letdowns.
Consistency is what turns a “first-time order” into a “regular customer”, boss!
At the end of the day, delivery is no longer just an option—it’s a big part of how Malaysians eat now. And the businesses that win are the ones who master it.
By choosing delivery-ready dishes, preparing them smartly, and keeping flavours consistent across every order, you don’t just satisfy customers—you grow your reputation, sales, and brand loyalty.
That’s where we can help. Ready to build a delivery-proof menu that guarantees the same delicious flavour in every order?
Explore our range of F&B solutions that help you save time, control costs, and enhance taste with products like TUMIX®, AJI-SHIO®, and AJI-NO-MOTO®.
Because when food travels well, so does your business.
Ajinomoto Food Biz Partner
