Build your own food delivery app like Zomato

The food delivery industry has experienced massive growth over the past decade. Platforms like Zomato have transformed the way people discover restaurants and order food online. If you're planning to build your own food delivery app like Zomato, now is the perfect time.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know — from features and development process to cost and monetization strategies.

The demand for online food ordering continues to rise due to:

• Busy lifestyles

• Increased smartphone usage

• Preference for convenience

• Growth in cloud kitchens

A food delivery app offers scalable business opportunities with multiple revenue streams.

To compete in the market, your app must include essential features for three main panels:

• Easy registration & login

• Restaurant listings with filters

• Real-time order tracking

• Secure payment gateway integration

• Ratings & reviews

• Order history

• Push notifications

• Restaurant profile management

• Menu management

• Order management dashboard

• Sales reports & analytics

• Order notifications

• Route optimization

• Earnings dashboard

• Availability toggle

• User management

• Commission management

• Promotions & coupon management

• Reports & analytics

• Customer support system

Identify your target audience, competitors, and unique value proposition. Decide whether you want a single-city launch or a multi-city expansion plan.

Common models include:

• Commission-based model

• Subscription model

• Delivery fee model

• Advertising model

• Frontend: React Native / Flutter

• Backend: Node.js / Laravel

• Database: MySQL / MongoDB

• Cloud Hosting: AWS / Google Cloud

A clean and intuitive design improves user retention and conversions.

Build:

• Customer app (Android & iOS)

• Delivery app

• Admin dashboard

• Restaurant panel

Perform:

• Functional testing

• Performance testing

• Security testing

• Beta launch

The cost depends on features, location of development team, and platform. On average:

• Basic App: $15,000 – $25,000

• Advanced App: $30,000 – $80,000+

• Enterprise-level solution: $100,000+

You can reduce costs by starting with an MVP (Minimum Viable Product).

Here’s how you can generate revenue:

1. Commission from restaurants (15–30%)

2. Delivery charges

3. Featured restaurant listings

4. In-app advertisements

5. Subscription plans for restaurants

• Managing delivery logistics

• Maintaining app performance

• Customer retention

• High competition

• Operational costs

• Focus on hyperlocal markets first

• Offer attractive onboarding deals

• Ensure fast delivery

• Provide excellent customer support

• Continuously upgrade features

Building a food delivery app like Zomato is a profitable business opportunity if executed strategically. With the right technology, marketing plan, and operational strategy, you can create a scalable and successful platform in the competitive food delivery market.

If you're planning to launch your own food delivery app, start with a clear roadmap and focus on delivering value to both customers and restaurant partners.