How to Order Food Online in Canada

BySophia Baker
How to Order Food Online in Canada

In today’s fast-paced world, convenience is everything, and one of the biggest conveniences technology has brought us is food delivery. Whether you’re craving pizza, sushi, Indian curries, burgers, or vegan bowls, you can have your favorite meal delivered straight to your door in just a few clicks. If you’re new to Canada or just wondering how to order food online in Canada, this guide will walk you through everything—from the best apps to insider tips for saving money.

This comprehensive blog explores different platforms, ordering processes, popular restaurants, student options, and even tips for healthier and cheaper online ordering. By the end, you’ll be an expert in navigating the online food scene across Canada.

Why Ordering Food Online is So Popular in Canada

With busy lifestyles, harsh winters, and Canada’s multicultural population, food delivery has become an essential service across the country. Millions of Canadians rely on apps like Uber Eats, SkipTheDishes, and DoorDash daily.

For newcomers, international students, or travelers, learning how to order food online in Canada can make life much easier. Instead of navigating new grocery stores or cooking every night, you can explore Canada’s diverse food scene right from your phone.

Top Food Delivery Apps and Websites in Canada

When learning how to order food online in Canada, it’s important to know the platforms available. Here are the most popular options:

a. Uber Eats

  • Available in almost every major Canadian city.
  • Offers a wide selection of restaurants, from fast food to fine dining.
  • Real-time GPS tracking of your order.

b. DoorDash

  • Known for frequent discount codes.
  • “DashPass” subscription offers free or discounted delivery fees.
  • Great for both food and convenience store items.

c. SkipTheDishes

  • A Canadian-founded company, very popular in mid-sized cities.
  • Wide coverage across provinces.
  • Frequent loyalty rewards and discounts.

d. Instacart

  • Focuses on grocery delivery from stores like Loblaws, Costco, and Metro.
  • You can schedule deliveries for the same day.

e. Amazon Fresh and Walmart Delivery

  • Perfect for bulk grocery orders.
  • Reliable service with flexible delivery slots.

Ordering Directly from Restaurants

Not all restaurants are on third-party apps. Some popular chains like Domino’s, Pizza Hut, McDonald’s, and Subway have their own apps or websites for online ordering.

Ordering directly often saves you money because restaurants avoid third-party commission fees, and many chains offer exclusive discounts on their apps.

Payment Methods for Ordering Food Online in Canada

When learning how to order food online in Canada, you’ll notice multiple payment options:

  • Credit/Debit Cards – Visa, Mastercard, American Express.
  • Digital Wallets – Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal.
  • Cash on Delivery – Some restaurants still allow this.
  • Gift Cards – Many apps accept prepaid gift cards.

Delivery Fees, Service Charges, and Tipping Culture

One of the most important things to know about how to order food online in Canada is the extra costs involved:

  • Delivery fees: Usually $2–$6, depending on distance.
  • Service fees: Apps charge around 10–15% of the order.
  • Tips: Tipping is customary in Canada. A standard tip is 10–20% of the bill.

Food Options: What Canadians Commonly Order Online

Canadians love variety when it comes to food delivery. The most popular categories include:

  • Pizza and Pasta
  • Indian Food (butter chicken, biryani, naan)
  • Chinese Takeout (noodles, dumplings, fried rice)
  • Burgers and Fries
  • Poutine – Canada’s national comfort food
  • Sushi and Japanese Cuisine
  • Vegan and Vegetarian Meals

Ordering Food Online as an International Student in Canada

Many international students in Canada rely heavily on food delivery, especially when they first arrive. Ordering online helps when:

  • You’re adjusting to a new culture and unfamiliar groceries.
  • You want comfort food from home—many apps feature Indo-Canadian, Chinese-Canadian, and Middle Eastern restaurants.
  • You’re on campus and need quick late-night meals.

Most apps also offer student discounts or first-order promos.

How to Save Money When Ordering Food Online

Food delivery can get expensive, but here’s how to keep costs down:

  1. Look for promo codes – First-time user discounts are common.
  2. Use subscriptions – DashPass (DoorDash) or Uber One offers reduced fees.
  3. Order directly from restaurants – Cheaper than third-party apps.
  4. Group orders – Share delivery costs with roommates.
  5. Choose pickup instead of delivery – Many apps waive fees if you collect your food.

Grocery Delivery vs. Ready-to-Eat Meal Delivery

There are two main ways of ordering food online in Canada:

  • Grocery Delivery: Services like Instacart, Walmart, and Amazon Fresh deliver ingredients.
  • Ready-to-Eat Meals: Platforms like Uber Eats deliver cooked meals.

Many Canadians use both depending on their schedules.

Healthy Eating and Dietary Options Online

If you’re health-conscious, don’t worry—you can still enjoy delivery. Apps let you filter for:

  • Vegan and Vegetarian meals
  • Halal and Kosher foods
  • Low-carb or Keto options
  • Organic and gluten-free dishes

Meal kit services like HelloFresh Canada and Goodfood are also popular alternatives for balanced home-cooked meals.

Future Trends in Online Food Ordering in Canada

The food delivery industry in Canada is rapidly evolving. Some trends to watch include:

  • Drone deliveries (currently being tested in some areas).
  • AI-powered recommendations for personalized orders.
  • Sustainable packaging as Canadians push for eco-friendly solutions.
  • More ethnic food options to reflect Canada’s diversity.

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Major Platforms & Their Contact Details

Uber Eats (Canada)

DoorDash Canada

  • Corporate Address:
    1066 Hastings St W, Suite 2300, Vancouver, BC V6E 3X2 Dun & Bradstreet
  • Phone number not readily available via public sources.

Skip (formerly SkipTheDishes)

  • Headquarters:
    Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
  • No public HQ street address found, but corporate presence is confirmed.

Fantuan Delivery

  • Headquartered in Burnaby, BC
    A Canadian platform focused on Asian cuisine delivery
  • Address specifics not publicly listed.

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Restaurant-Specific Online Ordering in Canada

Many restaurants in Canada now have their own apps and websites for direct online orders.

FAQs About Ordering Food Online in Canada

Q1: What is the cheapest way to order food online in Canada?
A: Ordering directly from restaurants or using subscription services like DashPass can help you save money.

Q2: Can I pay cash for online food orders?
A: Some local restaurants allow cash payments, but most apps prefer digital payments.

Q3: Which is the most popular food delivery app in Canada?
A: Uber Eats, DoorDash, and SkipTheDishes are the top three.

Q4: Is food delivery available everywhere in Canada?
A: It’s widely available in cities but limited in rural areas. Grocery delivery, however, often covers more regions.

Q5: Do I need a Canadian phone number to order food online?
A: Most apps accept international numbers, but having a Canadian number makes delivery communication easier.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know how to order food online in Canada, it’s clear that the process is quick, easy, and customizable. Whether you’re a student in Toronto, a busy professional in Vancouver, or a family in Calgary, food delivery apps make life simpler.

With multiple platforms, payment options, and cuisines, Canada’s online food scene reflects its cultural diversity and modern lifestyle. The key is to explore, experiment, and take advantage of discounts so you can enjoy delicious meals without overspending.

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