Flipkart Takes on Zomato and Swiggy With New Food Delivery Service
Flipkart is reportedly testing Eat-in by Minutes, a new food delivery service that could challenge Zomato and Swiggy. Here is what to know about its expected launch, restaurant partnerships, proposed commission rates and expansion plans.
October 21, 2026: Walmart-owned e-commerce company Flipkart is preparing to challenge Zomato and Swiggy in India's online food delivery market. The company is reportedly planning to launch a new food delivery service called ‘Eat-in by Minutes’. According to a report by TechCrunch, the service is undergoing internal testing with around 8,000 employees in Bengaluru. If everything goes as planned, the service could launch for the general public by the end of October 2026.
Flipkart has not yet officially announced the launch date or its complete expansion plans. However, the reported expansion of employee testing suggests that the company is preparing to introduce the service to customers. If launched, Eat-in by Minutes could increase competition in India's online food delivery market.
Food Ordering May Be Available Through the Flipkart App
According to TechCrunch, customers may not need to download a separate app to use Eat-in by Minutes. Instead, food ordering could be available through a dedicated tab in Flipkart's main shopping app. The app may bring together food delivery, quick-commerce services such as Flipkart Minutes, and travel booking options.
The service was reportedly tested with a few hundred employees initially. The number later increased to around 8,000 employees in Bengaluru. Since Flipkart is headquartered in Bengaluru, the city appears to be the main testing hub for the service.
Although the name suggests a connection with Flipkart Minutes, the food delivery service could operate separately from the company's quick-commerce business.
Will Ekart Have a Separate Delivery Team for Food Orders?
Reports suggest that Flipkart's logistics arm, Ekart, is building a separate delivery team for food orders. According to TechCrunch, delivery workers wearing T-shirts branded with Eat-in by Minutes were spotted in Bengaluru.
If implemented, this plan could allow Flipkart to deliver food without relying entirely on the existing Flipkart Minutes delivery workforce. However, the company has not yet revealed details about delivery times, delivery charges or the service's operating model.
Direct Partnerships With ONDC Restaurants
According to the report, Flipkart may use two routes to bring restaurants onto Eat-in by Minutes. The first involves restaurants already connected to the government-backed Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). The second involves restaurants that sign direct agreements with Flipkart.
ONDC is a digital network that enables buyers and sellers to transact through participating platforms. Partnering with restaurants on this network could help Flipkart expand its food offerings. However, the number of restaurants available in each city will depend on the service's coverage and the participation of restaurant partners.
Could Flipkart Charge Lower Commissions Than Zomato and Swiggy?
One of the key attractions of Flipkart's proposed food delivery service could be its commission structure. According to TechCrunch, Sagar Daryani, president of the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI), said Flipkart had proposed a base commission of around 10% for restaurant partners.
The report also states that restaurants may typically pay commissions of around 20% to 25% on established platforms such as Zomato and Swiggy. If Flipkart's proposed base commission is lower, restaurants could have an opportunity to reduce their operating costs.
However, the base commission alone does not determine the total cost of doing business on a platform. Advertising expenses, promotional discounts, additional service fees and other charges can also affect a restaurant's profitability.
Therefore, the actual savings for restaurants will depend on the final terms and conditions of their agreements with Flipkart. The company has not officially confirmed the reported 10% commission rate.
Launch Expected by the End of October, With Expansion to 5–6 Cities?
According to TechCrunch, Flipkart aims to launch Eat-in by Minutes for the general public by the end of October 2026. The report also suggests that the company plans to expand the service to five or six cities by the end of the year.
However, it remains unclear which cities, apart from Bengaluru, will be included in the initial expansion. Flipkart has not officially confirmed whether Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai or other cities will be among the first locations to receive the service.
What Could Change for Customers?
If Eat-in by Minutes launches as reported, customers may be able to order food directly through the Flipkart app while also using its shopping and quick-commerce services. For restaurants, the platform could offer another channel to reach customers and increase sales.
The service could be particularly attractive to restaurant partners if its commission rates and other costs are competitive. However, its success will depend on restaurant availability, delivery speed, service reliability, total costs for customers and the number of cities covered.
For now, customers and restaurant owners will have to wait for Flipkart's official announcement for confirmation of the launch date, delivery charges, commission structure and expansion plans.
