Uber Eats Cravings report unpacks what Kenyans order the most online

The 2024 Annual Cravings Report released by Uber Eats indicated that grocery and retail orders increased by 88% from the previous year.

The report provides a snapshot of the most popular, the most unusual, and some of the most unique orders on the platform. The data has revealed some interesting insights into how Kenyans ate and ordered in 2024. 

• Local flavours reign: Among the most loved and ordered Kenyan dishes on the app are chicken biryani, beef pilau, mutton biryani, chicken pilau and maharagwe ya nazi (with chapatis of course!).
• Most searched: Users across Kenya searched the most for “Quickmart” followed by “grocery” in Eldoret and “Java” in Kisumu.
• Highest number of orders: According to the Cravings Report, the most orders from a single merchant were made with Chandarana Foodplus- Adlife Plaza, with 280 orders. The most purchased items include Brookside 500ml Dairy Best (pouch), Ajab 2kg Home Baking Flour, Pembe 2kg Maize meal, Soko 2kg Maize meal and Pembe 2kg Home Baking Flour.
• Hey big spender: The largest single order amounted to Kshs. 119,000 from a customer ordering bottles of Heineken Beer, Corona Beer, White Cap Beer, Bocada Rosé, Famille Perrin Rosé, Ca Di Rajo Prosecco, Bocada Red Wine, Famille Perrin White and Red wine. 
• Creatures of habit: According to the report, one user ordered almost 305 days in 2024 (almost daily), a show of appreciation for the app’s convenience and diversity of selection options.
• Convenience for two: Sometimes couples appreciate convenience too. One user made 49 orders every Friday for two in 2024. 
• Going the extra mile(s): The delivery person who took the most trips in 2024 took more than 6500 trips. For perspective, that’s equivalent to travelling between Nairobi and Cape Town by road 7 times!
• Requests with personality: If you ever wanted an indication of how much personality Kenyans have, their Uber Eats requests are a good indication: 

Hey😆!  Note that everything should be spicy. Both the Crunch Burger and the chicken. If there is also an option of spicy chips with no extra payment, I’m game😁😅. Ooh… biggest piece of chicken in your tray please 🙃. Let me have Fanta Blackcurrant.  If you don’t have this I’ll have the Coke instead🤗. Thank you very much for your time and lovely service.

A few customers used the Uber Eats app to make a loved one’s day a little brighter by sending them a special delivery:

Happy Birthday to a Very Special Girl! Dear K**, Today is a day full of magic and joy because it’s your birthday! You’re growing up so fast, and each year you become more amazing. Your smile lights up the room, and your laughter is the sweetest music. Always remember how special you are and how much you are loved. May your day be filled with fun, cake, and all your favourite things. Keep shining bright and dreaming big! With lots of love and hugs, Mr. M.K.

Please try to include the yellow/white flowers – they are his favourite. Card note: “ Welcome back sunshine! Please don’t try and do jumping jacks on your first week back! I searched for Dahlia’s but of course to no avail! I will have to hand deliver them to you. I missed you so much and I can’t wait to see your beautiful face again ❤️

“Our fifth Annual Cravings report not only provides valuable insights into what Kenyans order,” says Kui Mbugua Macharia, Uber Eats, GM. “It also demonstrates how big a role Uber Eats plays in the lives of ordinary Kenyans. Year after year, it’s become increasingly clear that consumers love to take advantage of our customization features to ensure every order satisfies their cravings. In 2025 and beyond, we aim to address even more of their wants and needs and to do so in new and innovative ways.”