Developing A Food Delivery App Like Talabat: Step-by-Step Guide

From craving a favorite meal to arranging a party for loved ones, nothing is delayed. You can have it on your table in minutes, right? Food delivery apps have made it super convenient for us to order any food item from an extensive menu. The food delivery app Talabat UAE is one of the top examples.
 

Talabat is the most popular name among households in the UAE and the Middle East for their food and grocery needs. Introduced in 2014, the Talabat app has set several milestones to date; as you read this blog, there will be more. Its user-friendly interface, extensive array of features, comprehensive menu, and more to feed your appetite set it apart as the best online food ordering app in Dubai. 
 

The UAE’s food delivery app market is thriving, and experts predict that it will be worth $14.533 billion by 2030 at a CAGR(2025-2030) of 8.3%. Apps like Talabat, Careem, and Deliveroo significantly contribute to this skyrocketing growth.
 

Regarding business, it is a great decision to build an app like Talabat UAE.
 

Do you know where to start?
 

No worries. We have created a blog that’ll guide you through crucial information, leading to your goal of successful Talabat clone app development. 

Why Should You Invest in an App Like Talabat UAE? 

Now, you are going to make a crucial business decision, so it is valid to ask, "Why should I invest in Talabat, like app development?"

There are multiple advantageous reasons. Want to know what these are? Let’s examine them.
 

1. Market Growth

The UAE’s grocery delivery market’s revenue growth is projected to be 6.6% in 2026, and the revenue change was 4.8% in 2025 compared to the previous year. This clearly indicates exponential growth and food delivery apps like Deliveroo or Talabat can be your key to success.
 

2. Modern Food Choices

Dubai and UAE have deeper roots in traditions, but continental food with a traditional twist is also on the top. Apps like Talabat, Zomato, and Deliveroo are delivering it to the platter of people. Here you can grab multiple opportunities via serving traditional cum modern menus to the people of their taste and generate good revenue.
 

3. Rise of Cloud Kitchens

Cloud kitchens are exponentially rising in the UAE, laying a solid foundation for business growth for restaurants, ghost kitchens, and individual cloud kitchens. Through developing Talabat app clones, you can make their way easy to deliver and grow your food delivery business.
 

4. Increasing Smartphone Penetration

More than 97% of the UAE population has access to the internet and smartphones. That is enough to grow mobile commerce and instant food delivery apps. With a unique concept, you can engage more customers.
 

5. Multiple Earnings

Using a single food delivery app, you can earn in multiple ways, such as subscriptions, premium restaurant listings, delivery fees, and VIP delivery plans.  

Key Features of Talabat Clone App Development - The Ultimate Success Factor

The secret behind the success of an app like Talabat is its features. Not only from the users’ point of view but also from the delivery and restaurant points of view, all features are tremendous. Considering all of these, including the advanced AI-powered features, it will open the door for sure-shot success. 

Let’s explore the key features of an app like Talabat!

1. Key Features of App Like Talabat for Users

 

• User-Friendly Interface: Easy navigation and smooth access to the app enhance user engagement and experience. 

• Order Tracking: Real-time order tracking allows users to get an update every minute about the whereabouts of their orders. 

• Online Menu: Its customers’ choice to order their favorite cuisine and online menu card makes it super convenient for them.

• Multi-payment Modes: Your customers can pay through net banking, debit/credit card, or an integrated wallet. 

• Deals & Discounts: Crazy discounts will keep users stuck with the app, increasing retention.  

• AI-Recommendation: Capturing customer behavior and order history, AI-recommendation suggests the preferred food menu.       

2. Key Features of Talabat App for Delivery Services

• AI-Map Navigation: This feature suggests optimized routes for faster deliveries. 

• Earning tracker: The delivery personnel can check their daily, weekly, and monthly earnings. 

• Availability Toggle: Delivery staff can accept or reject the request based on availability. 

• Order Authentication: This simple but powerful feature allows delivery agents to verify an order’s authentication through OTP, barcode, or digital signature. 

• In-App Chat: Contact customers or support easily. 

• Delivery History: View past deliveries and feedback.

3. Key Features for Talabat like App Restaurant 

• Restaurant Dashboard: Manage orders, menu, pricing, and availability using AI-powered dashboard. 

• Order Notifications: Get notified instantly for new orders.

• Real-Time Order Management: Accept, reject, or update order status.

• Menu Customization: Add/edit dishes, images, descriptions, and deals.

• Analytics & Reports: Sales data, peak order times, customer preferences.

• Customer Reviews: Respond to customer feedback and improve service.

• Promotional Tools:  Run offers and discount campaigns.

4. Talabat App Admin Features

• Comprehensive Dashboard: Oversee entire platform operations in real-time.

• User Management: Add, edit, suspend, or remove accounts.

• Order Monitoring: Track and monitor all active and past orders.

• Payment Management: Manage revenue, pay-offs, delivery commissions, and expenses in a click.

• Analytics & Reports: Business performance metrics, growth tracking, and user behavior.

• Promotion & Marketing: Create promotional offers and marketing campaigns for better reach.

• CMS Integration: Manage content pages, FAQs, and legal information.

• Security & Compliance: Ensure user data protection and legal standards.

I hope you have an idea about the key features to consider while developing an app like Talabat. Now, your next question could be like - What are the development steps?
 

Let’s continue with the blog to find its answer. 

How to Develop A Food Ordering App Like Talabat?

If you know the benefits of investing in a food delivery app like Zomato or Talabat and the key features to include, half the battle you’ve already won. However, food delivery app development is not as simple as it seems. It is a staged process and requires expertise. The feasible way is to develop it with the help of a trusted food delivery app development company.
 

Thus, the key steps to follow are as follows:
 

• Research

Research the market first. UAE is one of the biggest markets for food delivery apps, and there are many hidden opportunities, including research. Check out the latest market trends to follow with your app and make it a success. Additionally, defining target audiences is a must.

• Define Your Business Model

The quest for business includes everything from implementing a user-friendly interface to AI-driven features for food delivery app development. So, define your business model, including marketing and monetization strategy.

• Revenue Planning

The sole purpose of any business is revenue generation, and developing a food delivery app like Talabat is no exception. At this stage, you need to decide on your revenue strategy, such as subscriptions, premium restaurant listings, third-party advertisements, in-app recipe purchases, and more.

• Gather Your Team

Hire food delivery app developers in UAE, designers, and quality analysts with a proven track record and expertise. The team of experts will help you develop an instant food delivery and ordering app covering your vision, mission, and business needs.

• Talabat App Development

Developing an MVP is a smarter approach to starting an online food delivery business. It will help you save a great deal of money and has multiple benefits. Start with wireframing, designing, and developing a prototype. Develop an MVP and launch it with all essential features. Gather real-time feedback and make it a full version with advanced AI capabilities.

• Quality Analysis & Launch

Last but not least, test your app for bugs and security issues with the help of expert quality analysts from an instant food delivery app development company like IMG Global Infotech. Once everything is done and the app is fine, launch it, and the world will be yours. 

The Cost to Develop An App Like Talabat in UAE

Determining the cost to develop an app like Talabat in Dubai or the UAE is not straightforward, as it depends on multiple factors. However, the average development cost ranges from AED 25,000 to AED 150,000, approximately.
 

Let’s break down the cost by various aspects.
 

The app can be categorized into three-
 

• Basic app with limited features, simple UI/UX, and single platform, i.e., Android or iOS

• Medium-complex app with advanced features, such as GPS tracking and others.

• Advanced apps with an AI recommendation engine, chatbots, multi-language, etc.

The Talabat app development cost could be based on categories such as: 

As we already know, Talabat-like app development is a stepwise process, so every step comes with its cost. Considering MVP development, the table below represents an ideal cost estimation. 

As we already know, Talabat-like app development is a stepwise process, so every step comes with its cost. Considering MVP development, the table below represents an ideal cost estimation.
 

Whatever cost we have seen is just a ballpark estimate, and it is no secret that it depends on your exact requirements. Here, the factors also play a crucial role.
 

• Complexity is one of the major cost-determining factors. For example, a simple food delivery app like Deliveroo will cost less than an advanced version with more powerful features.
   

• The technology stack is another cost-influencing factor when developing a Talabat app clone. Some technologies are open source, but some require a licensing fee.
   

• The experience of developers can affect the cost, as the hiring cost of experienced developers differs from that of intermediate or beginner developers. However, hiring experienced ones is best for the long-term success of your app.
   

• Integrations like payment gateways, multi-language, chatbots, and others require a cost, which increases the overall cost of food delivery app development. 
   

• The development approach is also cost-influential, such as Native or cross-platform app development. However, cross-platform food ordering app development is a cost-saving idea if you want to target more food delivery app users.  

The Tech Stack Required to Build a Talabat App Clone

The tech stack is the backbone of any app development, and here, you will create an app like Talabat with your twist. So, knowing the tech stack is a must. Simply, it determines how robust, relevant, and future-proof your app will be. Choosing the latest technologies can give you a competitive edge. However, many business owners struggle to choose the right tech stack when building a Talabat-like app.

Therefore, the tech stack follows as: 
 

Frontend (User Interface):

• Mobile App: React Native / Flutter (for cross-platform) or Swift (iOS), Kotlin (Android)

• Web Panel (for restaurants): React.js, Vue.js
   

Backend:

• Node.js, Python (Django), or PHP (Laravel)

• Database: PostgreSQL, MySQL, or MongoDB

• Real-time updates: WebSockets or Firebase
   

APIs & Integrations:

• Google Maps API (location & directions)

• Twilio or Firebase (SMS/email notifications)

• Payment gateway (Stripe, Razorpay, etc.)

How IMG Global Infotech Can Help You Develop An App Like Talabat?

Expertise is the only key to app development success; with us, you can access it easily. IMG Global is a top-tier food delivery app development company in UAE with 10+ years of experience serving UAE-based and global businesses. Our in-depth knowledge of the food industry and our skills in using the latest tech stack allow us to build custom food ordering apps. Developing apps like Doordash, Talabat, Zomato and Deliveroo is one of our areas of expertise. IMG Global’s development and design team comprises talented experts who know how to develop stunning designs and robust apps.

From developing an app from scratch to applying customization with your twist, we are your right choice. Share your requirements with IMG Global Infotech, and we’ll get you a food delivery app like Talabat at an affordable cost and within the given timeline.