TV + Takeaway: The Ultimate Guide
ㅤ
Meet our food expert
To help with the science behind our TV and takeaway menu, we've teamed up with nutritionist Rob Hobson. With years of experience in the link between food and your brain, he put his knowledge to the test to let us know exactly what we should be eating with our favourite shows.
"Watching TV is a multi-sensory experience in the same way as tucking into a good plate of food. Research has shown that certain nutrients can help to support your mood so I have linked your favourite takeaway with the type of TV you're watching so you can really amplify the viewing experience."
Photo credit: Ola Smit
The Science Behind The Pairings
❤️ Romance + Mexican ❤️
Watching a romance? Packed with ingredients thought to be aphrodisiacs, Mexican food is the best cuisine to get you in the mood for love.
The science
Eating foods thought to be aphrodisiacs can help you lean into the warm and fuzzy feeling you get from watching a romance. Mexican food, which is high in zinc and important for testosterone production, endorphin-stimulating chillies, and relaxing magnesium, is a great choice to get hearts fluttering.
What to order
- Guacamole – avocado is high in magnesium, which plays a key role in mood regulation and relaxation.
- Ceviche – made with fish/shellfish, high zinc levels are good for libido, while protein helps aid production of feel-good serotonin.
- Spicy tacos – chillies stimulate the release of endorphins for more mood-boosting, while eating sharing food with your hands can add to the romantic vibe.
What to watch
- You & Me on ITVX
- Love, Victor on BBC iPlayer
- Starstruck on BBC iPlayer
- The Bisexual on Channel 4
- The Confessions of Frannie Langton on ITVX
😂 Comedy + Sushi 😂
If you’re watching a comedy, you can boost the feel-good brain chemicals released every time you laugh with a sushi feast.
The science
A good comedy can really boost your mood. When you laugh, your body releases endorphins, the “feel-good” chemicals in the brain that increase serotonin activity and lead to improved mood and reduced stress. The best foods to heighten that good feeling are those rich in the amino acid tryptophan, carbohydrates, and vitamin B6 – like sushi.
What to order
- Salmon maki – salmon contains tryptophan and vitamin B6, while the rice provides a source of carbohydrate to help with tryptophan uptake.
- Edamame beans – a good source of tryptophan
- Beef tataki – a nutrient-rich dish containing B6 and tryptophan.
What to watch
- Ghosts on BBC iPlayer
- Abbott Elementary on Channel 4
- Changing Ends on ITVX
- Sneakerhead on UKTV Play
- Hullraisers on Channel 4
🔎 Crime + Indian 🔎
Obsessed with crime thrillers? Pick Indian dishes to help your heart and stomach cope with suspenseful scenes.
The science
Anti-inflammatory foods can help your stomach deal with the anxiety associated with a thrilling crime drama, as well as supporting healthy blood pressure so your ticker can cope with stressful scenes. Indian food, with plenty of stomach-settling spices and rich in potassium, is the perfect pairing for suspenseful shows.
What to order
- Aloo Gobi – potatoes and cauliflower contain lots of potassium, as well as anti-inflammatory cinnamon (garam masala).
- Plain rice – easy to digest for anxious stomachs, and a great accompaniment for stronger flavours.
- Dahl – full of anti-inflammatory ginger, digestion-helping fennel seeds, and potassium-rich lentils, to quell nausea and maintain healthy blood pressure.
What to watch
- Love & Death on ITVX
- Screw on Channel 4
- Mrs Sidhu Investigates on UKTV Play
- Witness Number 3 on My5
🎭 Drama + Italian 🎭
Pizza lovers will be pleased to hear that Italian food works best for tuning into one of autumn’s hot new dramas.
The science
Drama shows are often on the longer side and involve complex storylines. Italian food can help support energy levels with the polyphenols (antioxidants) found in olive oil, focus-boosting omega 3, and protein that keeps you fuller for longer.
What to order
- Pizza Napoli – omega 3-rich anchovies and olive oil in the sauce and base could help you concentrate.
- Prosciutto and melon – a popular snack containing a good mixture of vitamins and protein to keep you full.
- Arancini – with rice, peas, and mozzarella, the combination of carbohydrates and protein helps to control blood sugar levels and stop you crashing mid-show.
What to watch
- Bad Behaviour on BBC iPlayer
- The Couple Next Door coming soon to Channel 4
- Time on BBC iPlayer
- Six Four on ITVX
- The Ex-Wife on My5
👽 Sci-Fi + Chinese 👽
Mind-bending subject matters deserve out of this world flavour, so fans of sci-fi should order Chinese takeaway.
The science
Foods that help to improve cognition lend themselves to mind-bending subject matters. Chinese food full of leafy green vegetables, eggs, and tofu, contains omega 3 for focus, choline for memory and concentration, and vitamin B for brain health.
What to order
- Sesame chicken – contains lots of B6, which is involved in cognitive function to keep you focussed, as well as ensuring glucose goes to the brain.
- Egg-fried rice – eggs are nutritional powerhouses rich in choline. Choline is required for the production of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in memory and concentration.
- Stir-fried broccoli – another good source of choline, often used an accompaniment to carb-filled noodle dishes, beneficial for keeping you full.
What to watch
- Doctor Who on BBC iPlayer
- Under the Dome on My5
- Humans on Channel 4
- We Are Not Alone on UKTV Play
- Ancient Aliens on Blaze
TV and Takeaway giveaway
Win your own takeaway voucher to enjoy with your favourite TV show. Head over to Instagram to find out how.
