THE SYMBIOTIC GROWTH OF CLOUD KITCHENS AND ONLINE FOOD DELIVERY PLATFORMS IN INDIA

Abstract

The rapid evolution of India's food service industry has been fueled by technological innovation and shifting consumer lifestyles. A significant development is the rise of cloud kitchens or virtual restaurants that operate without traditional dine-in facilities. This study investigates the symbiotic relationship between cloud kitchens and Online Food Delivery (OFD) platforms, analyzing how their mutual dependency, consumer preferences, and operational efficiency are reshaping the food service ecosystem. Using a descriptive research design with primary survey data (N = 60) and secondary market analysis, this study confirms that while this ecosystem is expanding due to consumer demand for convenience and affordability, it faces significant challenges related to brand visibility, platform dependency, and quality perception. Ultimately, the findings suggest that for this ecosystem to achieve long-term sustainability and tap into expansion opportunities in semi-urban markets, operators must focus on brand-building, transparency, and strategic operational integrity