Enhancing Your on-demand food app: 12 Must-Have Features for Modern Marketplaces

In the fast-evolving landscape of digital ordering, users demand quick service, accuracy, personalization, and an intuitive experience.

As worldwide growth for online food ordering continues to surge—expected to reach over 466B USD by the next two years—startups must lead the pack by upgrading their ordering platforms with the right mix of features, user-centric design, and modern tools.

Whether you're building a custom UberEats-style app or launching your own white-label ordering system, understanding what drives retention and backend performance is non-negotiable.

1. Effortless Onboarding and Account Creation

First impressions matter. A clean sign-up process sets the tone for a uninterrupted user journey. Enable users to register using mobile OTP, and offer smart preferences like order history to tailor future menus.

2. Real-Time Order Tracking with GPS

People expect transparency. By adding map-based tracking, you enhance retention. Allow users to watch:
- Live courier position
- ETA
- Order progress updates

3. Smart Search and Filter Options

An effective discovery system is essential as your menu expands. Use segmentation like:
- Cuisine
- Health filter
- Speed filter
- Pricing range

Pair it with smart suggestions for a personalized user experience.

4. Smart In-App Payments

To speed up checkout, integrate:
- Cards
- Google Pay
- Loyalty points

Ensure security with PCI-DSS. Digital-only payment is a must.

5. Loyalty Programs & Referral Bonuses

User loyalty is more valuable than new acquisition. Add:
- Gamified MoonFoods by Oyelabs incentives
- Membership clubs
- Refer-and-earn

This can increase customer stickiness.

6. Delivery Partner App + Route Optimization}

Drivers need a dedicated app to fulfill tasks:
- Navigation
- Wallet
- Order details

Optimized routes save time.

7. Admin and Restaurant Dashboards

Empower your partners and team with:
- Inventory tools
- Reports
- Support

Restaurants should instantly update menus.

8. Device Responsiveness

Your app should work seamlessly on:
- iOS
- Google Play
- Browser platforms

Use Flutter for scalability.

9. Push Notifications & Engagement Triggers

Keep users informed with:
- Live delivery
- Coupons
- Abandoned cart nudges

Apps with strong notification strategies enjoy better loyalty.

10. AI-Powered Personalization

Use AI to:
- read more Recommend dishes
- Analyze patterns
- Create upsells

This can increase order value.

11. Reviews & Ratings

Let customers voice feedback with:
- Emojis
- Quick comments
- Service recovery

Positive reviews build reputation.

12. Scalability & Cloud-Based Architecture

Use cloud services for:
- Real-time syncing
- Performance scaling
- Growth support

This future-proofs your app for multi-city rollout.

Final Thoughts

The online food market is about more than just getting mealsit’s about creating satisfaction.

By push notifications in food ordering apps including these must-haves, your app can compete in the modern landscape.

Looking for a faster launch? **Oyelabs’ UberEats clone** provides a power-packed solution to help you scale fast.