Typology of cloud kitchens in the Indian context
| Type | Floor area | Description | Specifics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Independent cloud kitchen model | 500–600 Sq. ft | The oldest and original model | Orders are online with delivery only model. Exclusive kitchen space. Highly specialized cuisine. Aggregator dependent. Found all across India |
| The brand house model | 2000+ Sq. ft | Multi-brand kitchen for multiple cuisines. Single kitchen. 1 mother kitchen, many child brands | Adopted by Rebel foods. Online orders to single kitchen with multiple brands. Different cuisine variety. Aggregator dependent, but with own platform also |
| The Storefront Franchise model | 1,200–2000 Sq. ft | Single brand in single kitchen, but multiple outlets and a visible storefront | Has the traits of a typical cloud kitchen with the option of takeaway. Allows physical access to end customers. Used by FreshMenu in Delhi |
| Aggregator Owned (Shell type) model | Multiple kitchens of 100–500 Sq. ft in a larger kitchen | Multi-brand offering owned by an aggregator with rented kitchens. A shell model with only space and basic utilities. Clients bring all equipment, staff, raw materials and menu etc. | Parent aggregator is source of orders. Provides space for partner brands in same kitchen. Higher vertical integration. Used by Swiggy in Swiggy access |
| Aggregator Owned (Filled-shell type) model | Multiple partners, each operating a kitchen space of 250–500 Sq. ft | Rented kitchens, but equipment provided by aggregator. Technical details shared, including recipes. Has a visible storefront | Fuller than the shell type model, with more support from aggregator. Customers can walk into the store for takeaway. Patronized by Zomato Infrastructure services |
| Fully Outsourced model | n.a | Everything is outsourced. Even major kitchen work is outsourced. Chefs only do final touches and finishing | Called Kitopi model after the call-center. Own online platform. Raw materials purchased and stored. Pre-prepared in central kitchen. Sent to satellite kitchen for final touches |
| Type | Floor area | Description | Specifics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Independent cloud kitchen model | 500–600 Sq. ft | The oldest and original model | Orders are online with delivery only model. Exclusive kitchen space. Highly specialized cuisine. Aggregator dependent. Found all across India |
| The brand house model | 2000+ Sq. ft | Multi-brand kitchen for multiple cuisines. Single kitchen. 1 mother kitchen, many child brands | Adopted by Rebel foods. Online orders to single kitchen with multiple brands. Different cuisine variety. Aggregator dependent, but with own platform also |
| The Storefront Franchise model | 1,200–2000 Sq. ft | Single brand in single kitchen, but multiple outlets and a visible storefront | Has the traits of a typical cloud kitchen with the option of takeaway. Allows physical access to end customers. Used by FreshMenu in Delhi |
| Aggregator Owned (Shell type) model | Multiple kitchens of 100–500 Sq. ft in a larger kitchen | Multi-brand offering owned by an aggregator with rented kitchens. A shell model with only space and basic utilities. Clients bring all equipment, staff, raw materials and menu etc. | Parent aggregator is source of orders. Provides space for partner brands in same kitchen. Higher vertical integration. Used by Swiggy in Swiggy access |
| Aggregator Owned (Filled-shell type) model | Multiple partners, each operating a kitchen space of 250–500 Sq. ft | Rented kitchens, but equipment provided by aggregator. Technical details shared, including recipes. Has a visible storefront | Fuller than the shell type model, with more support from aggregator. Customers can walk into the store for takeaway. Patronized by Zomato Infrastructure services |
| Fully Outsourced model | n.a | Everything is outsourced. Even major kitchen work is outsourced. Chefs only do final touches and finishing | Called Kitopi model after the call-center. Own online platform. Raw materials purchased and stored. Pre-prepared in central kitchen. Sent to satellite kitchen for final touches |
Source(s): Compiled by author from Limetray (2018)
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