Everyone wants to do a side business to increase their income with their passion.
If you also want to earn side income from home then this blog is for you. So that you can earn money from home.
You can earn money by cooking food at your home, let’s know how. You can do this through cloud kitchen.
What is a Cloud Kitchen?
Cloud kitchen is a business in which food is made and delivered only when an order is received and there is no need for dine-in. To put it simply, this business does not require a restaurant and the business works only online. This is called cloud kitchen.
How to start a cloud kitchen from home?
Step-by-Step Guide to Start a Cloud Kitchen from Home
1. Do Market Research
Identify which type of food is in demand in your area (North, Indian, Biryani, Momos etc.)
Study your competitors on Zomato, Swiggy etc.
Find your niche – What is unique about your food?
2. Decide Your Menu
Start small: 5-10 best-selling dishes.
Keep it simple, affordable and easy to deliver.
Use high-margin items (good profit per dish).
3. Register Your Business
Depending on your country and state, you may need the following:
India Example:
- FSSAI license (mandatory for food businesses)
- Shop & Establishment License (optional but good to have)
- GST Registration (if applicable)
- Kitchen Inspection by Municipality (for hygiene compliance)
You can get help from online legal service platforms like India Filings, LegalZoom, or a local CA.
4. Set Up Your Home Kitchen for Business
- Keep your kitchen clean, hygienic, and organized.
- Invest in basic equipment: food warmers, packaging material, labelling printer, etc.
- Use separate utensils and storage for business use.
5. Create Your Brand
- Choose a business name.
- Design a logo (you can use free tools like Canva).
- Get professional-looking packaging – eco-friendly containers, stickers with logo, thank you notes.
6. Partner with Food Delivery Apps
Register your kitchen on:
You’ll need:
- FSSAI license
- PAN card
- Bank details
- Menu and prices
- Food photos (high-quality helps)
7. Marketing & Promotion
- Use WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook to promote locally.
- Offer discounts to first-time customers.
- Encourage Google Reviews and feedback.
- Partner with local influencers or food bloggers.
8. Take Orders and Deliver
- Start taking orders through delivery apps and your own social media/WhatsApp.
- You can self-deliver nearby or use platforms like Dunzo or WeFast (India) if not using Swiggy/Zomato.
9. Maintain Quality & Hygiene
- Customer loyalty comes from taste, consistency, and cleanliness.
- Use gloves, hairnets, and keep your space clean.
- Follow food safety rules strictly.
10. Track Profits and Scale Slowly
- Maintain a record of daily orders, expenses, and profit.
- Once you get steady orders, consider:
- Expanding your menu
- Hiring a helper
- Renting a small commercial kitchen
- Launching multiple brands from the same kitchen
How much does it cost to open a cloud kitchen?
| Item | Approx. Cost (INR) |
| FSSAI License | ₹1,000–₹5,000 |
| Basic Packaging & Branding | ₹3,000–₹10,000 |
| Cooking Equipment (if any) | ₹5,000–₹15,000 |
| Marketing (initial) | ₹2,000–₹5,000 |
| Food Delivery App Charges | 15–30% commission |
You can start with ₹10,000 to ₹30,000, depending on your setup.
Is Zomato a cloud kitchen?
No, Zomato itself is not a cloud kitchen.
Zomato is a food delivery platform that allows customers to order food from restaurants near them. It does not cook the food itself, but:
Lets customers order food through the app/website.
Connects with restaurants and cloud kitchens to get them delivered.
Does Zomato operate cloud kitchens?
It used to.
Zomato had started providing cloud kitchen space some time back (in 2019) through Zomato Infrastructure Services called Zomato Kitchens.
In this model, Zomato rented out kitchen space to small food brands.
But later Zomato shut down this cloud kitchen business.
What is the relationship between Zomato and Cloud Kitchens?
Zomato does not cook the food itself (it is not a cloud kitchen).But there are many cloud kitchen brands listed on Zomato, such as:
Keep a limited menu in the beginning. Take customer feedback. Do not compromise on kitchen hygiene and quality.
