Today, many people do not have the time to cook at home. Because of their busy lifestyles, they often eat food from outside. Two popular options are homemade tiffin and restaurant meals. A homemade tiffin is usually cooked at home using fresh ingredients, while restaurant food is prepared in hotels or food outlets. 

Both choices have good sides. Some people like restaurant food because it is tasty and easy to get. Others prefer homemade tiffin because it is healthy and feels like home food. To ensure you make the right choice when it comes to choosing between homemade tiffin and a restaurant meal, read this blog by Ashfood till the end. 

What Is a Homemade Tiffin? 

A homemade tiffin is food cooked at home or in a similar setting. It is usually made with fresh vegetables, grains, and spices. The food is cooked in a clean kitchen with less oil, salt, and spices, which makes meals nutritious and delicious as well. Some of the most common items include rice, roti, dal, sabzi, and curd. 

Healthy tiffin meals can be made as per personal taste and health needs. Such meals are often prepared by local home cooks and packed and delivered in tiffin boxes. These meals are perfect for individuals who want to eat healthy meals daily without the hassle of buying groceries or cooking for hours. 

What Counts as a Restaurant Meal? 

Food that is cooked outside the home can be counted as a restaurant meal. It can be prepared in restaurants, hotels, cafes, or food outlets and includes dine-in, takeaway, and home delivery food. From burgers and pizza to all the fried items that harm your health can be counted as restaurant meals. 

These meals are usually cooked in large quantities and often use more oil, butter, salt, and sauces. It focuses more on taste and presentation and has limited control over ingredients and cooking methods. Restaurant meals are often chosen by people for convenience and the variety they offer. 

Comparison: Homemade Tiffin vs Restaurant Meal 

When it comes to choosing between homemade tiffin and restaurant meals, it can be difficult for those who don’t even know the difference. Here are some key differences between homemade tiffin and restaurant meals to help you make an informed decision: 

Nutrition 

Homemade tiffin is made with fresh ingredients, less oil, and salt, which helps you achieve your health goals faster. But restaurant meals are often prepared using a lot of oil, sugar, and salt, which makes them unhealthy and harmful for sensitive people. 

Cost 

Since homemade meals are cooked fresh using healthy ingredients, they are generally cheaper. However, restaurant meals are always expensive because they are prepared using frozen food, which costs more than fresh ingredients. 

Hygiene 

Usually, homemade tiffins are cooked in a clean and controlled environment with a lot of love from local cooks. However, the hygiene in restaurant meals depends on the restaurant and its food handling processes. 

Convenience 

As homemade meals are cooked fresh daily, they require much planning and preparation but can be delivered if you order on the right time. Restaurant meals, on the other hand, are ready-to-eat, quick, and easy to order. 

Portion Control 

You can order homemade tiffin meals with adjusted portion sizes for your health and overall well being. However, restaurants have the same and often larger portions, leading to overeating and other health problems. 

Customization 

It is possible to customize homemade tiffin meals according to your health or taste preferences. But options are limited when it comes to specific dietary restrictions in restaurant meals because they are made on a much larger scale. 

Read Also - Can a Tiffin Service Really Match Restaurant Quality?

On the Final Note 

When it comes to choosing between homemade tiffin meals and restaurant meals, people often get confused because both these have their own set of pros and cons. Homemade tiffins are healthy, fresh, and cost-effective, while restaurant meals are convenient, tasty, and offer variety but may be high in oil, salt, and calories. 

Though it is better to avoid junk food as much as possible, you can enjoy homemade tiffins daily and restaurant food occasionally, as it is a great and balanced approach. If you are looking for a reliable Indian tiffin service in Surrey, contact Ashfood to get nutritious and delicious meals delivered to your doorstep daily at affordable prices. 

FAQs 

Q. How is a restaurant meal different from a homemade tiffin? 

Restaurant food has more oil, salt, and spices. But tiffins are fresh and home-cooked. 

Q. Which is healthier: homemade tiffin or restaurant food? 

Homemade tiffins are healthier with fresh ingredients and balanced portions. 

Q. Can restaurant meals be customized like homemade tiffins? 

No, healthy tiffin meals can be customized easily. 

Q. Which option helps save more time and money? 

Restaurant meals help save time. But for saving money, consider homemade tiffins.