How much does it cost to start a cloud kitchen in India?

A small cloud kitchen in a rented space usually needs ₹3–10 lakh for equipment, deposit, licences, packaging and the first month of stock. Adding a delivery brand to a kitchen you already run costs far less, often ₹15,000–40,000.

Do I need GST registration to sell on Swiggy and Zomato?

Food delivery platforms collect and pay the 5% GST on restaurant orders themselves. You need your own GST registration once your turnover crosses the threshold, and some platforms ask for a GSTIN at sign-up. Check with your CA.

How long does Swiggy or Zomato onboarding take?

Usually one to two weeks once your documents and menu are ready. Your FSSAI licence is the step that most often causes delays.

How to start a café or cloud kitchen in India: step-by-step checklist

1Decide what you will sell0/4

A clear idea decides your kitchen, your menu and your customers. Delivery customers search by dish, so a focused menu beats a long one.

Pick one cuisine or hero dish your area is missing Ready brand kits →
Decide who orders: office lunch, students, families or late night
Set a target order value (most single-person delivery orders are ₹150–350)
Add 1–2 signature items people can only get from you Masala Menu Lab →

2Get your licences0/5

Swiggy and Zomato remove kitchens without a valid FSSAI licence, and inspectors check the basics.

FSSAI registration or licence for your premises Which licence do I need? →
GST registration if your turnover crosses the limit (₹20 lakh in most states for services) or your platform asks for it GST on food →
Shop & Establishment registration and the local trade licence from your municipality
A trained Food Safety Supervisor (FoSTaC) for licensed kitchens
Current account and PAN in the business name

3Price the menu0/4

Commission, GST on commission and funded discounts eat 30–40% of a delivery bill. Price for that from day one.

Cost every dish: ingredients per portion plus packaging
Check every dish still makes money after app commission Menu Doctor →
Keep 8–15 dishes; cut anything that needs a separate cook or rare ingredients
Write each dish name the way customers search ("Paneer Tikka Roll", not "Special Roll")

4Packaging and labels0/3

Delivery food is judged when the box is opened. Leaks and soggy food cost more in ratings than the box costs.

Leak-proof containers sized to the portion; test them on a 20-minute ride
Tamper-proof seal or sticker on every bag
Labels for any packed product you sell (sauces, masalas, snacks) Label maker →

5List on Swiggy and Zomato0/5

Approval takes days, so start this while the kitchen is being set up.

Keep ready: FSSAI licence, PAN, GSTIN (if registered), bank details and a cancelled cheque
Menu with prices and short descriptions
Good photos of your top 10 dishes (daylight, top-down, clean plate)
Logo and cover image
Sign up in the Swiggy Partner and Zomato for Business apps

6Be easy to find0/3

Most people check Google and Instagram before ordering from a new name.

Create your Google Business Profile with photos, hours and menu
Instagram handle with the same name and logo
Make your first 6 reels: one per top dish plus a menu drop Reels Engine →

7Launch week0/4

Your first 50 ratings decide your ranking on the apps. Make launch week count.

Launch offer for the first week (offer reel on WhatsApp Status at 12 pm and 7 pm) Offer reel →
Send the menu to friends, family and local groups
Add a thank-you note in every bag asking for a rating
After week 1, enter real orders in Menu Doctor and fix your Dogs Menu Doctor →

Open your café or cloud kitchen, step by step