Zomato vs Swiggy – Which Food App Rules India?

This Article was fact checked and last updated for accuracy on October 30, 2025 by Mani Karthik

You’re hungry. It’s 9 PM. You open your phone and stare at two apps: Zomato and Swiggy.

Which one do you tap?

If you’ve been living abroad and recently returned to India, you’ve probably noticed how food delivery has exploded here. But choosing between these two giants isn’t always straightforward.

Let me break it down for you – no fluff, just what actually matters when you’re ordering food.

The Quick Snapshot

Here’s how they stack up at a glance:

Both apps serve 500+ cities across India, so coverage isn’t really a differentiator anymore.

Delivery Speed: Does It Actually Matter?

In my experience, both deliver within similar timeframes.

Swiggy promises faster delivery in metro cities, especially if you’re ordering during peak hours. Their algorithm seems slightly better at route optimization.

Zomato, on the other hand, has been improving its delivery network significantly. They acquired Blinkit (formerly Grofers), which has helped them expand their logistics muscle.

Bold truth: The delivery time difference is usually under 10 minutes – not a dealbreaker for most people.

💡 Tip: Check both apps before ordering. Restaurant availability and delivery time can vary wildly based on your location and time of day.

Restaurant Variety: Who Has More Options?

Zomato edges ahead here with about 50,000 more restaurant partnerships.

But here’s the thing – it’s not just about quantity.

Swiggy has exclusive partnerships with several popular chains in certain cities. If you’re craving a specific restaurant, it might only be available on one platform.

I’ve noticed Swiggy tends to have better coverage for cloud kitchens and new experimental food brands. Zomato leans more traditional with established restaurants.

“In Bangalore, I found my favorite biryani place only on Swiggy. In Mumbai, my go-to sushi spot delivers exclusively through Zomato.”

The lesson? Install both apps. Seriously.

Pricing and Offers: Where’s Your Money Going?

This is where things get interesting.

Both apps charge similar delivery fees – typically ₹20-50 depending on distance. But the real difference is in their subscription models and promotional offers.

Zomato Gold (₹149 for 3 months) gives you:

• Free delivery on orders above ₹199
• Up to 25% off at select restaurants
• No surge fees during peak hours

Swiggy One (₹299 for 3 months) offers:

• Free delivery on orders above ₹99
• No surge pricing
• Extra discounts on Instamart orders

If you order frequently, Swiggy One pays for itself faster because of the lower minimum order threshold for free delivery.

📊 Data Highlight: Users who order more than twice a week save approximately ₹800-1,200 per quarter with either subscription plan. (Source: Economic Times)

Here’s my take: If you mostly order dinner and don’t mind the ₹199 minimum, Zomato Gold works. If you order breakfast, lunch, and dinner randomly, Swiggy One is better value.

Want to maximize savings? Consider using cashback credit cards. Check out the best cashback credit cards that work great with food delivery apps.

User Experience: Which App Is Easier?

Both apps have clean interfaces, but they approach things differently.

Zomato’s app feels more social. You can follow reviewers, see ratings prominently, and browse food photos easily. It’s almost like Instagram for food.

Swiggy’s app is more transactional – straight to the point. Less clutter, faster checkout. You search, you order, you’re done.

For someone returning to India after years abroad, Swiggy’s simpler interface might feel more familiar. Zomato can feel a bit overwhelming with all its features.

💡 Tip: Both apps support UPI, credit cards, and digital wallets. If you’re still setting up your Indian banking, read about managing finances after returning to India.

Customer Service: Who Fixes Problems Faster?

I’ve had delivery issues with both apps – missing items, wrong orders, late deliveries.

Swiggy’s customer support typically responds faster through in-app chat. Most issues get resolved within 15-20 minutes with refunds credited instantly.

Zomato has improved significantly but can sometimes take longer to process refunds. However, their resolution quality is generally good – they often compensate with credits beyond the order value.

Quick Recap:

✅ Swiggy = Faster initial response
✅ Zomato = Better compensation
✅ Both = Automated chat first, human support if needed

The Verdict: Which One Should You Use?

Here’s what I’d do if I were you:

Keep both apps installed. I know it sounds like overkill, but here’s why – restaurant availability varies, offers differ daily, and delivery time fluctuates.

Use Zomato when:

• You want to discover new restaurants through reviews
• You’re ordering from established fine-dining places
• You dine out frequently (their Gold membership covers restaurant discounts too)

Use Swiggy when:

• You need groceries along with food (Instamart integration)
• You order small meals frequently (lower free delivery threshold)
• You prefer no-nonsense, quick ordering

For NRIs settling back in India, I’d suggest starting with Swiggy One for the first 3 months. It’ll help you explore your new neighborhood’s food scene without overthinking each order.

Once you’ve figured out your go-to places, re-evaluate based on where they deliver from.

If you’re planning your overall expenses after moving back, check out how much money you need to save before returning to India.

TLDR

• Restaurant count: Zomato has ~50K more options, but both cover major restaurants
• Delivery speed: Roughly the same (30-45 minutes); varies by location
• Pricing: Swiggy One (₹299/3 months) better for frequent small orders; Zomato Gold (₹149/3 months) better for larger orders and dining out
• User experience: Swiggy is simpler; Zomato is more feature-rich and social
• Customer service: Swiggy faster response; Zomato better compensation
• Best strategy: Install both apps and compare before each order
• For returning NRIs: Start with Swiggy One to explore without minimum order stress