Andhra Pradesh: Cloud Kitchens Emerge as Game-Changers in Food Industry

 Visakhapatnam: In a significant shift from traditional dining, cloud kitchens are revolutionizing the food service industry in Visakhapatnam, where some 15 such establishments are now operational.

These delivery-only restaurants, run by diverse groups – teams of friends, housewives or professionals -- are capitalizing on the post-pandemic changes in the consumer behaviour overall.

The pandemic-induced curbs on dine-in services have altered the restaurant landscape. Many business units are adopting the cloud kitchen model to reduce operational costs.

Cloud kitchens, also known as ghost kitchens or virtual kitchens, focus solely on food delivery, without a dine-in facility. This reduces overhead costs such as rent, electricity and interior decor.

These kitchens offer a range of food items from pizzas and burgers to biryanis, vegetarian thali and healthy meal options tailored to customer requirements. There are also the monthly subscription plans at reduced costs.

Food inspector Appa Rao, in a conversation with Deccan Chronicle, said these operations maintain high standards of food safety. "Some 99% of them have FSSAI and fire safety regulations, which are mandatory for listing on online delivery platforms," he stated.

He noted that many of these businesses are home-based operations run primarily by women seeking sustainable livelihoods.

Leading this transformation is SwapNow, whose founder & CEO Praveen Kota shared his plans with Deccan Chronicle. "Our main goal is to create a diverse range of healthy products within the junk food-dominated F&B landscape."The company aims to establish itself as India's largest healthy food brand, targeting a presence in five metros and 100 locations by 2029, with a projected annual recurring revenue (ARR) of  Rs 200 crore.

SwapNow, which began its journey in 2019, offers specialized meal plans starts at Rs 175. It promises a healthy treat, weight loss, high protein, and diabetic-specific dietary requirements to the needy customers.

Another notable player is The Healthy Wok, Vizag's first healthy Chinese and Asian food cloud kitchen. They doffer air-fried dishes and MSG-free meals, complete with calorie counts displayed on delivery platforms.

The city's cloud kitchen landscape offers an array of culinary choices to suit diverse palates.

Mad Batter, an innovative cloud cafe, has carved out a niche by serving international delicacies ranging from Korean sliders to indulgent desserts like bombolinis, bao buns, and churros.

Adding to this gastronomic diversity is Ruchira, which has earned a stellar 4+ rating on popular delivery platforms for its exceptional gourmet biryanis and kebabs.

Meanwhile, 4 Flavours has made its mark by introducing the city's first Egg Mughlai Biryani, alongside a variety of budget-friendly meal options that make gourmet dining accessible to all.