Hyderabad based startup BookMyChef (BMC) has announced the launch of a mobile platform. This platform provides customers with on-demand chef and hospitality services, allowing them to invite professional chefs into their kitchens for a unique culinary experience. Additionally, this service simplifies the process of hosting events, making it more accessible for people to entertain guests.
According to Shankar Krishnamurthy, the Co-founder of BMC and Hyderabad chapter head of the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI), the app is designed to benefit not only customers seeking personalized and delectable cuisine, but also to support hospitality professionals who are particularly susceptible to market fluctuations.
Shankar Krishnamurthy said that the idea was born out of a need to provide a platform for chefs to connect with people who want to savour good food at home.
“At the same time, we want to work towards promoting sustainable practices including reducing plastic waste and offering healthy, wellness-integrated food options. We also hope to create additional income opportunities for hospitality professionals who have been severely affected by the pandemic,” he said.
Krishnamurthy highlighted the distinctive characteristics of the app, stating that the booking process for on-demand services is effortless. Users are only required to register and verify their account in order to access this feature.
He added, “After that, they will need to enter their event date, time, number of guests and choice of cuisine. The app will show the user a menu, which the user can choose as per their taste. Before checkout, the user can also opt for additional services for their event, such as a server or a bartender.”
After the user has paid the booking fee, BookMyChef will confirm the reservation and assign a chef to the customer. Krishnamurthy explained that the chefs are compensated based on the amount of effort required, with their fees calculated based on the number of guests and menu items.
Krishnamurthy further stated that BookMyChef takes great care in selecting its chefs, conducting extensive vetting procedures that include background checks, assessments of their culinary training and experience, and even cooking tests.
The app’s current Minimum Viable Product (MVP) beta version features a selection of continental, oriental, north Indian, and south Indian cuisines. The app is available for both Android and iOS platforms, and users can choose a cuisine and select up to 10 items for service. There is no minimum order quantity, and users can book an event for up to 20 guests.
When checking out, users of the app have the option to add on services such as bartenders, service staff, and cleaners to ensure a hassle-free event at an affordable price. Additionally, users can decide whether to supply their own ingredients or request BookMyChef to source them for an extra charge.
According to Krishnamurthy, the team is planning to first launch the services in Mumbai and Delhi as a pilot before scaling up to a full-fledged operation.
