WAAYU, an India-based food delivery platform known for operating on a zero-commission model, has launched a new WhatsApp-based food ordering feature. The move allows customers to complete the entire food ordering process directly through a chat on WhatsApp, without using a separate mobile application.
The new feature enables users to discover nearby restaurants, browse menus, check prices, confirm orders, and make payments within a single WhatsApp conversation. Location detection is automated, allowing relevant restaurant options to be shown quickly based on where the customer is placing the order from.
According to the company, the feature is now live and is aimed at simplifying digital food ordering by using WhatsApp, one of India’s most widely used communication platforms. The system is designed to reduce steps in the ordering journey while maintaining access to real-time order tracking and secure digital payments.
Simplified Ordering Process
By integrating ordering directly into WhatsApp, WAAYU brings together discovery, ordering, and payment in one interface. Customers can complete transactions using UPI and follow order updates without switching platforms or downloading additional software.
The company stated that WhatsApp’s familiarity among Indian users makes it a practical channel for food ordering, especially for customers who prefer minimal app usage. The feature is intended to support faster decision-making and smoother order completion.
From the platform’s perspective, the WhatsApp integration also supports consistency in order accuracy and communication. By automating menus, pricing, and confirmations within chat, manual errors are expected to reduce during the ordering process.
Restaurant-Centric Approach
WAAYU operates on a model that does not charge commissions from restaurant partners. The WhatsApp ordering feature is positioned as an extension of this approach, aimed at improving restaurant visibility while keeping operational costs lower.
With direct access to customers through WhatsApp, partner restaurants are expected to reach a wider audience without depending heavily on app installs or paid promotions. Order flow and payment handling remain managed through WAAYU’s backend systems.
The company said the feature aligns with its broader goal of supporting restaurants with technology-led solutions that improve margins while maintaining customer convenience in a competitive food delivery market.
Commenting on the launch, Mandar Lande, CEO and co-founder of WAAYU, said the decision to integrate food ordering into WhatsApp was driven by its widespread use and trust among Indian consumers. The platform aims to reduce friction for customers while creating a sustainable digital channel for restaurants.
WAAYU indicated that WhatsApp ordering is part of a larger plan to expand its technology offerings across ordering, payments, and customer engagement. Additional features and integrations are expected to be introduced over time.
As digital food commerce in India continues to evolve, platforms are increasingly focusing on ease of use, cost efficiency, and reliability. WAAYU’s WhatsApp-based ordering system reflects a shift towards simpler, chat-led commerce experiences that combine accessibility with operational control for food businesses.
