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AIBU?

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Takeaway ordered 5 hours early and reheated - AIBU to think that's weird?

104 replies

ImaginaryLobster · 30/07/2025 19:35

My dad has invited me, my sister, my partner and his brother round to my parent's house for a Chinese takeaway tomorrow.

He messaged me on Sunday asking if I can "let him know the sort of stuff we’d like for Thursday… before Thursday if possible." When I asked what he meant, he said he plans to go to the Chinese takeaway on Wednesday, or as soon as it opens on Thursday (3pm), get everyone's food then, and reheat it later in the oven. He's just now asked me again what everyone's having so he can do the order.

The place doesn't have a website or proper menu - just a blurry photo someone posted on Facebook a couple of years ago, which I now have to screenshot and send around to everyone. I’m chasing people up for their orders, and they’re asking why can't we just order when we get there? I don't know what to say.

My partner is taking me and his brother there, and my sister lives with them, so we'll be there at the same time. We're getting there for 8pm.

If you're thinking, why not just say something, I can't, because he's asulking lunatic. Another factor is that I'm pregnant, and I'm wondering whether I should be eating reheated Chinese food? I get that he's trying to be organised and probably doesn't want to mess around with waiting times in the evening, but isn't this a really awkward and unnecessary way of doing it?

AIBU to think it would make more sense to just be normal and order when we arrive? Part of the fun is discussing it and also being able to share stuff. My partner and his brother will definitely hoard whatever they've picked, nobody'll be touching their carefully selected items (technically I should already know what they're having apparently!!)

Or do other people do this too? Should we make our takeaway choices with military precision days in advance, and then wait while it slowly dies in the oven.

OP posts:
Michele09 · 30/07/2025 19:45

Why not get some Chinese ready meals instead from the supermarket. It would be a lot cheaper. They'd only be reheated once.

Doingmybest12 · 30/07/2025 19:42

I think to arrive at 8pm then choose and order and collect ,sounds like a late meal. I can't see why it can't be reheated safely. Whether there are better alternatives maybe there are but I can see why he wants your choices earlier than 8.20 on the night.

MissEloiseBridgerton · 30/07/2025 19:42

I'm all for leftover Chinese but it's never better than when it's fresh! Seems odd! Even just ordered it so it arrives at 8 would be fine! 8 is quite late tbh

Noshadowsinthedark · 30/07/2025 19:38

It would be a no thank you from me.

Can someone else tell him no if it’s hard for you to do so?