The perfect soundtrack to your takeaway revealed
Find out why our sensational study will be music to the ears of every takeaway lover…
Do you enjoy a bit of house music with your hoisin? How about some Jay Z with that jalfrezi? Or maybe even a slice of Mozart with a mozzarella. Whatever the soundtrack to your supper, check out the results of our recent scientific study – which has matched top takeaway meals with perfect music choices for the first time ever. Curious? Let us explain…
We love giving people that mini-fist-pump feeling at JUST EAT, so we’re always looking for new and innovative ways to make the takeaway experience even more enjoyable. Our latest idea is a simple one: what if a proper expert could match music to takeaway in the same way that a sommelier (that’s a kind of posh wine waiter) matches fancy wines to fine foods?
The science
So we’ve done our homework. A lot of homework, in fact. We already know that music can properly enhance someone’s mood, but our study proves that it can enhance someone’s food too. We roped in Oxford University psychologist Professor Charles Spence (who’s one of the foremost authorities in sensory research) to exhaustively test the effects of several music genres when matched with the nation’s top takeaway dishes.
And while Professor Spence knows his oats when it comes to sensory pairings, we needed someone with a deep-rooted love and understanding of both music and takeaway to make a few mouthwatering musical suggestions. Cue legendary DJ and self-confessed kebab connoisseur Sara Cox.
With both the professor and Sara in agreement over what makes a truly appetising musical accompaniment, we’re excited to now reveal the key findings in full. And if you’re just looking for the perfect playlist to go with tonight’s takeaway, we’ve had a selection specially curated by Sara Cox. Enjoy your digital seasoning…
Tasting notes…
Curry
Believe it or not, Indie Rock like The Arctic Monkey’s best compliments the spice in a curry. The arousal level of the atmosphere and energy of the ‘powerful’ drums and vocals in Rock music may have an influence on the expected spiciness of the food crossmodally in the brain. Playing rock music also led to the takeaway food being rated 4% spicier than listening to any other music.
Sara’s picks:
Arctic Monkeys, I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor
Chinese
Pop such as Ed Sheeran’s hit ‘Sing’ was perfect for Chinese. Research has shown that while loud music actually suppresses our ability to taste sweet and salty foods, playing tracks that are higher in pitch, faster in tempo, and dissonant can bring out sourness in dishes such as a Chinese Sweet and Sour.
Sara’s picks:
Italian
Opera favourite Nessun Dorma, and classical music, such as Vivaldi, boosted the expected deliciousness of Italian. But if you’re more partial to listening to Dance or Hip Hop whilst eating your pizza, think again. Research shows that it can have a negative effect on the enjoyment of food.
Sara’s picks:
Rossini, Willaim Tell Overture
Sushi/Thai
Jazz music was a popular choice of digital seasoning for most food types in the study, but particularly so with Sushi and Thai food. This is related to sensation transference – in the study participants enjoyed listening to Jazz tracks. Both songs positive lyrics are said to transfer to the enjoyment of tasting food.
Sara’s picks: