What is the most ordered food in India?

Biryani has been the single most ordered dish on Indian delivery platforms for several years running, followed by pizza, chicken dishes, momos and paneer preparations.

Which food item has the highest profit margin?

Beverages, desserts, momos and paneer-based North Indian gravies typically deliver 65 to 80 percent gross margin, higher than meat-heavy mains.

What should a new cloud kitchen sell first?

Start with one hero category that already has proven demand in your area, add two or three high-margin sides, and expand only after crossing 40 orders a day.

Best Selling Food Items on Delivery Apps in India (2026)

1. Biryani — the undisputed number one

Biryani outsells every other dish in India by a wide margin, works at every price point from Rs 150 to Rs 600, travels well, and holds temperature for 40 minutes. Gross margin 55-65%. The downside is competition: almost every locality already has five biryani listings, so you need a specific angle (Hyderabadi dum, Kolkata style, Ambur, chettinad).

2. Pizza and Italian

High margin (65-75%) because the base cost is flour and cheese, and extremely combo-friendly. Requires a deck or conveyor oven, which pushes setup cost up by Rs 1.5-3 lakh.

3. North Indian gravies and thalis

Paneer butter masala, dal makhani, kadhai paneer — the dependable everyday order. Vegetarian gravies run 70%+ gross margin and have long holding times, ideal for batch cooking.

4. Momos and Asian street food

Very low raw cost, extremely high margin (up to 80%), enormous demand among students and young professionals. Small ticket size means you need volume and strong combo attach.

5. Rolls, wraps and shawarma

Fast to assemble, minimal equipment, strong late-night demand. Excellent second brand to run out of an existing kitchen.

6. Fried chicken and burgers

Consistently top-five on delivery apps. Needs a good fryer and disciplined oil management, but the category supports premium pricing and combos.

7. South Indian breakfast

Idli, dosa, vada — the most underserved delivery slot in India is 6:30-10:30 am. Raw cost is tiny; the challenge is early staffing.

8. Healthy bowls and diet meals

Smaller audience but highest willingness to pay and the best subscription potential. Pairs perfectly with a tiffin subscription.

9. Desserts and beverages

Never a standalone brand for beginners, always an attachment. Adding a Rs 60 dessert to 30% of orders can lift monthly profit more than a new main course.

How to choose yours

Check what is already listed in your area — open your city page on Cloud Kitchen Adda and count the cuisines.
Pick a category with proven demand but fewer than 5-6 strong local players.
Verify your equipment can produce it at 60 orders a day.
Confirm the margin with the cost calculator.

More on this in best cuisines for a cloud kitchen in India.

Best Selling Food Items on Delivery Apps in India