1. Space requirements
| Setup | Area | Typical monthly rent |
|---|---|---|
| Home kitchen / single brand | 150–250 sq ft | ₹0–10,000 |
| Standard single-brand kitchen | 250–400 sq ft | ₹15,000–35,000 |
| Multi-brand kitchen | 500–1,000 sq ft | ₹40,000–90,000 |
Non-negotiables: three-phase power, continuous water supply, a working exhaust/chimney, drainage, and a ground-floor or lift-accessible entry so delivery riders can pick up in under two minutes.
2. Licence and legal requirements
- FSSAI — Basic Registration under ₹12 lakh turnover, State Licence above it.
- GST registration — required by Zomato and Swiggy onboarding in most cases.
- Municipal trade licence — issued by your city corporation.
- Shop & Establishment registration — needed once you employ staff.
- Fire NOC — mandatory for kitchens above the state's area threshold.
Full document lists and fees are in our licences and legal requirements guide, and you can apply for your FSSAI licence here.
3. Equipment requirements
Minimum viable kit: commercial burners, a work table, refrigeration, storage racks, exhaust, weighing scale, packaging station and fire extinguisher. See the full equipment checklist and current online price bands.
4. Staffing requirements
| Role | Count | Monthly cost |
|---|---|---|
| Head cook | 1 | ₹18,000–30,000 |
| Helper / prep | 1–2 | ₹10,000–14,000 each |
| Packing & dispatch | 1 | ₹10,000–13,000 |
5. Technology requirements
- Zomato and Swiggy partner accounts (plus magicpin for extra reach).
- A tablet or POS terminal for order management.
- WhatsApp Business for direct, zero-commission orders.
- A public listing so customers searching your area can find you.
6. Capital requirements
Budget three months of rent, salaries and raw material as working capital on top of setup. Our cost breakdown splits the ₹4L–₹15L range line by line.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum space required for a cloud kitchen?
200–300 sq ft is enough for a single-brand delivery kitchen. Multi-brand kitchens typically need 500–1,000 sq ft with separate prep stations.
Which licences are mandatory for a cloud kitchen in India?
FSSAI registration or licence, GST registration (if turnover crosses the threshold or you list on aggregators), a municipal trade licence, Shop & Establishment registration, and a fire NOC for larger kitchens.
How much money do I need to start a cloud kitchen?
A lean single-brand cloud kitchen needs roughly ₹4–6 lakh; a well-equipped kitchen in a metro typically needs ₹8–15 lakh including deposits and 3 months of working capital.
Can I run a cloud kitchen from home?
Yes in many states, provided you hold a valid FSSAI Basic Registration for the home address and comply with local municipal rules. Aggregators may still require a commercial address proof.
Next step
Once you're licensed, add your kitchen to Cloud Kitchen Adda or browse verified kitchens to see how established operators present themselves.
Run a cloud kitchen? Get listed.
Add your FSSAI-verified cloud kitchen to Cloud Kitchen Adda and reach customers searching in your city.
Add your kitchen