If you’ve ordered food online in the last few years, you’ve already used a cloud kitchen—even if you didn’t realize it. Cloud kitchen startups are changing how food businesses operate by focusing solely on delivery-first kitchens, without the expense of dine-in spaces or high rents. This simple shift has opened the door for many new entrepreneurs in the food industry.
In India, cloud kitchens have grown rapidly thanks to food delivery apps, changing eating habits, and rising urban demand. From single-brand kitchens to large multi-brand setups, cloud kitchen startups are helping restaurant owners test new concepts, scale faster, and operate at lower risk compared to traditional restaurants.
For first-time founders, chefs, and investors, cloud kitchens offer a practical way to enter the food business with lower upfront costs, better margins, and data-driven decision-making. In this article, we’ll look at the top famous cloud kitchen startups in india, why they’re growing so fast, and which companies are leading this transformation in India.
Why Cloud Kitchen Startups Are Booming in India
Cloud kitchen startups in India are altering the food industry by removing the sitting-down area, and only doing business in delivery. Increased internet access, use of smart phone and evolving consumerism have enhanced this growth. The pandemic also made the approach of online food ordering more normalized, which preconditioned cloud kitchen as a profitable model of business. This is due to lower operating costs and higher profit margins, which appeal to entrepreneurs in the country.
What Is a Cloud Kitchen?
A cloud kitchen is a restaurant that operates without a physical location and delivers only. They are also known as ghost kitchens or virtual kitchens that make food only based on online orders via aggregator systems. The model saves money on real estate and allows the maximum efficiency of kitchen. Cloud kitchens have the ability to run several brands under one facility, and they maximize resources and market presence.
Learn How To Start Cloud Kitchen Business.
Cloud Kitchen Market Size in India
- Market Valuation: The market of cloud kitchen startups in India is valuable at about 1.5 billion in recent times.
- Growth Projection: The cloud kitchen market is expanding at an annual growth rate (CAGR) of around ~11–12% into 2026, driven by rising online food orders and broader adoption of delivery-only models.
- Urban Penetration: Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities have the highest level of adoption and consumer demand.
- Consumer Base: Huge number of consumers (more than 200 million Indians) order food online via delivery sites on a regular basis.
- Investment Influx: The amount of venture capital invested in cloud kitchen startups in India has been more than 500 million since 2020.
Is Cloud Kitchen Business Profitable in India?
- Lower Overhead Costs: no dine-in expenses, and operational costs are 40-50 times lower than in restaurants.
- Increased Profit Margins: The average profit margins are between 20-30 percent following optimisation of operations and delivery.
- Several Brand Operations: 3-5 virtual brands can be operated from a single kitchen, significantly increasing revenue streams.
- Scalability Benefit: Expanding to new locations can be easily undertaken with minimal investment and infrastructure requirements.
- Break-Even Timeline: Break even is reached in 6-12 months with most cloud kitchens operating.
How Much Does It Cost to Start a Cloud Kitchen in India?
- Initial Investment of setup: The minimum initial investment of a basic cloud kitchen setup is 5-10 lakhs to operate the facility at the small scale.
- Kitchen equipments: Commercial kitchen equipments and appliances would be in the range of 2-4 lakhs.
- Licensing and Registration: around 50,000 to 20,000 all-inclusive cost is FSSAI license, GST registration and permits.
- Marketing and Onboarding: The first marketing budget and platform commissions will entail an investment of 1-2 lakhs.
- Working Capital: ₹2-3 lakhs are required to cover monthly operating costs, including ingredients, staff, and utilities.
Suggested Read: Best Cloud Kitchen Name Ideas
Top 10 Cloud Kitchen Startups in India in 2026
1. Rebel Foods (Faasos)
- Founded: 2011
- Founder: Jaydeep Barman and Kallol Banerjee
- Website: https://www.rebelfoods.com/
Rebel Foods is the biggest cloud kitchen firm in India and one of the most successful cloud kitchen startups, with the capacity to raise more than half a billion dollars with the support of investors such as Coatue Management. With a chain of 450+ cloud kitchens spread across 75+ cities around the world, the company has an astonishing list of 45 brands under its wing such as Faasos, Behrouz Biryani, Oven Story, and Mandarin Oak.
Their competence is attributed to a multi-brand approach that optimizes kitchen use, technology-oriented operations supported by proprietary management systems, and international expansion into the UAE, the UK, and Southeast Asia. Rebel Foods has successfully transformed the food delivery business by introducing a novel model of the virtual restaurant and setting a benchmark for global cloud kitchen startups.
Funding and Growth:
- According to Coatue Management around the world, the company has raised more than half a billion dollars.
- It has 450+ cloud kitchens in 75+ cities in various countries.
- Operates 45 plus brands, among them being Faasos, Behrouz Biryani, Oven Story, and Mandarin oak.
What Makes Them Successful:
- Multi-brand is an approach which maximizes the amount of use derived out of the kitchen and serves the varied tastes of consumers.
- Operations based on technology and unique kitchen management and data analytics systems.
- Expansion to new markets in the international markets such as UAE, UK, and Southeast Asia.
2. Box8
- Founded: 2012
- Founder: Anshul Gupta and Amit Raj
- Website: https://box8.in/
Box8 runs a complete stack cloud kitchen business and is one of the prominent cloud kitchen startups in India, providing Indian and universal fusion food across 10 or more large cities. Having raised over $ 50 million with backing from investors such as Avendus Capital and IIFL, the company operates more than 100 cloud kitchens and fulfills over 10,000 orders in a single day.
The strengths of Box8 lie in its innovative menu that blends traditional Indian cuisine with international concepts, an efficient supply chain that ensures consistent quality, and a strong brand identity that resonates with urban millennials. Customer loyalty rates have been impressive due to its unique culinary offerings and reliable service quality.
Funding and Growth:
- Raised over 50 million dollars in capital investments such as Avendus Capital, IIFL.
- Available in 10+ large cities having more than 100 cloud kitchen outlets.
- Makes more than 10,000 orders per day and retains its customers.
What Makes Them Successful:
- Creative menu that do combine traditional Indian tastes with international food ideas.
- Effective supply chain management that guarantees fresh supplies and delivery of quality products.
- Good brand recognition and advertising campaigns that appeal to the urban youth incredibly.
3. Biryani By Kilo
- Founded: 2015
- Founder: Vishal Jindal and Kaushik Roy
- Website: https://biryanibykilo.com/
Biryani By Kilo is a company that focuses on traditionally cooked biryani and is among the well-known cloud kitchen startups in India, delivering authentic flavors directly to customers’ doorsteps. Backed by investors such as IvyCap Ventures and Alchemist with funding of about 20 million dollars, the company operates around 50 cloud kitchen locations across 15+ cities.
Its unique cooking technique—preparing biryani in earthen handis—creates a distinctive taste profile that sets it apart in a competitive market. By using quality ingredients and authentic recipes, Biryani By Kilo appeals strongly to the premium segment, building high customer loyalty and successfully expanding into complementary offerings like kebabs and desserts.
Funding and Growth:
- Collected around 20 million dollars in investments with such parties as IvyCap Ventures and Alchemist.
- It has 50+ cloud kitchen points and operates in 15+ cities in India.
- Offering a variety of products other than biryani such as kebabs, desserts.
What Makes Them Successful:
- Earthen handi cooking offers differentiation and unique taste.
- Quality ingredients and traditional recipes with the emphasis on premium positioning.
- A powerful word-of-mouth communication and consumer loyalty due to the regular quality of taste.
4. FreshMenu
- Founded: 2014
- Founder: Rashmi Daga
- Website: https://www.freshmenu.com/
FreshMenu serves a mix of international and Indian cuisine and is recognized as one of the innovative cloud kitchen startups in India, with a strong emphasis on fresh, seasonal food. Backed by investors such as Lightspeed and Zodius, the company operates in major metropolitan regions including Bangalore, Mumbai, and Delhi NCR, fulfilling over 5,000 orders per day.
FreshMenu’s daily rotating online menu is a key differentiator, keeping offerings exciting and encouraging repeat orders. Its focus on chef-prepared meals made with quality ingredients, combined with efficient last-mile delivery, ensures customers receive hot and fresh food consistently.
Funding and Growth:
- Raised over $30 million in capital (Lightspeed and Zodius).
- Available in Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi NCR and other big metropolitan cities.
- Places 5,000 or more orders each day with seasonal menus and limited edition.
What Makes Them Successful:
- Changing menu every day makes the offerings fresh and exciting and prompts to make the order again.
- Pay attention to the quality of food and the use of high-quality ingredients and dishes made by a chef.
- Effective delivery logistics that provide hot and fresh food to the customers on time is always provided.
5. Curefoods
- Founded: 2020
- Founder: Ankit Nagori
- Website: https://curefoods.in/about
Curefoods Is a multi-brand cloud kitchen network incubating and growing food brands with a focus on honest food customers love sustainably.Curefoods offers healthy, balanced meals using cloud kitchens serving health conscious customers. The fitness-conscious urban consumer is keen on the health-conscious menu of The brand, with calories counting and calorie tracking, and Curefoods has created a customer trust which comes with the maintenance of standard quality check and approved recipes by nutritionists that provides nutrition without jeopardizing the taste.
Funding and Growth:
- Collected over 175 million dollars (and more) of investments with Binny Bansal, Chiratae Ventures, and Accel.
- The second-largest cloud kitchen business in India that operates 200+ kitchens in 70 cities.
- IPO filed in 2025 with an aim of aggressive expansion of 746 crore revenue.
What Makes Them Successful:
- Various brand portfolio such as EatFit, CakeZone, Sharief Bhai, Nomad Pizza and Krispy Kreme.
- Improved operations based on technology make the processes of sourcing ingredients to delivering products to the consumers efficient.
- Brand alliances and strategic acquisitions lead to high growth and market penetration within a short period of time.
6. WarmOven
- Founded: 2013
- Founder: Sumit Gupta
- Website: https://www.warmoven.in/
WarmOven is the largest online bakery brand in India and one of the successful cloud kitchen startups, offering fresh cakes and desserts across 40+ cities and transforming the bakery segment. Backed by investors such as India Quotient and the LetsVenture angel network, the company has catered to nearly one million celebrations across India.
WarmOven’s strong focus on the bakery niche has helped build powerful brand recall, supported by same-day delivery, extensive customization options, and consistent quality. Its wide product portfolio—including cakes, cookies, and desserts—serves a range of occasions, making it a preferred choice for celebrations nationwide.
Funding and Growth:
- Investment financing raised by Indian Quotient and LetsVenture angel network.
- Revenue generated by it is one of the largest online bakery chains as it operates in 40 cities.
- Participated in almost a million events and milestones all over India.
What Makes Them Successful:
- Bakery specialization brings good brand name and recall.
- The customization and delivery in the same day contribute to the customer experience and satisfaction.
- Large selection of products including cakes and cookies meets various events.
7. Kitchens@ (Loyal Hospitality)
- Founded: 2018
- Founder: Junaiz Kizhakkayil
- Website: https://www.loyalhospitality.in/
Kitchens@ is a countrywide cloud kitchen aggregator, the largest in India that offers infrastructure technology and operational support to F&B brands, in particular, by employing an authentic street food taste and making quality food affordable through affordable prices.Kitchens@ is a successful company that focuses on health and nutrition without modifying the taste of the food, in other words, on maintaining authentic street food and making it affordable due to affordable prices. The company has broadened its menu beyond rolls into other culinary products, and it has also ensured that the taste and quality remains the same across all outlets and this is because of the good operating systems it has.
Funding and Growth:
- Raised $65 million in Series C with majority of stake in Finnest, a UK-based institution.
- Has 1,000+ cloud kitchens in 20 cities following its merger with Kitchens Centre.
- Acquired Swiggy Access Kitchen that is growing to six major cities and has 700 kitchens.
What Makes Them Successful:
- Extensive turnkey package to include infrastructure, technology, operations and demand management services successfully.
- Market position was seriously consolidated with strategic acquisitions of Swiggy Access and Kitchens Centre.
- Hybrid model Dinerium involves both online delivery and offline dining that generates exceptional experience.
8. SLAY Coffee
- Founded: 2016
- Founder: Chaitanya Chitta & Lakshmi Dasaka
- Website: https://www.slaycoffee.in/
SLAY Coffee is a premium coffee and snacks provider and one of the niche cloud kitchen startups in India, delivering quality beverages to offices and homes through cloud kitchens in select metropolitan cities. The company began with seed funding from angel investors and early-stage venture capital and focuses exclusively on the high-end coffee segment.
By offering office delivery subscriptions and customized corporate packages, SLAY Coffee has built a strong corporate client base and differentiated itself from mainstream café chains. Its convenience-driven model appeals to busy professionals seeking quality coffee at home, while subscription plans ensure stable revenue and long-term customer retention.
Funding and Growth:
- Firm seed financing by angel investors and early-stage venture capital funds.
- Has a small number of metropolitan cities where it operates premium coffee segment only.
- Established good corporate client base through office delivery subscriptions and package.
What Makes Them Successful:
- The quality of the coffee is that of the premium, which is distinguished better than those of mainstream cafe chains and competitors.
- The model is convenience-oriented as it targets busy professionals with a need to have quality coffee delivery services.
- Corporate tie-ups and subscription guarantees ensure consistent revenue and customer retention.
9. UBQ by Barbeque Nation
- Founded: 2018
- Founder: Barbeque Nation Hospitality (Parent Company)
- Website: https://www.barbequenation.com/
UBQ by Barbeque Nation is Barbeque Nation’s cloud kitchen division, providing affordable Indian food with the signature taste across the country. The special recipes and sets of flavors make UBQ by Barbeque Nation stand out in the market because its positioning is unique in the international cuisine segment. When it comes to fresh ingredients and thrilling culinary experiences that lead to customer satisfaction, they are using their multi-brand strategy to maximize revenue and streamline their resources.
Funding and Growth:
- One of the publicly listed Barbeque Nation Hospitality with good financial support in the country.
- The company operates in 77+ cities in India, utilizing the infrastructure of existing restaurant kitchens.
- Introduced the Dum Safar brand biryani and the Barbeque in a Box brand growing products.
What Makes Them Successful:
- Effectively consistently with the established brand consideration and signature Indian flavors of the brand name of Barbeque Nation.
- The value-focused pricing scheme brings the quality restaurant food to the wider consumer groups.
- The diverse tastes are taken care of with the convenience of rice bowls, family meals, and barbeque boxes.
10. Seoul Fried Chicken
- Founded: 2021
- Founder: Manik Dhingra
- Website: https://sfcchicken.com/
Seoul Fried Chicken delivers authentic Korean cuisine experiences and is among the emerging cloud kitchen startups in India, known for its quality ingredients and bold flavors. The brand has expanded across multiple cities through franchise and cloud kitchen business models, supported by small-scale venture capital rounds and angel investors.
Seoul Fried Chicken has built a strong cult following among Korean food enthusiasts and urban youth due to its authentic taste, which helps it stand out in a crowded fried chicken market. Its strong community engagement, active social media presence, consistent quality, and excellent customer service create a delightful customer experience and drive repeat orders.
Funding and Growth:
- Raised finances with angel funds and small venture capital investment rounds.
- Franchised and cloud kitchen operation patterns in more cities.
- Cult following created among the Korean food lovers and younger urban consumers.
What Makes Them Successful:
- The differentiation of competition in the fried chicken market segment is developed by authentic flavors of Korean.
- Proper community interaction and social media coverage are a strong way of creating brand loyalty.
- Regular quality and customer care guarantee the ordering of food, and returning to the place.
Cloud Kitchen Registration & Licenses in India
- FSSAI License: It is a legal requirement that Food Safety and Standards Authority be registered.
- GST Registration: Tax Registration which is needed to comply with taxes and to have an invoice.
- Trade License: Municipal corporation trade license is required for the operation of a commercial food business.
- Fire Safety Certificate: Fire department clearance confirms compliance with kitchen safety standards and regulations.
- Hygienic Approval: Inspection and permission by the local health department are required for hygienic compliance.
Which Is the Best Cloud Kitchen in India?
- Rebel Foods Leadership: The biggest multi-brand cloud kitchen operator with successful global strategy.
- Specialization Success: Niche-based brands such as Biryani By Kilo and WarmOven are successful.
- Health-Conscious Choice: EatFit is the leader in the nutritious meal segment that has an integrated wellness approach.
- Innovation Factor: FreshMenu is unique for its daily-changing menu and seasonal offerings.
- Regional Preferences: The best option will be based on cuisine preferences, location availability, and delivery quality.
Challenges in Cloud Kitchen Business
- High Competition: Flooded market with many players actively vying against each other with scarce customers.
- Aggregator Dependency: Large commission rates (20-30%) on food delivery platforms lower profit margins.
- Quality Consistency: It is always difficult to ensure that there are consistent taste and quality in various kitchens.
- Cost of Customer Acquisition: This is a high cost of marketing that is needed to attract and keep customers in a competitive market.
- Operational Efficiency: It is necessary to monitor inventory management, minimize waste, and optimize delivery logistics.
Conclusion
Cloud kitchen startups in India are a revolutionary change in the Indian food industry, providing entrepreneurs with lower investment requirements and profitable opportunities. The fast development of the sector, because of the use of technology and evolving buyer behavior, is still receiving high investments.
Though there are issues, there are successful brands which show that strategic positioning, operational excellence, and customer focus will enable successful growth. Cloud kitchen startups will continue to be part of the dynamic food delivery system in India.
FAQs
What is the lowest investment to begin operations of cloud kitchen startups in India?
A simple cloud kitchen business needs 5-10 lakhs of money in the form of kitchen equipment, license, initial stock and working capital during initial months of operation.
What is the period for a cloud kitchen to become profitable?
The break-even point for most cloud kitchens is reached in 6-12 months, depending on location, operational efficiency, marketing, and customer acquisition strategies.
Does being a cloud kitchen owner require previous experience in the restaurant?
It is not required though experience helps. Look forward to food safety, operations management, and success through working with seasoned chefs.
What are the food aggregator platforms that cloud kitchen startups in India should collaborate with?
Zomato and Swiggy are very vital in India. Also keep in mind collaborating with DotPe, Dunzo and creating your delivery infrastructure.
