Trend’s top takeaways
Since we’re not sure what restrictions, if any, we’ll face on socialising this winter, we thought we’d share our selection of the best takeaways in the city and shire. Each has something special about it, whether it’s the way they contribute to the community, their attention to details, the way they source their ingredients, or just that everything tastes great.
You may find some of them on delivery apps, but if you can, it’s best to order direct by phone, or the restaurant’s own website or app as they get all the money, rather than losing a 20-30% of the order value.
PETERHEAD
Smokesman
For a town best known for its fish, Smokesman may seem an unusual choice. It’s a carnivore’s delight, with succulent juicy burgers and smoked marinades. The Whole Hog Burger combines a 1/4lb Beef Burger with cheese, bacon and house smoked pulled pork and there are lots of optional extras.
Asha’s Indian Aroma
Asha’s Indian Aroma has great options for vegans and vegetarians, old favourites and interesting new dishes as well as friendly and helpful staff. They offer delivery and collection
ELLON
Eat on the Green
Udny Green’s Eat on the Green offers set menus for collection at weekends and for special events, like Mother’s Day. It’s just like taking the restaurant home with you and it’s best to book well in advance as they sell out really quickly. A great choice if you need to impress someone with your cookery skills.
The Coffee Apothecary
The Coffee Apothecary has branches in Ellon and Udny. The owners spent three years travelling the world before bringing their determination to provide the best coffees to the North-east. They use local produce where possible and make rather good cakes too.
BANCHORY
Ride Coffee House
Ride Coffee House on Station Road is great if you’re veggie, vegan or need a gluten free option. It’s a good choice for a takeaway coffee and a snack if you’re having a walk along the riverside, wandering the woods at Crathes or trekking up Scolty Hill. How could you not love an Elvis toastie? Peanut butter, banana and raspberry jam, with optional sausage or bacon.
The Bullet
The Bullet is a takeaway burger and barbecue van that’s to be found in the carpark at the Silverbank Playing Fields. We’ll admit that this doesn’t sound terribly glamorous, but the food makes up for it. Give the Mac ‘n’ Cheese loaded fries or the pulled BBQ brisket roll a go. You’ll probably fall asleep on the couch afterwards.
INVERURIE
Via Roma
Via Roma is a delightful little Italian place on Market Place. They also offer online ordering for takeaways. The family pizza deals and set meal bundles are great for weekends, while the selection of risotto and pasta dishes are perfect for an evening where you can’t be bothered cooking. You can even order dessert.
The Kilted Frog
The Kilted Frog on West High Street combines Scottish produce with a touch of French flair. It’s a deli/café hybrid that offers takeaway drinks, crepes, snacks and cakes. The Portuguese custard tarts are always popular.
STONEHAVEN
Seafood Bothy
You’ll find the Seafood Bothy on the pier at the harbour. They offer freshly caught and cooked seafood from their own boat, often including local crab and lobster. It’s a seasonal business and weather dependent, so always check their Facebook page before making the trip.
The Bay Fish & Chip Shop
The Bay fish and chip shop has won a clutch of awards and has a great reputation for sustainability. You need to order online for collection, rather than just show up. If it’s mild, you can sit on a bench or use the picnic area and gaze out over the sea. If it’s chillier, then steam up the car windows by eating your fish supper with the heaters on full blast.
ABOYNE
The Boat Inn
The Boat Inn is better known as a great restaurant, but it also has a takeaway service from 12- 6.30, Monday –Saturday. Try the generous portions of battered or bread crumbed North Sea Haddock and Rustic Chips or the Roast Sweet Potato Burger, either will set you back around a tenner, but make you very happy.
Nurtaj
Nurtaj moved to Aboyne’s Ballater Road acouple of years ago from their previous city home on Justice Mill Lane, leaving at least one member of Team Trend pining for their Broccoli and Chana Soul Tiger. Despite this, we know they make some of the best low-fat Indian cuisine in the shire, so they still get our vote as one of the best. We’d still like that recipe, though.
ABERDEEN
Aberdeen offers a much wider choice of cuisines than many of the shire towns, so we can be a little spoilt for choice.
Orka Artisan Café
Orka Artisan Café on St. Swithin Street is a West End favourite for coffee and delicious snacks and cakes. The ever-changing menu is inventive and the scones are always wonderful. They also have a second branch in Ballater, which opened last summer.
When it comes to Indian restaurants, we have some great options. 8848 on Union Street is great for Nepalese speciality dishes and the best Dal Makhani in town. It’s the only place we know that does a blue cheese Naan. Crown Street’s Jewel in the Crown is another favourite. They do some amazing vegetable side dishes and a Butter Chicken that’s to die for. In both cases, takeaway orders benefit from the same care and attention as restaurant dishes.
Muchacho
Muchacho on Rose Street offers very moreish Mexican food. We like their Taco Van, which delivers across the region, bringing taco boxes with your choice of fillings and toppings.
Rendezvous at Nargile
Rendezvous at Nargile is the obvious choice if you’re craving some Middle Eastern flavours. You’ll find them on Forest Avenue. A section of hot and cold meze makes an easy buffet option for lazy evenings or go for a full on feast with one of their kebabs.
If you’re in the mood for noodles, Chinese or Thai food, then Madame Mew’s on Summer Street ticks all the boxes. They offer authentic Thai food that packs a flavour punch. They do an excellent Phad Thai and a great Massaman potato and coconut curry.
The Manchurian
The Manchurian has being going forever up in Causewayend, right next door to the Oriental Supermarket. They are known for their Dim Sum. Takeaways are available for collection and with specialities like Salt and Chilli Squid and Duck with Straw Mushrooms on the menu, it’s worth a visit.
