Singapore-based food delivery apps Grab and Foodpanda are expanding into the dine-in space, as consumers look to eat out more post-pandemic.
The apps are offering discounts of up to 50% for users who pre-purchase dine-in vouchers or order and pay via QR codes at participating restaurants.
Grab is testing its dine-in feature across 15 cities in Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia, and plans to launch in Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam as well1. Foodpanda has introduced its dine-in feature in Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Pakistan and Bangladesh since 2021, with over 8,000 restaurants on board.
The apps are also collaborating with restaurant solutions providers to automate food ordering processes through digital menus, QR ordering and more. Foodpanda has partnered with TabSquare, which was acquired by its parent company Delivery Hero in 20211. AirAsia Food has teamed up with eatigo, a restaurant reservation platform, and also offers a queuing service in Thailand.
The apps claim that the dine-in features help users discover new restaurants and save costs, as dining out expenses increase with higher inflation. Analysts say that the apps can also generate incremental revenue from commission fees for each dine-in voucher purchase, while raising awareness for F&B merchants.