The food delivery industry in India has seen tremendous growth in recent years, driven by a burgeoning urban population, increasing disposable incomes, and the widespread adoption of smartphones and internet connectivity. Here, we explore the top 10 food delivery startups that have revolutionized the way Indians order and enjoy their meals.
1. Zomato
Founded in 2008 by Deepinder Goyal and Pankaj Chaddah, Zomato started as a restaurant discovery platform and evolved into one of India’s leading food delivery services. It offers a wide range of restaurant options, user reviews, table reservations, and a subscription-based loyalty program called Zomato Gold. Zomato has a strong global presence and continues to innovate in the food delivery space.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2008 |
| Founders | Deepinder Goyal, Pankaj Chaddah |
| Key Services | Food delivery, table reservations, user reviews |
| Subscription Service | Zomato Gold |
| Unique Selling Point (USP) | Extensive restaurant options, user reviews and ratings |
Zomato is one of the most prominent food delivery platforms in India. Founded in 2008 by Deepinder Goyal and Pankaj Chaddah, Zomato initially started as a restaurant discovery platform. Today, it offers food delivery services, table reservations, and user reviews. Zomato has expanded its operations globally and continues to dominate the Indian market with its extensive restaurant partnerships and innovative marketing strategies.
Key Features:
- Wide range of restaurant options.
- User reviews and ratings.
- Subscription-based loyalty program, Zomato Gold.
2. Swiggy
Swiggy was founded in 2014 by Sriharsha Majety, Nandan Reddy, and Rahul Jaimini. Known for its fast delivery service and user-friendly app, Swiggy has become a major player in the Indian food delivery market. It offers food delivery, grocery delivery through Swiggy Instamart, and quick commerce via Swiggy Genie. The Swiggy Super subscription provides benefits like free deliveries and discounts.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2014 |
| Founders | Sriharsha Majety, Nandan Reddy, Rahul Jaimini |
| Key Services | Food delivery, grocery delivery, quick commerce |
| Subscription Service | Swiggy Super |
| Unique Selling Point (USP) | Fast delivery service, user-friendly app |
Founded in 2014 by Sriharsha Majety, Nandan Reddy, and Rahul Jaimini, Swiggy has become a household name in India. Known for its efficient delivery system and user-friendly app, Swiggy offers a seamless ordering experience. It has also diversified into grocery delivery with Swiggy Instamart and quick commerce through Swiggy Genie.
Key Features:
- Fast delivery service.
- Swiggy Super, a subscription-based service offering free deliveries and other benefits.
- Integration with various payment platforms.
3. Dunzo
Founded by Kabeer Biswas in 2015, Dunzo is a versatile hyperlocal delivery service that includes food delivery, grocery delivery, and errands running. Known for its quick and reliable delivery, Dunzo integrates with local merchants to offer a variety of services on a single platform, making it a convenient option for urban consumers.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2015 |
| Founders | Kabeer Biswas |
| Key Services | Food delivery, grocery delivery, errands service |
| Unique Selling Point (USP) | Multi-service platform, quick and reliable delivery |
Dunzo, co-founded by Kabeer Biswas in 2015, started as a hyperlocal delivery service and quickly expanded into food delivery. Known for its versatility, Dunzo allows users to order food, groceries, medicines, and even run errands through its platform.
Key Features:
- Multi-service platform.
- Quick and reliable delivery.
- Integration with local merchants and stores.
4. Box8
Box8 was founded by Amit Raj and Anshul Gupta in 2012, focusing on delivering Indian fusion meals. The startup emphasizes quality ingredients, hygienic preparation, and late-night delivery service. Box8 operates in major Indian cities and aims to provide a modern twist on traditional Indian cuisine.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2012 |
| Founders | Amit Raj, Anshul Gupta |
| Key Services | Indian fusion meals |
| Unique Selling Point (USP) | Focus on quality ingredients, late-night delivery |
Box8, founded by Amit Raj and Anshul Gupta in 2012, focuses on providing desi meals with a modern twist. The startup aims to deliver a variety of Indian cuisine in a convenient and fast manner. Box8 operates in major cities and emphasizes on quality and taste.
Key Features:
- Indian fusion meals.
- Late-night delivery service.
- Focus on quality ingredients and hygienic preparation.
5. Faasos
Established in 2011 by Jaydeep Barman and Kallol Banerjee, Faasos operates under the parent company Rebel Foods. It offers a diverse menu including wraps, rice bowls, and other quick meals. Faasos leverages a cloud kitchen model to optimize operations and delivery processes, providing a wide range of food options to its customers.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2011 |
| Founders | Jaydeep Barman, Kallol Banerjee |
| Parent Company | Rebel Foods |
| Key Services | Wraps, rice bowls, quick meals |
| Unique Selling Point (USP) | Extensive menu, cloud kitchen model |
Faasos, founded by Jaydeep Barman and Kallol Banerjee in 2011, operates under the parent company Rebel Foods. It offers a variety of wraps, rice bowls, and other quick meals. Faasos leverages technology to optimize its kitchen operations and delivery processes.
Key Features:
- Extensive menu options.
- Rebel Foods’ cloud kitchen model.
- Frequent discounts and offers.
6. FreshMenu
Rashmi Daga founded FreshMenu in 2014 to deliver freshly prepared gourmet meals. With a rotating daily menu featuring diverse cuisine options, FreshMenu caters to urban palates seeking high-quality, gourmet food. The startup emphasizes fresh ingredients and high standards of quality and presentation.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2014 |
| Founders | Rashmi Daga |
| Key Services | Gourmet meals, daily changing menu |
| Unique Selling Point (USP) | High-quality ingredients, gourmet food |
FreshMenu, founded by Rashmi Daga in 2014, focuses on delivering freshly prepared gourmet meals. It offers a rotating menu with diverse cuisine options, catering to the urban palate. FreshMenu ensures high standards of quality and presentation.
Key Features:
- Daily changing menu.
- Focus on gourmet meals.
- High-quality ingredients.
7. EatSure (Formerly known as Faasos)
EatSure, part of Rebel Foods, offers a variety of cuisines through a multi-brand kitchen model. Known for high hygiene standards and quality assurance, EatSure appeals to health-conscious consumers and provides a diverse range of food options by aggregating several brands on its platform.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2011 (as Faasos) |
| Parent Company | Rebel Foods |
| Key Services | Multi-brand kitchen model |
| Unique Selling Point (USP) | High hygiene standards, variety of cuisines |
EatSure, another brand under Rebel Foods, offers a variety of cuisines through its multi-brand kitchen model. It ensures high standards of hygiene and quality, appealing to health-conscious consumers. EatSure’s platform aggregates several brands, providing a diverse range of options.
Key Features:
- Multi-brand kitchen model.
- High hygiene standards.
- Variety of cuisines.
8. Oven Story
Oven Story, another brand under Rebel Foods, specializes in delivering gourmet pizzas with unique toppings and flavors. It aims to provide a high-quality pizza experience at affordable prices. Oven Story focuses on innovation in its recipes and the use of quality ingredients to attract pizza lovers.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2011 (under Rebel Foods) |
| Parent Company | Rebel Foods |
| Key Services | Gourmet pizzas |
| Unique Selling Point (USP) | Unique toppings, affordable pricing |
Oven Story, also part of Rebel Foods, specializes in delivering a variety of pizzas with unique toppings and flavors. It aims to provide a gourmet pizza experience at affordable prices. Oven Story focuses on innovative recipes and quality ingredients.
Key Features:
- Gourmet pizzas.
- Unique toppings and flavors.
- Affordable pricing.
9. Behrouz Biryani
Behrouz Biryani, also from Rebel Foods, focuses on delivering premium biryanis inspired by Persian recipes. It positions itself as a luxury biryani brand, offering rich, flavorful biryanis with an emphasis on high-quality ingredients and luxurious packaging, catering to a niche market of biryani enthusiasts.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2011 (under Rebel Foods) |
| Parent Company | Rebel Foods |
| Key Services | Premium biryanis |
| Unique Selling Point (USP) | Rich, flavorful biryanis, luxurious packaging |
Behrouz Biryani, yet another brand from Rebel Foods, specializes in delivering premium biryanis. It positions itself as a luxury biryani brand, offering rich and flavorful biryanis inspired by Persian recipes. Behrouz Biryani caters to the niche market of biryani lovers.
Key Features:
- Premium biryanis.
- Rich and flavorful recipes.
- Luxurious packaging.
10. Biryani By Kilo
Founded by Vishal Jindal and Kaushik Roy in 2015, Biryani By Kilo specializes in delivering freshly cooked biryanis in traditional earthen pots (handis). The startup offers a variety of regional biryani flavors and emphasizes authenticity, quality ingredients, and traditional cooking methods to provide an exceptional biryani experience.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2015 |
| Founders | Vishal Jindal, Kaushik Roy |
| Key Services | Freshly cooked biryanis in earthen pots |
| Unique Selling Point (USP) | Authentic regional flavors, quality ingredients |
Biryani By Kilo, founded by Vishal Jindal and Kaushik Roy in 2015, focuses on delivering freshly cooked biryanis in traditional handi (earthen pot). It aims to provide an authentic biryani experience with a variety of regional flavors. Biryani By Kilo emphasizes quality and tradition in its offerings.
Key Features:
- Freshly cooked biryanis in earthen pots.
- Variety of regional flavors.
- Emphasis on authenticity and quality.
FAQs and Answers for Top 10 Food Delivery Startups in India
1. Zomato
Q: What services does Zomato offer?
A: Zomato provides food delivery, table reservations, user reviews, and a subscription-based loyalty program called Zomato Gold.
Q: Is Zomato available outside India?
A: Yes, Zomato operates in several countries globally.
Q: How can I subscribe to Zomato Gold?
A: You can subscribe to Zomato Gold through the Zomato app or website by selecting the Gold membership option and completing the payment process.
2. Swiggy
Q: What is Swiggy Instamart?
A: Swiggy Instamart is Swiggy’s grocery delivery service, offering quick delivery of groceries and household essentials.
Q: What benefits does Swiggy Super offer?
A: Swiggy Super provides benefits like free deliveries, exclusive discounts, and priority customer support.
Q: Can I order from multiple restaurants in a single order on Swiggy?
A: No, currently you can only place an order from one restaurant per delivery.
3. Dunzo
Q: What types of deliveries does Dunzo offer?
A: Dunzo offers food delivery, grocery delivery, medicine delivery, and the option to run various errands.
Q: How does Dunzo ensure quick deliveries?
A: Dunzo uses a network of local delivery partners and optimized routing algorithms to ensure fast and efficient deliveries.
Q: Is Dunzo available 24/7?
A: Yes, Dunzo operates 24/7 in most cities where it is available.
4. Box8
Q: What kind of food does Box8 specialize in?
A: Box8 specializes in Indian fusion meals, including wraps, curries, biryanis, and more.
Q: Does Box8 offer late-night delivery?
A: Yes, Box8 provides late-night delivery services in select cities.
Q: Are there any subscription plans available on Box8?
A: Box8 offers occasional meal plans and discount offers, but it does not have a fixed subscription plan like some other services.
5. Faasos
Q: What is the relationship between Faasos and Rebel Foods?
A: Faasos is a brand operated under Rebel Foods, which manages multiple food brands through a cloud kitchen model.
Q: What types of food does Faasos offer?
A: Faasos offers wraps, rice bowls, and other quick meals.
Q: Are there any loyalty programs for Faasos customers?
A: Faasos frequently provides discounts and offers through its app, but it does not have a specific loyalty program.
6. FreshMenu
Q: What type of cuisine does FreshMenu offer?
A: FreshMenu offers gourmet meals with a rotating daily menu featuring a variety of cuisines.
Q: How does FreshMenu ensure the quality of its food?
A: FreshMenu focuses on using high-quality ingredients and maintaining strict hygiene standards in its kitchens.
Q: Is FreshMenu available in all cities in India?
A: FreshMenu operates in major Indian cities, but its availability may vary by location.
7. EatSure (Formerly Faasos)
Q: What is EatSure?
A: EatSure is a multi-brand food delivery platform under Rebel Foods, offering a variety of cuisines with a focus on hygiene and quality.
Q: How does EatSure maintain hygiene standards?
A: EatSure follows stringent hygiene protocols in its cloud kitchens and uses quality ingredients to ensure food safety.
Q: Can I order from multiple brands in a single EatSure order?
A: Yes, EatSure allows you to order from multiple brands in a single order.
8. Oven Story
Q: What makes Oven Story different from other pizza delivery services?
A: Oven Story specializes in gourmet pizzas with unique toppings and flavors, offering a high-quality pizza experience at affordable prices.
Q: Can I customize my pizza on Oven Story?
A: Yes, Oven Story allows customization of pizzas with various toppings and crust options.
Q: Does Oven Story offer any meal deals or combos?
A: Yes, Oven Story frequently offers meal deals and combo packages.
9. Behrouz Biryani
Q: What type of food does Behrouz Biryani specialize in?
A: Behrouz Biryani specializes in premium biryanis inspired by Persian recipes.
Q: What is unique about Behrouz Biryani’s packaging?
A: Behrouz Biryani uses luxurious packaging to enhance the dining experience.
Q: Are there vegetarian options available at Behrouz Biryani?
A: Yes, Behrouz Biryani offers both vegetarian and non-vegetarian biryani options.
10. Biryani By Kilo
Q: How is Biryani By Kilo’s biryani prepared?
A: Biryani By Kilo prepares biryanis in traditional earthen pots (handis) to ensure authentic flavors.
Q: What varieties of biryani does Biryani By Kilo offer?
A: Biryani By Kilo offers a variety of regional biryani flavors, including Hyderabadi, Lucknowi, and Kolkata styles.
Q: Does Biryani By Kilo offer dine-in options?
A: Biryani By Kilo primarily focuses on delivery, but some locations may offer limited dine-in options.
The food delivery market in India is bustling with innovation and competition. These top 10 startups have carved out significant niches by offering diverse menus, focusing on quality and hygiene, and leveraging technology to enhance customer experience. As the market continues to grow, these companies are likely to expand their offerings and further revolutionize the way Indians enjoy their meals.