The Ultimate Guide to Getting Your Cloud Kitchen on Zomato

The monsoon brings a special kind of magic to South India. The skies turn grey, the roads get misty, and the trees shimmer in fresh shades of green. The air smells of wet earth, spices, and brewing filter coffee. It’s a season that invites you to pause, breathe deeply, and savour every moment. And with Bakrid just around the corner, there’s even more reason to step out. The festive weekend is the perfect excuse to go on a short getaway, explore new places, and share warm, comforting meals with the people you love. South India, with its rich culinary roots and scenic beauty, offers a truly unmatched experience during this time. Whether you’re dreaming of a spicy Chettinad lunch, a coastal seafood thali, or a cozy brunch in a rain-drenched courtyard, we’ve got you covered. 

These five handpicked restaurants don’t just serve great food — they serve it with a view, with warmth, and with the perfect touch of monsoon charm. Let the journey (and the feast) begin. Here’s where you should head this monsoon and Bakrid weekend in South India.

Read more: Cloud Kitchen vs. Traditional Restaurants: Which is More Profitable?

Restaurant vs. Café:  What Truly Sets Them Apart?

1. The Bangala, Karaikudi – A Taste of Chettinad Heritage

Karaikudi in Tamil Nadu becomes peaceful and beautiful during the rains. It’s a sleepy town with grand Chettinad mansions and rich food traditions. At the centre of this experience is The Bangala, a heritage hotel with a restaurant that serves some of the best Chettinad food in the country. The menu is all about bold flavours. Try the chicken Chettinad, mutton kola urundai (meatballs), and fish curry. The rice dishes here, especially their biryani, are comforting and full of spice. Every dish is made in traditional style using local spices, coconut, and ghee. The dining area is inside a 100-year-old bungalow with open courtyards and antique furniture. It feels like stepping into someone’s home. During the rains, the ambience becomes extra special. You’ll hear the sound of rain on the roof while eating something hot and spicy — a feeling that’s hard to beat.

• Perfect for: Slow travel lovers, history buffs, and spice fans.

2. Paragon, Calicut – Biryani, Seafood & Coastal Vibes

If you love biryani, Paragon in Calicut (Kozhikode) should be on your list. It’s a local legend that’s been serving Malabar food since 1939. People come from all over Kerala just to eat here. Their biryani is soft, fragrant, and not too spicy. It’s made with short-grain rice and layered with meat or fish. Try the prawn biryani or the beef biryani. You should also taste their Meen Pollichathu (fish wrapped in banana leaf) and Chicken Varattiyathu (dry-fried chicken in spices). Paragon gets busy during Bakrid weekend, so make sure you plan early. The rains only add charm to Calicut’s coastal roads. Imagine finishing a heavy biryani lunch and then heading for a drive along the beach in light drizzle. That’s what monsoon memories are made of.

• Perfect for: Biryani fans, seafood lovers, and road-trippers.

3. Raintree at Taj Savoy, Ooty – Fireplaces, Fusion & Fog

If you want a monsoon break in the hills, Ooty is your best pick. The drive up the hills is green and misty, and the weather stays cool. Inside the Taj Savoy Hotel, you’ll find Raintree, a restaurant that mixes South Indian food with colonial charm. Here, food is served hot in warm wooden interiors with a fireplace. Their mushroom pepper fry, lamb stew, and dosas with spicy chutneys are must-tries. The kitchen also serves Anglo-Indian dishes like roast chicken and creamy soups, which go perfectly with the mountain weather. What makes this place special during monsoon is the view — fog rolling over the lawns, the smell of eucalyptus in the air, and the comfort of a hot meal in hand. It’s perfect for couples or families looking to escape the city buzz.

• Perfect for: Hill station lovers, quiet escapes, and cozy dinners.

4. Kashi Art Café, Kochi – Banana Leaves & Rainy-Day Brunches

Kochi during monsoon is pure magic. The city slows down, the backwaters glisten, and the streets are filled with the smell of rain and filter coffee. In the middle of Fort Kochi is a peaceful little spot called Kashi Art Café. Kashi is more than a café. It’s a space where art, food, and nature come together. Their menu is filled with all-day breakfast items, fresh salads, sandwiches, and South Indian comfort food. Their appam with stew, banana leaf meals, and lemon cake are crowd favourites. The best part? You can sit under the open-to-sky courtyard while light rain falls around you. It’s the kind of place where time slows down. You’ll see solo travellers, artists, and families just soaking in the mood.

• Perfect for: Creative minds, solo diners, and brunch fans.

Know more: Dosa: The Perfect Crispy & Nutritious South Indian Breakfast!

5. Karavalli, Bengaluru – Forest Vibes in the City

You don’t always have to leave the city for a monsoon food experience. Karavalli, located at The Gateway Hotel in Bengaluru, brings coastal flavours from across South India right to your table — all in a setting that feels like a tropical garden. Karavalli is known for its focus on traditional recipes from Karnataka, Kerala, Goa, and Tamil Nadu. Try the Alleppey fish curry, Kundapur chicken, or Mangalorean mutton. Everything is cooked in small batches with hand-pounded spices and served on banana leaves. What’s unique here is the ambience. The restaurant is surrounded by greenery, stone paths, and water features that make it feel like you're eating in a forest. When it rains, the whole place feels fresher and more alive.

• Perfect for: City dwellers, seafood fans, and those looking for a quiet festive meal.

Plan Your Route: A Monsoon Food Trail Idea

You could start from Bengaluru (Karavalli), head to Ooty (Raintree), then drive down to Calicut (Paragon), and end the trip in Kochi (Kashi Art Café). For those who want a deeper dive into heritage, start at Karaikudi (The Bangala). Make it a road trip. Take it slow. Eat local.

There’s a reason why food feels more special during monsoon. The weather makes your appetite stronger. Spicy dishes taste warmer. Hot drinks feel more comforting. And in South India, where food is already rich in flavours, this season makes every meal more soulful. Bakrid is also coming, and it is not just about the celebration. It’s also about bonding over meals, cooking family recipes, and trying something new. With a long weekend and monsoon mood, this is your chance to turn a small trip into a food memory you’ll never forget.

Also check: Idli: The Ultimate Healthy South Indian Breakfast

For Monsoon Journey!

Good food does more than satisfy hunger, it brings comfort, joy, and lasting memories. Add to that the soft rhythm of monsoon rain, the warmth of shared laughter, and the festive spirit of Bakrid, and you have an experience that stays with you. Whether you're winding through misty hill roads or strolling by rain-washed beaches, South India offers the perfect mix of flavours and views. This season, let your journey be guided by local tastes, scenic routes, and heartwarming meals. It’s the ideal time to slow down, explore something new, and celebrate the little things. So pack light, take your favourite people along, and remember: the best travel companion this monsoon is your appetite.

The cloud kitchen business is booming in India. With food delivery apps like Uber Eats making it easier than ever to reach customers, starting your own cloud kitchen has become a smart move for many aspiring food entrepreneurs.

If you’re passionate about cooking and want to turn your talent into a business, this guide is for you. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to start a cloud kitchen on Uber Eats, including cost, licenses, setup, and tips to stand out.

Read more: How to Choose the Best Location for Your Cloud Kitchen in India

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What is a Cloud Kitchen?

A cloud kitchen, also called a ghost kitchen or dark kitchen, is a delivery-only restaurant. It doesn’t have dine-in space. You only need a kitchen, staff (optional), and tie-ups with food delivery platforms like Uber Eats. This model saves on rent and staff costs. It is perfect for people who want to start small and grow fast.

• Why is it Popular in India?

With busy work schedules, traffic, and growing online habits, Indian consumers now prefer ordering food online. According to industry reports, India’s cloud kitchen market is expected to cross Rs 3,500 crore by 2025.

Also check: 12 Delicious High-Protein Foods to Eat Daily for a Healthier You

Why Choose Uber Eats?

Uber Eats is one of the top food delivery platforms in India. It has a strong user base across metros and Tier 2 cities.

Here’s why you should consider it:

• Fast onboarding
• Easy-to-use partner dashboard
• Wide customer reach
• In-app promotions to grow your brand
• Transparent commission structure

Compared to other platforms, Uber Eats gives better visibility for new kitchens and allows you to control your pricing and delivery timings easily.

Know more: How AI & Automation Are Transforming Cloud Kitchens

Who Can Start a Cloud Kitchen?

You don’t need to be a hotelier to start a cloud kitchen. Here are people who can benefit from this model:

• Home chefs
• Bakers
• Food bloggers
• Ex-hotel staff
• Restaurant owners
• Catering professionals

Step-by-Step Guide to Start a Cloud Kitchen on Uber Eats

1. Choose Your Cuisine and Menu

Pick a cuisine you’re confident in. Focus on dishes that travel well, stay fresh, and are easy to pack. For example, biryani, wraps, sandwiches, and rice bowls work well.

2. Finalize Your Kitchen Space

You can use:

• Your home kitchen (with permissions)
• A rented commercial kitchen
• A shared kitchen space (co-working kitchens)

Make sure the location is near high-delivery zones and has good water, electricity, and ventilation.

3. Get the Right Licenses

You’ll need:

• FSSAI License (mandatory)
• GST Registration
• Trade License from your local municipality
• Fire NOC (for commercial kitchens)

Tip: You can apply for FSSAI online via https://foscos.fssai.gov.in

4. Buy Kitchen Equipment

Depending on your menu, buy or lease:

• Gas stove
• Refrigerator
• Microwave
• Utensils and containers
• Chimney or exhaust

Keep hygiene top-notch. Use food-grade containers and separate counters for veg and non-veg items.

5. Register on Uber Eats

Visit the Uber Eats for Merchants portal. Fill in your details and upload required documents:

• PAN and Aadhaar
• Menu and prices
• Kitchen address
• Bank account details

Uber Eats will verify your kitchen and may do a quick inspection. Once approved, your listing will go live.

6. Upload Menu and Photos

Good photos help. Hire a food photographer or use a decent phone camera in natural light. Keep dish names short, clear, and tempting.

7. Set Delivery Radius and Timings

You can choose your delivery hours, radius, and holiday schedule. It’s flexible. Start with peak hours—lunch and dinner—and expand as you grow.

8. Start Accepting Orders

Once everything is live, start delivering. Focus on speed and quality in the first few weeks. Happy customers will give better ratings, which boosts your listing.

What’s the Investment?

Here’s a rough estimate:

You can start with Rs 2 to Rs 3 lakhs in most cities.

Tips to Make Your Cloud Kitchen Stand Out

• Keep Branding Simple but Strong: Choose a catchy name and a clean logo. Stick to a consistent theme for menu, packaging, and social media.
• Focus on Food Photography: Visual appeal brings orders. Use simple lighting and clean backgrounds for photos.
• Run Launch Offers: Offer “Buy 1 Get 1” or discounts for the first 100 orders to get initial traction.
• Use Uber Eats Promotions: Invest in sponsored listings to appear on top in your locality. These are worth the spend in the early stage.

Packaging is the New Plating

Good packaging keeps food safe and fresh. Choose containers that are:

• Leak-proof
• Microwave safe
• Eco-friendly (optional but recommended)

Add tissues, cutlery, and handwritten thank-you notes for a personal touch.

Final Thoughts

Starting a cloud kitchen on Uber Eats is one of the fastest and easiest ways to enter the food business in India. Low investment, minimal risk, and high growth potential make it ideal for passionate cooks and new-age entrepreneurs. Just start small, stay consistent, and keep improving. Your food, brand, and story can reach thousands of customers every day—without ever needing a restaurant table. If you’d like a free checklist to start your cloud kitchen in 30 days, let us know, and we’ll send it across.