One common thing among all cultures and traditions is food. It is the food that binds all of us together. Food not only appeals to our taste but also elevates our mood. It is the core of our celebrations and festivities.
In recent times, the idea of homemade meals has transitioned to cloud kitchens and restaurants. All thanks to the rise of food delivery apps.
With food delivery apps, we now have the comfort of enjoying delicacies at the click of a button. Food delivery apps are convenient for customers and give a huge revenue boost to restaurants and food businesses.
According to a report, 86% of restaurants in the Middle East reported a hike in revenue due to food delivery apps. Further, 32% of them have reported that a quarter of their revenue comes from online food delivery.
Food delivery apps like Talabat enable restaurants to:
- expand their reach
- target a wider customer base
- offer better services
- increase sales
- build loyal customers
- increase customer engagement
- launch exclusive offers and campaigns, and
- Boost business profits
Food delivery services are becoming popular all over the world. However, middle eastern countries have witnessed a huge surge in food delivery service demands.
So, to cater to the growing customer needs, there is a rise in food delivery apps in the middle east as well. One of the leading food delivery apps in the Middle East is Talabat.
In this blog, we will analyze the food delivery landscape in Middle Eastern countries. We will also review the top 15 best food delivery mobile apps like Talabat.
This will help you understand how to build an app like Talabat and tap into the multi-million dollar food business sector.
Introduction To Food Delivery Scenario In the Middle East
The food delivery scenario in Middle Eastern countries, like many other parts of the world, is rapidly expanding due to the increasing popularity of mobile apps.
International giants like Uber Eats, Deliveroo, Foodpanda, and local platforms like Talabat (operating in multiple Middle Eastern countries) are competing to capture the market.
According to Statista, food delivery revenue in the UAE alone will reach $2.79 billion by 2026.
Here are a few reasons why food delivery apps like Talabat are so popular in Middle Eastern countries.
1. Local Cuisine
Middle Eastern countries have a rich culinary heritage. Local eateries and restaurants in these countries offer a variety of dishes that include local and international cuisines.
Food delivery apps in these regions take advantage of the diverse food culture and offer people to enjoy various delicacies in the comfort of their homes.
2. Convenience and Accessibility
The lives of people in Middle Eastern countries are fast-paced. Especially in cities, working people need more time to cook three meals a day.
Food delivery apps are beneficial for working-class people. With food delivery apps, people can now order freshly made meals with a click. They do not have to stress to cook or drive long for restaurants.
Food delivery apps like Talabat offer a wide range of dishes for users to choose from. You can get healthy salads, kebabs, soups, full-course meals, continental dishes, and even low-carb meals for the health-conscious.
3. Culturally Customized Services
Some Middle Eastern countries have dietary restrictions during fasting periods or religious festivals. This could have impacted the food delivery business in the area.
However, food delivery apps like Talabat are strategically adapted to cultural and religious requirements.
During festivals and fasting months, these food delivery apps offer special meals for users. These meals are customized as per the customer’s religious preferences and guidelines.
Offering customized meals that adhere to the religious ethics of the users is beneficial for both parties.
- People now don’t have to stress about their meals due to religious customs
- They can order customized meals
- While the restaurants don’t have to suffer the loss, instead, they get a hike in orders
4. Innovation
There are several food delivery apps in the Middle East. Talabat and Zomato, owned by Delivery Hero, are these countries’ top food delivery apps.
Uber Eats, Careem Now, and Deliveroo are other apps in the Middle East.
The fierce competition in the food delivery business has pushed companies to develop innovative tactics.
These days, mobile food delivery apps like Talabat offer subscription models, special offers, and grocery deliveries. These features help them to attract and retain customers.
These innovative features can be built by experienced mobile app developers or by the mobile app development company you are getting your app developed from.
5. Nutritious and Organic Food Delivery
A burgeoning phenomenon in the Middle East is providing nourishing and organic cuisine through delivery services. As an escalating number of individuals prioritize their well-being, the desire for convenient access to wholesome dietary choices has surged.
Many dining establishments and food delivery enterprises have responded by curating exclusive menus tailored to health-savvy users, encompassing selections suitable for vegetarians and vegans alike.
6. Pandemic Effect
The food delivery business was boosted during the pandemic when restaurants closed their dine-in services.
As people got addicted to ordering food online, the trend soon became a lifestyle habit.
Even after the pandemic, people still prefer to order food. The food delivery app launched the contactless delivery feature for the safety of its users.
Anticipating 2023 and beyond, the food delivery sector in the Middle East is set for growth. It is because of the surge in internet usage, lifestyle changes, and trends.
The ease of online food ordering and the comfort it brings for working people support the upward growth trajectory of the market.
Moreover, the prevailing inclination towards wholesome eating is foreseen to persist, fueling a heightened desire for organic and nutritious culinary choices.
It is the right time to develop a food delivery app and jump into the rapidly growing food market.
Introduction To Talabat App
Established in 2004 by Abdulaziz Al Loughani, Talabat is a Kuwait-based enterprise focused on food and grocery delivery services. Its operational scope encompasses seven countries, namely Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, and Jordan.
Functionally akin to other prominent global food delivery applications such as Uber Eats and GrubHub, Talabat offers a familiar approach.
Restaurants can register on the platform, affording customers the opportunity to place orders from a diverse array of dining establishments.
Talabat’s accessibility extends through both a web-based interface and a mobile application tailored for Android and iOS devices. Beyond its core food delivery function, the platform also facilitates the engagement of delivery personnel and efficient logistics management.
Talabat Business Model
Talabat’s business model is like other food delivery apps. Here’s how it works:
- Restaurants join Talabat and put their menu on the app
- Customers sign up, look at food options, and pick what they want
- Customers pay and confirm the order
- The restaurant gets the order and starts cooking
- The restaurant picks a delivery person
- The delivery person takes the food from the restaurant to the customer
- The customer gets updates about the order
For instant deliveries, it’s similar. Delivery providers team up with Talabat and put their services on the app. Restaurants pick a delivery provider they like.
Talabat Revenue Model
Talabat makes money in three main ways: through commissions, delivery charges, and ads. Let’s look at each one more closely.
Commissions:
Talabat takes a cut from each restaurant’s orders, usually 15-25% of the total bill. If a restaurant partners only with Talabat, they might pay 5-10% less in commission fees.
Delivery Charges:
When you order, there’s a fee for delivery. It changes based on factors like distance and weather. Sometimes, the delivery charge goes away if you order a certain amount.
Advertising:
Restaurants can pay for special listings or banner ads in the app. Priority listing gets a restaurant seen first, and banner ads pop up while you use the app. Talabat makes money from these ads.
Top 10 Talabat Like Apps
1. Careem
Careem Now is a prominent food delivery app in Middle Eastern countries. It was established in 2012, and later, Uber acquired it in 2020.
The app includes features like real-time order tracking, order history, and even the ability to save frequent orders. By saving users’ frequent orders and restaurant preferences, Careem offers users a one-click repeat order feature.
Its low delivery fee makes Careem Now stand out from other food delivery apps like Talabat. With cheaper delivery fees, users prefer to order from Careem Now at an affordable rate.
Moreover, the app offers a plethora of savories and cuisines from a wide spectrum of food establishments across the Middle East.
The selection spans an array of culinary delights, encompassing fast food, traditional Arabic dishes, and the finest Emirati cuisine.
One of these food delivery app features allows users to effortlessly discover their desired dishes by searching based on specific ingredients.
Simply enter your preferences in the search box, and the app will display a comprehensive list of foods that incorporate those particular ingredients.
2. Deliveroo
Deliveroo is one of the popular food delivery apps like Talabat in the Middle East.
It presents a compelling recommendation for those searching for dependable food delivery apps in the Middle East.
The remarkable attributes of Talabat like app Deliveroo, include:
A diverse selection of budget-friendly delicacies, ranging from flavorful biryani and classic club sandwiches to enticing BBQ, chicken masala, and an array of curries. These offerings are among Deliveroo’s specialties.
The app enforces a minimal delivery fee, a notably economical option compared to other upscale food delivery platforms.
Deliveroo strategically categorizes renowned eateries based on the user’s geographical location. This approach ensures that delectable meals from these establishments are promptly delivered to your doorstep.
3. Noon Food
Noon Food has emerged as a prominent Talabat like app in the Middle East. It is renowned for its seamless payment process and transparent fee framework applicable to your orders.
What truly sets Noon Food apart is its distinctive and inconspicuous delivery approach, aptly named the ‘Good Morning Mode.’ Operating within a timeframe of 5 – 9 am, this innovative method ensures that your food is discreetly delivered to your doorstep.
The app notifies you via text message, eliminating the need for phone calls or other forms of communication between the customer and the delivery personnel. This novel approach has contributed significantly to Noon Food’s widespread acclaim and popularity.
4. Eat Easy
EatEasy is a user-friendly mobile app like Talabat that caters to both grocery and food delivery needs, tailored for unwavering and steadfast individuals.
This exceptional hybrid app seamlessly combines grocery and food delivery services, making it ideal for fulfilling culinary cravings.
The standout characteristics of EatEasy include the following:
- Universal accessibility across Android, iOS, and desktop platforms, ensuring convenience and ease of use
- Efficient segmentation of services based on the user’s geographic area, enhancing precision and promptness in deliveries
- The enticing prospect of cashback redemption adds more value to your orders
- Versatile payment options encompassing cash, credit card, or cash on delivery (COD), catering to various preferences
- An extensive assortment of delights, with an array of sumptuous restaurants, pharmacies, and grocery stores featured on the app
- This diverse selection encompasses various items, including delectable foods, confectionaries, essential groceries, vital medicines, and even plants and flowers, all available for purchase through this multifaceted app
5. Eat Clean
Enter Eat Clean is the most preferred food ordering app that transcends traditional boundaries.
It offers a delectable array of dishes and crafts tailored meal plans for those dedicated to their dietary journey and weight loss goals.
Choose your desired food course and prepay the delivery charges, setting the stage for a seamless experience.
With apps like Talabat like Eat Clean, a realm of possibilities unfolds:
- Preemptively settle payments for comprehensive 3-4 week meal plans, affording you the convenience of planning and commitment.
- Flexibility in adjusting daily deliveries, encompassing a balanced trifecta of 3 meals and 2 snacks.
The app advocates for your well-being, offering a spectrum of nourishing yet tantalizing vegan options, rich in flavours yet low in calories – an ideal formula for maintaining a vibrant and wholesome lifestyle.
With a steadfast dedication to promoting health-conscious choices, Eat Clean proudly presents various dietary options, including Keto, gluten-free, and athletic-focused meals, establishing a daily routine that aligns with your aspirations.
6. Munch ON
This exceptional food ordering app stands as a beacon of excellence, catering to the dynamic and fast-paced lifestyles of individuals who navigate their days with little time to spare, seeking daily sustenance during their office hours.
Highlighted below are several key features of Talabat like apps like Munch On:
- An eclectic assortment of cuisines awaits, promising a delightful culinary journey with each order
- Enrich your experience by subscribing to weekly suggestions, unlocking a trove of astonishing deals and discounts that await your discovery
- For those instances when office breaks and meal times don’t align, Munch On offers the convenience of scheduling your food deliveries in advance. This thoughtful feature ensures a seamless and hassle-free experience, sparing you any inconvenience.
Reliability takes center stage as Munch On takes pride in its punctual food delivery service, guaranteeing timely arrivals to fuel your day.
Positioned primarily towards the working class, Munch: On has become a beloved choice among those who lead demanding and rigorous lives, offering them a practical and delicious solution to their daily nourishment needs.
In the bustling landscape of food ordering platforms, Munch On stands as a testament to catering to the needs of the industrious, delivering culinary satisfaction that perfectly harmonizes with their on-the-go routines.
7. Zomato
Originating in India, Zomato has expanded its reach to span 25 countries, becoming a prominent player in the culinary landscape. It gives a starting competition to other mobile apps like Talabat.
Renowned for its savvy social media promotions, this app facilitates food delivery and guides users in discovering exceptional dining establishments for those seeking a restaurant experience.
Accessible on both iOS and Android platforms, Zomato, established in 2008, has firmly entrenched itself in the digital dining domain.
By 2021, its vast network included an impressive 1.4 million restaurants, boasting a staggering user base of approximately 32 million monthly visitors.
Zomato has endeared itself to the hearts of Indian patrons thanks to its innovative promotional strategies and unwavering commitment to excellence.
The app provides a comprehensive package encompassing vivid imagery, precise directions, robust customer support, and genuine reviews. Zomato’s distinctive business model sets it apart and fosters meaningful user engagement.
8. Just Eat
Distinguished by its unique feature of facilitating convenient order pickups, Just Eat outshines all the food apps like Talabat in the region.
Empowering restaurants further, the company allows them to manage their own delivery personnel.
The app’s diverse culinary offerings encompass a wide spectrum, catering to various dietary preferences, including vegetarian, gluten-free, and halal cuisines.
Accessible at no cost, Just Eat is available for download on both iOS and Android platforms, ensuring widespread accessibility and convenience.
Pioneered in 2001, Just Eat’s inception marked the genesis of a culinary revolution. As corroborated by Statista, the app has fostered partnerships with an impressive array of over 500,000 restaurants spanning 24 countries. A testament to its popularity, Just Eat boasts an expansive user base of 60 million active individuals.
From an extensive array of culinary categories to granting restaurants the autonomy to manage their own delivery personnel, Just Eat embodies a spirit of continuous improvement and innovation.
9. Carriage
Carriage is a premium mobile app like Talabat, allowing customers the seamless convenience of online food ordering and direct doorstep delivery.
This service presents an exceptional solution for individuals seeking to bypass queues at their favorite eateries, relishing the luxury of having their chosen meal brought straight to them.
The app’s prowess extends to a vast culinary landscape, boasting a selection of over 2,000 restaurants and fast food establishments spanning Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and beyond.
You can effortlessly place orders and track their real-time progress through the app’s intuitive interface. Moreover, post-indulgence, the app invites you to share your dining journey by rating your experiences with each restaurant or brand you explore.
10. Locale
Locale’s heart lies in a profound emphasis on fostering communities, nurturing relationships, and savoring delectable cuisine within your vicinity.
Unlike the vast expanse of partner restaurants seen in other food delivery apps, Locale takes a deliberate approach with a curated selection of eateries, focusing on the essence of the locality.
Locale uniquely illuminates the culinary treasures within specific regions in a sea of options spanning the Middle East. While conventional platforms inundate you with many choices, Locale sets itself apart by guiding you toward the culinary gems of a particular area.
It endeavors to unravel the tapestry of local delicacies, inviting you to embark on a journey of culinary exploration and embrace the thrill of sampling novel and exciting dishes.
How much will it cost to develop apps like Talabat?
It will cost you around $10,000 to $100,000 to build a food delivery app like Talabat.
However, the actual expense hinges on your specific needs, potentially falling below $10,000 or soaring beyond $100,000.
The mobile app development cost is influenced by a multitude of variables, including:
- Size of the app
- App features
- App complexity
- Third-party integrations
- Post development expenses
Hiring Netweb Tech As Your App Development Partner
Netweb Tech, Dubai’s best food delivery app development company, will help you build high-tech mobile apps like Talabat. Our technical knowledge and industry expertise will help you expedite your food delivery app development.
We prioritize quality, ensuring you get a fully functional app with the latest features and APIs. Moreover, we also make sure that the UX/UI design of the app is user-friendly, attractive, and responsive to enhance the customer experience. Further, we extend post-launch technical support and maintenance to guarantee that the apps’ frontend, backend, features, and APIs work smoothly in sync.
We take a business-focused and customer-centric food delivery app development approach. Our team will assist you at every step of the mobile app development process, ensuring that your app meets your business needs and goals.
Our food delivery app development process includes the following:
- App concept and ideation
- Market and competitor research
- Frontend and backend designing & development
- App testing
- App launch and marketing
Book a call with us to build a food delivery app and boost your food business.
