How to Start a Cloud Kitchen in India with FSSAI Registration

What is a Cloud Kitchen?

A cloud kitchen, also known as a ghost kitchen or virtual kitchen, is a delivery-only food business with no dine-in facility. It operates primarily through online food delivery platforms like Zomato, Swiggy, or its own website. With low overheads and rising demand for food delivery, cloud kitchens are one of the fastest-growing food business models in India.

Why Start a Cloud Kitchen?

Low investment & overhead costs

No need for prime commercial space

Scalable business model

Multiple brand operations from one kitchen

High demand in urban and metro areas

Step-by-Step Guide to Start a Cloud Kitchen in India

1. Finalize Your Business Model

Decide what kind of food you'll serve and how you’ll operate:

Single brand vs. multiple brands

Cuisine type (fast food, Indian, bakery, healthy meals)

B2C (via apps like Swiggy) or B2B (bulk supply)

2. Choose the Right Location

You don't need a high-street location. Look for:

A 300–600 sq. ft. space in a residential or semi-commercial area

Low rent with high connectivity to delivery areas

Kitchen ventilation and basic water and drainage setup

3. Register Your Business

Choose your legal structure:

Sole Proprietorship

Partnership / LLP

Private Limited Company

Register the business with the MCA (for companies/LLPs) or the local municipal authority for sole proprietorships.

Apply for:

PAN & TAN

GST Registration (if turnover exceeds ₹40 lakh or supplying to businesses)

4. Apply for FSSAI Registration (Mandatory)

Every cloud kitchen must have an FSSAI License to legally operate and sell food.

Which FSSAI License Type Do You Need?

Basic Registration: Turnover < ₹12 lakh/year

State License: Turnover between ₹12 lakh – ₹20 crore

Central License: Turnover > ₹20 crore or operating in multiple states

Documents Required:

FSSAI Form B (duly signed)

Photo ID & address proof

Kitchen layout plan

Rental agreement/ownership proof

Water testing report

List of food items you will prepare

Food Safety Management Plan (FSMS)

NOC from the landlord (if rented)

Application Process

Create an account and log in.

Select your license type and fill out Form B.

Upload the required documents.

Pay the applicable fee.

Await inspection (if required)

Get FSSAI License in 7–60 days.

5. Set Up Your Kitchen

Equip your kitchen with:

Cooking stations, tandoors, ovens, etc.

Storage units (dry, cold)

Exhaust systems and fire safety gear

Hygiene and cleaning setup

Make sure it complies with FSSAI hygiene and safety standards.

6. Partner with Online Food Aggregators

Register your cloud kitchen with:

Zomato

Swiggy

Uber Eats (merged with Zomato)

DotPe, Thrive, or your own delivery app

You’ll need:

FSSAI License

GST certificate

Menu and pricing

Photos of your dishes and kitchen

7. Branding, Packaging & Marketing

Choose a catchy brand name and logo.

Use eco-friendly, sealed packaging.

Promote on Instagram, WhatsApp, and Google My Business

Offer discounts for first-time customers.

List on delivery apps with optimized SEO keywords

8. Hire Staff and Train Them

Hire experienced chefs and helpers.

Train them in hygiene standards and food safety.

Conduct regular quality checks.

9. Ensure Compliance & Renewals

Renew the FSSAI License before expiry.

Maintain daily cleaning and hygiene logs.

Conduct regular pest control.

Maintain billing and inventory records.

Startup Costs Overview

Expense Type Approximate Cost (INR)

Kitchen Setup ₹1,00,000 – ₹5,00,000

Licenses (FSSAI, GST) ₹3,000 – ₹15,000

Rent (per month) ₹10,000 – ₹50,000

Equipment & Packaging ₹50,000 – ₹2,00,000

Staff Salaries ₹20,000 – ₹60,000

Marketing & Branding ₹10,000 – ₹50,000

Conclusion

Starting a cloud kitchen in India is one of the most affordable and scalable ways to enter the food business. But no matter the scale, FSSAI registration is non-negotiable. It ensures your kitchen is legally compliant and helps build trust with customers and partners.

For more info: https://www.psrcompliance.com/blog/how-to-get-an-fssai-license-for-your-food-business