New to the food business? Follow these steps in order. Each one links to a detailed guide.
Step 1: Choose your business model
Your budget and time decide the model more than your recipe does.
| Model | Typical starting budget | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Street stall / cart (momos, chaat, kachori) | ₹50,000 – ₹2 lakh | Low budget, high footfall area available |
| Tiffin service from home | ₹20,000 – ₹75,000 | Home cooks, part-time start |
| Cloud kitchen | ₹3 – ₹10 lakh | Delivery-heavy cities, no prime location |
| Small restaurant / café | ₹10 – ₹30 lakh+ | Experienced operators with capital |
Read: Momo stall · Tiffin service · Cloud kitchen setup cost · Kachori stall · Tea stall · Home bakery · Food truck
Step 2: Get your licences in order
At minimum you need FSSAI registration. Depending on your city you may also need a trade licence, street vending certificate, Shop & Establishment registration and a fire NOC.
Read: Every licence you need · FSSAI registration guide · Udyam (MSME) registration
Step 3: Price your menu properly
Food cost should usually be 28–35% of your selling price. Get this wrong and you can be busy every day and still lose money.
Read: How to price your menu
Step 4: Understand GST
Many small stalls don’t need GST registration at all. Online delivery platforms change the picture.
Read: GST for food businesses
Step 5: Get customers
Google Business Profile, Swiggy/Zomato listing, WhatsApp groups and a few local partnerships cover most small businesses.
Read: How to list on Swiggy and Zomato · Browse: Marketing & Growth guides
Want everything on one page?
Grab the free Food Business Startup Checklist.