Market Overview

The India online food delivery market size, valued at USD 48.07 Billion in 2024, has seen substantial growth, offering access to a diverse range of cuisines and dining options. The market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 27.30% from 2025 to 2034, potentially reaching USD 537.23 Billion by 2034, as delivery platforms adopt eco-friendly packaging and sustainable practices to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. The rapid penetration of smartphones, increasing internet accessibility, and changing consumer lifestyles have fueled this growth. Major cities continue to dominate the market, but emerging demand from tier-2 and tier-3 cities is also contributing to expansion. Furthermore, food delivery platforms are leveraging AI-driven recommendations and loyalty programs to enhance customer experience and retention.

Market Segmentation

By Cuisine

Indian

Indian cuisine remains the most preferred category in online food delivery, with regional flavors and traditional dishes driving demand. Consumers frequently order biryanis, thalis, and street-food-inspired meals. The market has also seen a rise in demand for healthy Indian meal options, such as millet-based dishes and home-style cooked food. Local restaurants and cloud kitchens focusing on Indian cuisine continue to thrive as customers seek authentic flavors conveniently delivered to their doorstep.

Chinese

Chinese cuisine is a staple in the Indian online food delivery market, with items such as noodles, momos, and Manchurian dishes being widely ordered. Indo-Chinese fusion dishes have gained immense popularity, especially among young consumers and office-goers. The affordability and quick preparation of Chinese food make it an attractive choice for both consumers and restaurant operators. Many cloud kitchens and delivery-only brands specialize in Chinese food, ensuring quick service and high availability.

Italian

Italian cuisine, particularly pizzas and pasta, has gained widespread acceptance among Indian consumers. The presence of international brands alongside homegrown pizza chains has contributed to the segment’s rapid growth. Consumers in metro cities show a strong preference for gourmet pizzas, artisanal pasta, and healthier Italian meal options. Customization options, such as whole wheat or gluten-free bases, are also gaining traction, appealing to health-conscious customers.

Others

Apart from Indian, Chinese, and Italian, there is a growing demand for international cuisines such as Thai, Mexican, and Japanese. Sushi, tacos, and ramen are gaining popularity among urban consumers who seek diverse dining experiences. Food delivery platforms are increasingly partnering with specialty restaurants and cloud kitchens to cater to this evolving demand. The rise of fusion cuisine, such as Indian-Mexican or Indo-Japanese, is also contributing to this segment’s growth.

By Platform

Website

Website-based ordering remains relevant, especially for corporate clients and bulk orders. Many consumers still prefer using a desktop or laptop to browse detailed menus and place large orders for office meetings, family gatherings, or events. Some food delivery companies offer exclusive discounts for orders placed through their websites, ensuring continued engagement with this platform.

Mobile Application

Mobile applications dominate the online food delivery landscape, with a majority of orders being placed via smartphones. The convenience of app-based ordering, combined with real-time tracking, personalized recommendations, and seamless payment options, has significantly enhanced user engagement. AI-driven algorithms personalize customer experiences by suggesting preferred dishes and deals based on order history. Mobile applications also facilitate loyalty programs and subscription-based models that encourage repeat purchases.

By Delivery Type

Restaurant-to-Consumer Delivery

In this model, restaurants manage their own logistics and deliver food directly to consumers. This approach is particularly popular among premium dining establishments and fast-food chains that prefer to control the quality and speed of their deliveries. Many high-end restaurants and specialty food brands have integrated online ordering systems with their websites and mobile apps to serve customers efficiently while maintaining brand exclusivity.

Platform-to-Consumer Delivery

Platform-to-consumer delivery is the most prevalent model, where aggregators like Zomato and Swiggy connect restaurants with consumers and handle the delivery logistics. This model offers a vast selection of restaurants and cuisines, making it the preferred choice for customers. It enables smaller restaurants, home chefs, and cloud kitchens to scale their operations without investing in their own delivery infrastructure. With the rise of express delivery services and cloud kitchen partnerships, this model continues to dominate the market.

By Payment Method

Online

Online payments, including UPI, credit/debit cards, and digital wallets, have become the preferred mode of payment in India’s food delivery market. The integration of digital payment solutions has enhanced transaction security and convenience, reducing dependency on cash transactions. Many platforms offer discounts and cashback incentives to encourage digital payments, further driving their adoption.

Cash on Delivery

Despite the growing popularity of online payments, cash on delivery (COD) remains a preferred choice in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. Some consumers still favor COD due to concerns about online fraud or lack of access to digital payment options. However, as digital literacy improves and fintech adoption increases, the share of COD transactions is gradually declining.

Regional Analysis

North India

North India, including Delhi, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh, is a significant contributor to the online food delivery market. The region’s high urbanization rate, diverse food preferences, and strong digital penetration have fueled market growth. Biryani, kebabs, and North Indian thalis remain among the most ordered items in this region.

South India

South India, particularly Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad, has witnessed strong demand for online food delivery services. Consumers in these cities frequently order South Indian breakfast items such as dosas and idlis, along with global cuisines. The presence of a large working population and a thriving IT sector contributes to increased adoption of food delivery apps.

West India

Mumbai and Pune are the primary drivers of online food delivery in West India. The region’s fast-paced lifestyle, high disposable income, and inclination toward convenience-based dining have fueled market expansion. The growing popularity of street food and gourmet experiences has led to the rise of fusion cuisine options in online food delivery.

East India

Kolkata and other cities in East India are emerging markets for online food delivery. Traditional Bengali cuisine, along with growing interest in international flavors, is driving market demand. Expanding digital infrastructure and increasing smartphone penetration are further supporting the region’s market growth.

Competitive Landscape

• Zomato Limited
• Bundl Technologies Pvt Ltd (Swiggy)
• Foodvista India Private Limited (FreshMenu)
• Jubilant FoodWorks Ltd.
• Yum! Brands, Inc.
• Plaza Restaurants Private Limited
• Curefoods India Private Limited
• Rebel Foods
• Sky Gate Hospitality Pvt Ltd
• Poncho Hospitality Pvt. Ltd.
• Others