Short answer

• Talabat is generally the best overall food delivery app in the UAE (largest coverage, most restaurants, frequent deals). If you want fastest premium deliveries pick Deliveroo; if you want an integrated “super‑app” with rides and rewards pick Careem (Careem NOW); Zomato and Noon/Noon Food are also good alternatives in some areas. (cmolds.com)

Why Talabat is often recommended

• Biggest network and market share in the UAE (widest restaurant coverage, groceries and pharmacy options, lots of local and chain choices). This makes it the most reliable for finding whatever you want. (cmolds.com)
• Regular promotions, flash sales and subscriptions (Talabat Pro) that reduce delivery fees and give good value for frequent users. (cmolds.com)

When to choose other apps

• Deliveroo — best for speed and premium/fine‑dining partners and good when you want higher-end menus or faster delivery in central districts. (techradar.com)
• Careem Now — useful if you already use Careem for rides (points/credits, integrated wallet, multi‑service super‑app). Good promotions and reliable coverage in many areas. (avtechnosys.com)
• Zomato — decent alternative with strong restaurant reviews and offers in some neighbourhoods. Good if a restaurant you like partners only with them. (techradar.com)
• Noon Food — smaller coverage but competitive pricing and good if you use Noon’s ecosystem. (travelblogdubai.com)

How to pick the best app for you

• Coverage: use Talabat first in most UAE neighbourhoods. If an item/restaurant isn’t listed, check Deliveroo, Zomato, then Careem. (cmolds.com)
• Price: compare delivery fees and service charges in the app for the same restaurant; subscribe to Pro/Plus if you order frequently. (cmolds.com)
• Speed: Deliveroo often runs faster in central urban areas; Talabat/ Careem vary by time and location. (techradar.com)
• Extras: want groceries, pharmacy or courier? Talabat and Careem provide broader aggregator services beyond restaurant food. (cmolds.com)

Quick tips

• Install 2–3 apps and compare prices/ETA for the restaurant you want (sometimes the same place lists different fees/promotions). (travelblogdubai.com)
• Look for promo codes and subscribe to Pro/Plus passes if you order weekly — they often pay off. (cmolds.com)
• Check app ratings and recent reviews for delivery reliability in your specific neighbourhood. (techradar.com)

If you want, tell me your city/neighbourhood in the UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, etc.) and I’ll recommend the single best app for that area and point out any current perks or commonly available promo strategies.