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Uber Eats in Japan, Food Delivery Service Part 2

Japanese food industry has been using its unique delivery service as introduced in our previous post "Food Delivery Service in Japan," to serve its various customers' needs.

Uber Eats, the popular food delivery service in the U.S., already launched its business here in Japan in 2016.  It started in Tokyo first, and then expanded to Osaka (the second largest city after Tokyo).  Finally, it reached Nagoya in October, 2018.  Almost one year has passed since its debut in Nagoya.  

BBQ eels and their gut soup

What changes did Uber Eats bring to Nagoya?  

First of all, what image do you have when hearing about Uber Eats?  How do you think your ordered food is delivered to you in Nagoya?  

Yes, of course, motorbikes are used, as used for pizza delivery.  These vehicles rush on the street, carrying their pizza company name on them.  Uber Eats "drivers" also carry the company logo.

Here in Nagoya, bicycles are a main delivery means.  Recently more and more Uber Eats "drivers" have been seen carrying a green bag with the Uber Eats logo on the back.  The "drivers" are pretty swift and skillful in maneuvering their bikes through the busy traffic.  Is this a good sign of environmentally friendly Nagoya?

Second, what food have we come to get through Uber Eats?

Along with traditional food items, such as Sushi, Ramen and Udon Noodles, and Pizza, those which have never been delivered home are NOW available.  Dishes from more than 150 restaurants are on the delivery menu list.  Examples include Nagoya's soul food (called Nagoya Meshi, or Nagoya Cuisine in English), such as Hitsumabushi (English: BBQ eels on rice), Ankake Spaghetti (spaghetti with unique thick sauce) and Nagoya Uiro (a sweet from rice flour), and other Wagashi (English: Japanese sweets and coffee. 

Finally, how expensive is the service?

In Nagoya, the service charge is 380 yen without minimum delivery order imposed, and no tip for the "drivers".  (Note, in Tokyo and Osaka, it charges you ranging from 260 yen to 570 yen.  This range depends on the distance and is up to restaurants).

When you have a strong desire to drink nothing but particular coffee of your favorite coffee shop, you can place an order by paying extra 380 yen.  What a luxurious coffee break, right?

An interesting update on food delivery, please check out "Taxi Eats," too.