How to Make an App Like Zomato: Features, Cost & Tech Stack Explained

Harshid Patel

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Food delivery apps have changed how people order food in India and worldwide. Apps like Zomato make it easy for users to browse restaurants, order meals, and get food delivered to their doorstep. In 2026, the demand for food delivery platforms continues to grow as more people prefer convenient online ordering. If you are thinking about building an app like Zomato, understanding the right features, development cost, and technology is important. This blog explains how to create a food delivery app, what features to include, and the tech stack needed to build a successful platform.

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Why Building a Food Delivery App Like Zomato is a Smart Business Idea

Food delivery apps are growing fast in India and across the globe.

High demand for online food ordering

More people are using smartphones and ordering food online. Busy lifestyles and convenience drive this demand. A well-designed food delivery app can attract thousands of users quickly.

Multiple revenue streams for business growth

Food delivery apps earn money through delivery fees, restaurant commissions, and premium subscriptions. Advertising and promotional listings also generate income. These multiple revenue sources make the business model profitable.

Opportunity to serve local restaurants and customers

Local restaurants need online platforms to reach more customers. A food delivery app connects restaurants with hungry customers easily. This creates value for both businesses and users.

Must-Have Features for a Food Delivery App Like Zomato

Building a successful food delivery app requires essential features for users, restaurants, and delivery partners.

User app features for easy ordering

The user app should include registration, restaurant search, menu browsing, and order placement. Real-time order tracking and multiple payment options improve user experience. Ratings and reviews help users choose the best restaurants.

Restaurant panel for managing orders and menus

Restaurants need a panel to manage their menus, prices, and availability. They should receive order notifications instantly and update order status. Sales reports and customer feedback help restaurants improve their services.

Delivery partner app for efficient deliveries

Delivery partners need an app to accept orders, view delivery addresses, and navigate routes. Earnings tracking and delivery history keep drivers motivated. Real-time communication with customers ensures smooth deliveries.

Also to read:- How Much Does It Cost to Build an AI App Like Gemini AI?

Development Process for Building an App Like Zomato

A clear development process helps build a reliable food delivery platform.

Planning and market research

Development starts with understanding the target audience and competitors. Research local market needs and user preferences. Defining features and business goals creates a strong foundation for the project.

UI/UX design and app development

Designers create user-friendly interfaces that are easy to navigate. Developers build the app using the chosen tech stack and integrate necessary features. Separate apps are developed for users, restaurants, and delivery partners.

Testing, launch, and continuous improvement

Before launching, the app is tested for bugs and performance issues. User feedback is collected during beta testing to make improvements. After launch, regular updates and new features keep the app competitive.

Technology Stack Required to Build a Food Delivery App

Frontend and backend technologies

For mobile apps, React Native or Flutter works well for both Android and iOS. Node.js or Python handles backend operations efficiently. A strong backend manages user data, orders, and restaurant information securely.

Database and cloud hosting solutions

MySQL or MongoDB stores user data, restaurant menus, and order details. Cloud platforms like AWS or Google Cloud provide reliable hosting and scalability. These technologies ensure fast performance even during peak hours.

Payment gateway and GPS integration

Payment gateways like Razorpay or Paytm enable secure online transactions. GPS integration helps track delivery partners and show real-time order status. Push notifications keep users updated about order progress.

Cost to Develop a Food Delivery App Like Zomato

Basic app with essential features

A basic food delivery app with core features costs between ₹8 lakh to ₹15 lakh. This includes user app, restaurant panel, and delivery partner app. Development time typically ranges from 4 to 6 months.

Advanced app with AI and custom features

An advanced app with AI recommendations, chatbots, and loyalty programs costs ₹1 lakh. Custom features and integrations increase development time and budget. Companies like ngendev technolab offer custom solutions based on specific business needs.

Ongoing maintenance and updates

After launch, monthly maintenance costs around ₹50,000 to ₹1.5 lakh. This includes bug fixes, updates, server costs, and customer support. Regular updates keep the app secure and competitive.

How to Choose the Right Development Partner for Your Food Delivery App

Experience in building food delivery platforms

Choose a company that has experience creating apps similar to Zomato or Swiggy. Check their portfolio and client reviews to understand their expertise. Experienced developers understand the challenges of food delivery apps better.

Custom development and scalability

A good development partner offers custom solutions that fit your business model. The app should be scalable to handle growing users and orders. Flexibility in adding new features later is also important.

Transparent pricing and post-launch support

Clear pricing with no hidden costs builds trust and helps budget planning. Post-launch support ensures quick fixes and smooth app performance. Long-term partnership with developers helps your app grow successfully.

Conclusion

Building a food delivery app like Zomato requires careful planning, the right features, and reliable technology. Understanding user needs, restaurant operations, and delivery logistics is essential for success. Choosing an experienced development partner helps bring your vision to life while staying within budget. With the right approach, a food delivery app can become a profitable business that serves local restaurants and hungry customers. In 2026, the food delivery market continues to expand, making it the perfect time to launch your platform.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to build an app like Zomato?

Building a food delivery app like Zomato typically takes 4 to 6 months for a basic version with essential features. If you want advanced features like AI recommendations, chatbots, or loyalty programs, development can take 8 to 12 months. The timeline depends on app complexity, features, design requirements, and development team size.

What features should I include in a food delivery app like Zomato?

A food delivery app should include three main panels. The user app needs registration, restaurant search, menu browsing, order tracking, multiple payment options, and ratings.

How much does it cost to make an app like Zomato in India?

Building a food delivery app like Zomato in India usually costs a few thousand dollars for a basic version. A more advanced app with custom features and smart integrations may need a higher budget,

Which technology stack is best for building a food delivery app?

For mobile app development, React Native or Flutter works best for both Android and iOS platforms. Node.js or Python is recommended for backend development.

Can I launch a basic food delivery app first and add features later?

Yes, launching with a basic MVP (Minimum Viable Product) is a smart approach. Start with essential features like restaurant listing, ordering, payment, and delivery tracking. Once the app gains users and feedback, you can add advanced features

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