When experts discuss the future of the restaurant industry, there is always a lot of buzz about the existence of Cloud Kitchens. Post-pandemic, cloud kitchens are getting a lot of focus and honestly why not? Cloud kitchens are like a next-gen thing for the restaurant industry.
Before we get any further, let’s clear out what exactly cloud kitchens are:
Cloud Kitchens, also known as ghost kitchens, are basically a delivery-only restaurant business model. They do not offer a dine-in option and cater to their customers solely through online delivery. Cloud Kitchens infrastructure basically includes a kitchen set-up and tie-up with food delivery applications.
Cloud Kitchen Industry Growth and Market Size in India: 2024–2025
As of August 2025, the cloud kitchen industry in India has seen significant growth compared to 2019. Reliable market estimates indicate:
- The market size of cloud kitchens in India in 2024 was around $1.1 billion to $1.3 billion, with strong year-on-year growth.
- In 2025, the Indian cloud kitchen market is valued at approximately $1.1 billion (USD 1,097.5 million), with projections to reach $2.95 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 12.67% to 16.63% depending on the source.
- The industry consists of thousands of cloud kitchens, with the total number continuing to expand as both established brands and new entrepreneurs enter the market.
These numbers reinforce that the industry has more than doubled since 2019, when it stood at $400 million, but it is slightly behind the $2 billion mark projected for 2024 by some earlier reports. The updated, real, and verifiable data for 2025 reflects a robust, rapidly growing market, but not one that has yet reached $2 billion by this date
How Top Cloud Kitchens Stay Ahead
Industry leaders don’t just serve great food they excel at operational efficiency, data-driven decisions, and seamless customer experiences. Here’s how top cloud kitchens leverage integrated technology to maintain their competitive edge:
Multi-Brand Management: Leading cloud kitchens operate 5-15 different brands from single locations, requiring unified systems that can handle distinct menus, pricing, and promotions while sharing kitchen resources efficiently.
Real-Time Operations: Peak hour success depends on live coordination between order intake, kitchen capacity, ingredient availability, and delivery logistics—all managed through integrated dashboards.
Data-Driven Growth: Top performers analyze order patterns, ingredient costs, preparation times, and customer feedback in real-time to optimize menus, pricing, and operations continuously.
Supplier Integration: Successful cloud kitchens maintain consistent quality and cost control through automated procurement systems that sync inventory levels with demand forecasting.
RECOMMENDED READ:
Now, let’s come down to the list,
Top 5 Cloud Kitchens in India: 2025 Edition
Rebel Foods
Rebel Foods started as Faasos in 2011 and is now one of the biggest cloud kitchen brands in India. It has 11 cloud kitchen companies under its umbrella. Some of them are Faasos, Sweeth Truth, Behrouz Biryani, Oven Story, etc. They believe in providing technological infrastructure for exquisite culinary craftsmanship. As of July 2021, they operate 320+ cloud kitchens across India.
Curefoods
Curefoods is among the fastest-growing cloud kitchen companies in India, focused on healthy and diverse offerings through brands like EatFit, CakeZone, Nomad Pizza, Sharief Bhai Biryani, and Frozen Bottle. With 500+ kitchens in 70+ cities, Curefoods is redefining how Indians eat, bringing together quality, scale, and sustainable food practices.
Funding: Curefoods raised $40 million (₹330 crore) in Series D funding in December 2024 and an additional ₹56.4 crore debt in early 2025, with leading investors like Iron Pillar, Chiratae Ventures, Shinhan Group, and BlackSoil Group.
Biryani By Kilo
Biryani by Kilo is the biggest biryani delivery cloud kitchen chain in India. It is available in 22 cities for delivery and dine-in. Their entire menu is focused on providing the most authentic biryanis to their customers, made specially in earthen pots. They excel in Lucknowi & Hyderabadi biryani. They not only focus on the final product but also focus on the entire process of making it and present their dishes in an utmost appealing manner.
HOI Foods
HOI Foods operates over 150 cloud kitchens and is popular for its affordable, multi-cuisine daily meal combos that are especially popular for office lunches and home deliveries. This cloud kitchen has expanded rapidly in Delhi-NCR and Bangalore, also partnering with various brands across its kitchen network.
Funding: HOI Foods secured $2 million (about ₹16 crore) in pre-Series A funding, led by 1Crowd, and has raised a total of about $3 million so far, fueled by investors like AngelList India and Gemba Capital.
FreshMenu
FreshMenu is a pioneer in chef-curated, ever-changing menus, serving premium, fresh meals in metros across India. With its robust delivery network and in-house brands like Edesia and Donburi, FreshMenu is a favorite among urban foodies who seek variety and quality.
Funding: FreshMenu has received over $37 million in funding, with the latest being a $6.5 million (₹50 crore) investment from Florintree Advisors in 2022. Backed by Lightspeed Ventures, Zodius Capital, and Innoven Capital, FreshMenu continues to expand.
Cloud Kitchens are gaining immense popularity for their added benefits as well as profitability. These are going to be one of the most beneficial F&B business models. It is safe to say that Cloud Kitchens are vital to success in the post-COVID restaurant industry and are at par with the experience offered by dine-in restaurants.
RECOMMENDED READ:
Need help scaling your cloud kitchen in India? Here’s your guide: 5 Best Strategies To Increase Online Orders For Your Cloud Kitchen
Conclusion
Cloud kitchens are rapidly reshaping the landscape of the Indian restaurant industry. As the top brands demonstrate, success in this sector is driven by operational efficiency, smart use of technology, and a keen understanding of evolving consumer preferences. With significant market growth projected through the next decade, cloud kitchens offer exciting possibilities for entrepreneurs and established F&B businesses alike. This innovative business model stands poised to not just complement but transform how India experiences restaurant food in the digital era.
Let us know in the comments if we have missed any amazing cloud kitchens on our list. Follow us on Instagram for more restaurant updates!
FAQs
A cloud kitchen, also known as a ghost kitchen, is a delivery-only restaurant model that operates without a dine-in facility. Orders are taken exclusively through online delivery platforms, allowing businesses to save on rental and staffing costs compared to traditional restaurants.
Cloud kitchens excel with a wide variety of cuisines, but formats that focus on fast-moving, delivery-friendly food, such as biryani, pizza, sandwiches, bowls, and desserts, tend to perform especially well. Brands that offer customization, quick preparation, and maintain food quality during delivery are particularly successful in India’s competitive online food delivery market
As of 2025, the Indian cloud kitchen market is valued at approximately $1.1 billion (around ₹9,081 crore), with projections to reach $2.95 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 12.67% to 16.63%.
The growth is fueled by increased demand for online food delivery, lower operational costs versus dine-in models, convenience for consumers, and integration of advanced technology for efficient operations and data-driven decisions.
Yes. Cloud kitchens provide several advantages including scalability, cost efficiency, adaptability to consumer trends, and the ability to experiment with various cuisines, making the model both profitable and sustainable as the Indian food delivery market continues to expand.
