In a surprising victory for independent eateries, a humble London bagel shop has been officially rated as the number one restaurant on Deliveroo globally. The 2025 Deliveroo 100 Report has crowned Papo's Bagels, a family-run business in Dalston, as the world's most popular takeaway destination.
The Winning Bagel That Conquered The World
Papo's Bagels secured the top spot with their Classic Bagel, a creation featuring smoked salmon, cream cheese, sliced red onion, tomatoes, and capers. This independently owned establishment beat renowned restaurant chains and global giants to claim the coveted position, cementing the bagel's status as the nation's ultimate comfort food.
What began as a lockdown home-based delivery venture has evolved into a remarkable success story. The London-based NYC-style bagel business quickly progressed from operating in a commercial kitchen to attracting daily queues at their bricks-and-mortar store before launching on Deliveroo.
The Sandwich Revolution Sweeping The Nation
The triumph of Papo's Bagels highlights a significant shift in British eating habits. Deluxe, restaurant-quality sandwiches have become a national obsession, moving beyond traditional takeaway choices like pizza, Chinese food, or curry.
Brits are increasingly ditching packet sandwiches for delicately crafted masterpieces that see hungry workers queuing down streets. The classic lunchtime staple has undergone a dramatic transformation, inspired by American trends towards oversized sarnies and XL creations that frequently go viral on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
This isn't just a London phenomenon. Manchester boasts popular spots like Rack, Bada Bing, and Fat Pat's, while Edinburgh features Al's as a hotspot. Even Buckinghamshire's Cabin sells sought-after chicken shawarma sandwiches from a business park location.
Beyond The Local Deli: A Wider Trend
Papo's Bagels aren't the only sandwich shop making waves in takeaway popularity. Silver's Deli, proudly calling itself 'Your Neighbourhood Sandwich Shop', beat 11 other finalists to win Uber Eats Restaurant of the Year crown.
Major chains are also elevating their lunchtime offerings. Pret A Manger now charges £6.25 for its chicken, avocado and basil sandwich, while M&S faced criticism for its £6 "posh" egg mayo and watercress sandwich. Waitrose was also spotted selling a smoked salmon and cream cheese sandwich for £5.40.
The full list of Deliveroo's global trending orders for 2025 showcases the diversity of international tastes, from Italy's 'Crea la tua Piadina' at La Piadineria in Bologna to Singapore's 'Mala Stir-Fried' at Zhang Liang Mala Tang.
