How to tell a home cook is worth ordering from

The first time you order home-cooked food from someone nearby, there’s a little hesitation. It’s not a restaurant with a hundred reviews and a shopfront. It’s a person, a kitchen, a Sunday batch of something that smells incredible in the photos. So how do you know it’s any good — and safe?

Honestly, it takes about a minute to work out. Here’s what I look at.

Check the hygiene rating

A cook who’s registered with their council and had the visit will usually show a Food Hygiene Rating. A 4 or 5 tells you their kitchen has been looked at by an inspector and passed. It’s the single most reassuring thing on a profile, and it costs the cook nothing but effort to earn.

Read the reviews — and the replies

Ratings are nice; the words matter more. Look for reviews that mention the things you care about — portion size, spice level, how the handover went. And notice whether the cook replies. Someone who thanks people and sorts out the odd hiccup is someone who’ll look after you too.

Look at the photos properly

You can tell a lot from a photo. Real food, shot in daylight, on a normal plate, looks like something a person actually made. If every picture is a glossy stock image, be a little more curious. The best home cooks tend to post the genuine thing — a full tray, steam still coming off it.

Message before you commit

This is the part people forget. On Cooked Nearby you contact the cook directly, by phone or WhatsApp, before anything is set in stone. Use it. A quick message does three jobs at once:

• You confirm it’s available when you want it, and whether it’s collection or drop-off.
• You can ask about allergens — every cook should be able to tell you clearly what’s in a dish and what they can’t guarantee.
• You get a feel for the person. Warm and straight with you? Good sign.

Trust your nose, then your gut

Start with one portion of the dish they’re known for. If it’s good — and with home cooks it so often is — you’ve found someone three streets away who’ll feed you well for years. Save them, and keep an eye on what they’re cooking each week.