Top Food Delivery Apps in South Africa

Hungry but don’t feel like cooking? Best food delivery apps in South Africa make it easy to enjoy your favorite meals, snacks, and groceries without leaving home. From global giants like Uber Eats to local favorites like KasiD and Heyfood, these platforms are changing how we eat.

This guide explores the best food delivery apps in South Africa, comparing their features, coverage, and unique offerings — so you can find the right one for your cravings and develop a food delivery app similar to Uber Eats, Mr D, and UCook for your startup business.

The Rise of Food Delivery in South Africa

The food delivery market in South Africa has grown rapidly over the past few years, driven by the convenience of ordering meals, groceries, and essentials from a smartphone.

Platforms like Mr D Food, Uber Eats, and Glovo have transformed how people enjoy their favorite dishes, while local players like KasiD and Heyfood bring tailored services to specific communities.

In 2025, the industry is expected to reach billions in revenue, powered by technology, urban demand, and changing consumer lifestyles.

Why Food Delivery Apps are Becoming a Daily Essential

From busy professionals to students and families, food delivery apps have become a part of everyday life. They save time, offer variety, and bring food right to your door. Whether it’s late-night takeout, healthy meal kits, or fast grocery delivery, these apps cater to all needs — and competition keeps pushing innovation forward.

List of Popular Food Delivery Apps in South Africa

South Africa offers a diverse selection of food delivery apps, each serving a unique niche and customer need. From global giants to homegrown startups, these platforms have transformed how people order meals, groceries, and ready-to-cook kits.

Whether you’re looking for fast delivery, specialized cuisines, or healthy meal options, these top 10 food delivery apps in South Africa have you covered:

Uber Eats

Uber Eats South Africa is one of the best food delivery apps in South Africa, operating in major cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, and Pretoria. It has thousands of partner restaurants, ranging from local street food vendors to top-rated gourmet kitchens. Known for its fast delivery and easy-to-use interface, Uber Eats is a trusted choice for millions of users looking for convenient on-demand food delivery.

Key Features

• Wide menu variety from local and international cuisines
• Real-time order tracking through the integrated Uber app
• Multiple payment options including cards, wallets, and cash-on-delivery
• Easy search filters for cuisine type, price range, and ratings

Pros:

• Extensive restaurant network across South Africa
• Fast food delivery with accurate tracking
• Frequent promotions and discounts
• Seamless user experience with the Uber ecosystem

Cons:

• Delivery fees may be higher during peak hours or in low-demand areas
• Limited coverage in smaller towns

Best For

Uber Eats South Africa is ideal for urban customers who want quick delivery, multiple cuisine options, and a reliable app interface. Whether you’re ordering lunch at work, dinner for the family, or a late-night snack, Uber Eats ensures fast, hassle-free service.

Debonairs Pizza – Sandton, South Africa

Debonairs Pizza South Africa is one of the most popular fast food delivery apps in South Africa, loved for its affordable pizzas, cheesy toppings, and quick delivery service. With decades of presence in the market, Debonairs has become a household name, offering both dine-in and on-demand pizza delivery through its mobile app.

Ordering Experience via App

The Debonairs Pizza app is designed for convenience, allowing customers to browse menus, customize pizzas, select combo deals, and make secure payments. Users can also track food delivery in real time, making it one of the best pizza delivery apps in South Africa.

Signature Offers & Specials

Debonairs is famous for its Triple-Decker Pizza, Crammed-Crust Pizzas, and a variety of seasonal offers. Regular promotions and loyalty deals make it a budget-friendly choice for both students and families. Customers can also order exclusive online specials only available through the app.

Delivery Reach in South Africa

Debonairs Pizza offers extensive delivery coverage in Sandton, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, and many other major cities. Through its food delivery app, it serves both residential and commercial areas, ensuring hot and fresh pizzas reach customers quickly.

Best For

Pizza lovers looking for affordable, fast food delivery with customization options and exclusive mobile app discounts.

Glovo

Glovo South Africa is a versatile on-demand delivery app that goes beyond just restaurant meals. It allows customers to order food, groceries, medicines, and everyday essentials right from their smartphones. Known for its wide service range, Glovo is ideal for users who want a multi-category delivery app in one platform.

Multi-Category Delivery

Unlike most food delivery apps in South Africa that focus only on restaurants, Glovo also offers:

• Food delivery from local eateries and popular chains
  
• Grocery delivery from supermarkets and convenience stores
  
• Pharmacy delivery for medicines and health products
  
• Retail delivery for small parcels and household items

Special Features

• Schedule orders in advance so your meals or groceries arrive exactly when you want them
• Multi-stop deliveries to receive items from multiple locations in a single order
• Real-time tracking for complete delivery transparency
• Contactless delivery for safety and convenience

Where It’s Available

Glovo operates in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, and other major South African cities, making it one of the best options for users seeking all-in-one delivery solutions

Best For: 

Busy individuals who want a single app for food, groceries, and essentials delivery in South Africa.

Mr D Food – South Africa’s Leading Food Delivery App

Mr D Food South Africa is the country’s largest and most recognized food delivery app, holding a dominant market share thanks to its extensive coverage, user-friendly interface, and wide selection of restaurants. Whether you want fast food delivery, local street eats, or premium dining options, Mr D has it all. It’s a household name in the South African food delivery market, trusted by millions for its speed and reliability.

Restaurant & Store Partnerships

Mr D Food has thousands of restaurant partnerships ranging from popular fast-food brands to small, local businesses. In recent years, it has expanded beyond meals to partner with retailers, convenience stores, and grocery outlets—offering on-demand delivery for snacks, drinks, and essentials.

App Features

• Live order tracking with real-time driver updates
• Exclusive discounts & promotions for app users
• Loyalty rewards points that can be redeemed for free meals or discounts
• Multiple payment options including card, wallet, and cash-on-delivery
• Personalized restaurant recommendations based on order history

Coverage Areas

Mr D Food South Africa has nationwide coverage, operating in major cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria, and many suburban locations. Its reach and reliability make it one of the best food delivery apps in South Africa for both urban and suburban customers.

Best For:

Anyone who wants a reliable, affordable, and feature-rich food delivery app with a wide range of restaurants and stores to choose from.

UCook – Cape Town, South Africa

UCook South Africa is a unique meal kit delivery service that blends the convenience of on-demand food delivery with the joy of home cooking. Unlike typical food delivery applications in South Africa that deliver ready-made meals, UCook sends fresh ingredients and step-by-step recipes so customers can prepare gourmet dishes at home.

Ordering & Subscription Options

The UCook app and website make it simple to browse menus, select your weekly meal kits, and choose delivery dates. They offer flexible subscription plans for individuals, couples, and families, as well as one-time orders for special occasions.

Fresh Ingredients & Recipe Variety

UCook focuses on fresh, locally sourced produce, sustainable seafood, and free-range meats. Recipes are designed by professional chefs and cater to different diets, including:

• Vegan and vegetarian meal kits
• Low-carb and keto-friendly options
• Balanced family-friendly recipes

Why It’s Different from Standard Food Delivery

While apps like Mr D Food and Uber Eats deliver ready-to-eat meals, UCook Cape Town encourages healthy cooking habits. Customers enjoy restaurant-quality meals without the hassle of grocery shopping, making it one of the best healthy food delivery options in South Africa.

Coverage Areas

UCook operates primarily in Cape Town, with delivery available in selected surrounding regions. Its focus on freshness and sustainable sourcing means delivery areas are carefully chosen for quality assurance.

Best For: 

Health-conscious individuals and families who want fresh ingredients delivered and the satisfaction of cooking meals at home without the stress of shopping.

WeChow

WeChow South Africa is an emerging food delivery app designed to connect customers with a variety of restaurants, cafés, and takeaway joints. It focuses on delivering local flavors alongside popular fast-food chains, giving users both variety and affordability.

Key Features

• Easy-to-use mobile app with simple navigation
• Multiple payment methods including credit card and cash on delivery
• Real-time order tracking with estimated delivery times
• Promotional discounts for frequent users

Coverage Areas

While WeChow doesn’t yet have nationwide reach like Uber Eats or Mr D, it has a strong presence in key urban and suburban regions, making it a reliable choice in its operational zones.

Best For: 

Customers are looking for budget-friendly food delivery apps in South Africa that still offer quality service and diverse cuisine options.

The Flying Pan

The Flying Pan Cape Town is a meal delivery service that prepares fresh, ready-to-eat dishes and delivers them to your doorstep. Unlike typical on-demand food delivery apps, The Flying Pan focuses on healthy, chef-prepared meals ideal for busy professionals and health-conscious customers.

Menu & Offerings

• Weekly changing menus with balanced meals
• Diet-specific options like low-carb, plant-based, and high-protein
• Family meal packs for convenient home dining
• Catering services for events and gatherings

Why It’s Popular

The Flying Pan is known for fresh ingredients, generous portions, and a strong focus on nutrition. It’s not just about fast delivery—it’s about providing wholesome, home-style meals that taste amazing.

Coverage Areas

Currently, The Flying Pan operates in Cape Town and selected nearby suburbs, offering both scheduled and on-demand deliveries.

Best For: 

Those who want healthy food delivery in South Africa without the effort of cooking or compromising on taste.

Nando’s

Nando’s South Africa is famous for its flame-grilled peri-peri chicken and bold flavors. While traditionally a dine-in favorite, Nando’s has embraced online food delivery in South Africa through its own app, website, and integration with platforms like Uber Eats and Mr D Food.

Key Features

• Customizable orders for spice level, sides, and extras
• In-app promotions and loyalty rewards
• Multiple delivery and pick-up options
• Fast service without compromising quality

Why It Stands Out

Unlike most fast-food delivery options, Nando’s delivery offers the same high-quality taste you’d expect in-store. Their dedicated food delivery service in South Africa ensures hot, fresh meals arrive on time.

Coverage Areas

Nando’s has nationwide delivery coverage, making it one of the most accessible and best food delivery choices in South Africa.

Best For: 

Fans of peri-peri chicken delivery who want restaurant-quality meals at home.

KasiD

KasiD is a proudly South African food delivery app built to support local township restaurants and make food delivery accessible to all. It’s a community-driven food delivery platform in South Africa that celebrates local flavors and small businesses.

Key Features

• Affordable delivery fees for township areas
• Support for small, local food vendors
• Simple mobile ordering with cash or card payment options
• Variety of local dishes not always available on big-name apps

Why It’s Unique

Unlike international food delivery giants, KasiD South Africa focuses on boosting the local economy while giving customers a convenient way to enjoy authentic township meals.

Coverage Areas

KasiD currently operates in select townships across South Africa, with plans to expand as more local vendors join the platform.

Best For: 

Customers who value supporting local food businesses and want authentic South African cuisine delivered affordably.

Heyfood

Heyfood South Africa is a modern food ordering app designed for speed, simplicity, and variety. It connects customers to nearby restaurants, takeaways, and grocery outlets, offering both on-demand delivery and scheduled orders.

Key Features

• User-friendly mobile app with quick search filters
• Real-time order tracking for transparency
• Multiple payment options, including card, EFT, and cash on delivery
• Restaurant ratings and reviews for better choices

Why It’s Popular

Heyfood’s main strength is its seamless ordering experience. It’s fast, intuitive, and ideal for customers who value convenience. The app also features affordable food delivery in South Africa, making it appealing to budget-conscious users.

Coverage Areas

Currently, Heyfood operates in selected urban and suburban locations, with expansion plans underway to cover more cities across South Africa.

Best For: 

Customers who want fast food delivery apps in South Africa that are easy to navigate and reliable.

Future Trends in South African Food Delivery

The food delivery market in South Africa is evolving rapidly, driven by technology, customer expectations, and changing lifestyles. Here’s what’s shaping the future:

1. Rise of Dark Kitchens

Dark kitchens — also called cloud kitchens or ghost kitchens — focus purely on preparing food for delivery, cutting costs and speeding up orders. Many South African food delivery startups are adopting this model to serve more customers without expensive dine-in spaces.

2. Grocery Integration for One-Stop Ordering

More food delivery applications in South Africa are integrating grocery shopping features, letting customers order both meals and daily essentials from a single platform. This hybrid approach is gaining popularity in busy urban areas.

3. AI-Powered Order Recommendations

AI-based food delivery app development will soon provide personalized meal suggestions based on order history, time of day, and even dietary preferences. This trend is set to improve customer engagement and repeat orders.

4. Eco-Friendly Packaging and Green Delivery

Sustainability is becoming a priority in the South African food delivery industry. Many platforms are adopting biodegradable packaging, electric scooters, and bicycle couriers to reduce environmental impact.

5. Expansion into Underserved Areas

Apps like KasiD are paving the way for food delivery services in South African townships, bridging the gap between urban convenience and rural access.

Develop a Food Delivery App Like Uber Eats, Mr D, or UCook for Your Startup Business

If you are inspired by the success of Uber Eats, Mr D, Glovo, or UCook, and want to launch your own food delivery app in South Africa, the good news is — the market is booming! Partnering with an experienced food delivery app development company can help you create a platform that matches (or even beats) the features of these top players.

A custom food delivery app development solution allows you to design everything your customers need — from easy ordering and live tracking to secure payments and loyalty rewards. Whether you want an app like Mr D for nationwide coverage or a niche delivery app like KasiD for township food delivery, developers can build it to fit your target audience.

Key features your app should have:

• Real-time order tracking for better transparency
• Multiple payment options (cards, wallets, cash)
• Restaurant & menu management for easy updates
• Push notifications for offers and delivery updates
• Ratings & reviews to build trust
  

Why Choose Professional Food Delivery App Developers?

A dedicated on-demand food delivery mobile app development team ensures your app is secure, scalable, and optimized for both Android and iOS. They also handle backend integrations, cloud hosting, and regular updates to keep your food ordering app competitive in the South African food delivery market.

Cost & Timeline:

Depending on features, design, and technology stack, building a food delivery app like Uber Eats or Mr D in South Africa can take 8–16 weeks and costs will vary based on complexity. White-label solutions can get you to market faster, while fully custom apps give you more flexibility and branding power.

If you’re ready to turn your idea into reality, work with a top-notch food delivery app development company that understands local market trends, user preferences, and business models — so your app can thrive just like the ones in this list.

Conclusion

South Africa’s food delivery industry is growing quickly, with popular apps like Mr D, Uber Eats, and Glovo offering fast and reliable service. Unique options such as KasiD and UCook meet special needs, from township deliveries to healthy meal kits. Whether you’re craving pizza, gourmet meals, or local dishes, there’s an app ready to deliver. If you have an idea for your own food delivery app, now is the perfect time to launch. With rising demand and the right food delivery app development company, your startup could become the next big name in South Africa.