Optimizing Online Menu to Win CNY Takeaways : F&B Tips

How many times have you ordered your food online once we enter the endemic? Although most of us have gone back to our physical workplace, ordering meals online has become a habit for many.

While a lot of customers might choose to dine out during the Chinese New Year celebration, there are a significant number of customers that still wish to have their food delivered to their homes.

To win these customers, you have probably listed your food service business on food delivery platforms by now. However, do you know the tips and tricks to optimize the menu to catch the attention of potential customers during this joyous season of celebration?

Keep reading to find out more!

1. Categorize Your Menu Items

Highlight your promotional items or best-selling meals such as your specially curated Chinese New Year specials at the top of the menu to keep customers in the know of what’s best in your kitchen!

Also, make sure to categorize your menu items to make scrolling through them easily as most of the ordering is done on a mobile phone. For example, you could have appetizers, entrees, and dessert sections.

Or, if you have a lot of different types of mains, you could group them by red meat, poultry, fish, seafood, and vegetarian-friendly too!

2. Detailed Name and Description

No one knows what your Chinese New Year “house special” dumplings contain unless you include the ingredients and/or flavor profile.

If you already plan Chinese New Year food menu that suits Malaysian’s palate, don’t let it goes to waste by giving them a suitable name and clear description.

Have the K.I.S.S. principle in mind when you are writing the description- Keep It Short and Simple! The description should be clear yet concise containing all the vital information such as ingredients and flavor profile.

Constantly having customers that are concerned about allergens or dietary restrictions? Just be sure to not skip them.

The other rule of thumb for effective menu description writing is to have them written in about two sentences, with key information listed first to aid reading.

Using adjectives like “succulent”, and “fresh” would help your customers to imagine better too!

3. Add Mouth-Watering Picture

The first thing on the delivery menu that your customers would see is the photos of your food, so make sure they look mouth-watering and appetizing.

Try to accurately represent what you are offering to set customers’ expectations. Customers may even order your dish just because it looks good, so ensure you minimize clutter around the food item and keep the background neutral.

It is recommended to have high-quality photos for most of your menu items, or at least for your star product for the month – in this case, your Chinese New Year Specials.

Bad food photography will do the complete opposite and could negatively affect sales.

4. Make It Easier to Customize a Dish

Allow customers to customize their dishes by including suitable add-ons. It is one of the simplest ways to increase ticket totals.

Diners will be more willing to double the protein, add sauce, or have extra sides if you give them the option to do so! Tempt them with items that would pair with their selection well too in case they need it.

Also, remember to let them omit certain toppings or double them to make convenience the game in which to win them over with!

If you notice your dish tends to receive a lot of different customization, have a ‘special instructions’ area to cater to customers while you modify these dishes within reasonable limits.

5. Update the Menu from Time to Time According to Feedback and Response

No item in the menu is set in stone. Don’t be afraid to de-list certain items if you found out from customers that they do not travel well, or simply do not receive that many amounts of orders.

If you are offering any special menu, especially this upcoming Chinese New Year, do add them to the menu so those who wish to enjoy it at their home can do it too.

We get that the kitchen may run out of certain ingredients from time to time, just be sure to update your menu immediately to avoid customer disappointment.

6. Apply Promotion to the Online Menu and Allow the Same Benefits as In-Store!

You are probably offering some discounts in-store or giving out free snacks in your restaurant during this festive season, win hearts by doing the same to online food orders as well!

Slot in free angpow packets to those who order your Chinese New Year specials to enjoy them at home. These small gestures are not only good for branding but they keep your customers happy too.

Certain food delivery platform encourages you to participate in their promotion and tend to prioritize those who do so by listing them at the top of the search list.

If your budget allows, try it to help get noticed.

Now that you have your menu optimized, it’s time to embrace a good, busy Chinese New Year feasting season at your restaurant! We hope these tips will help you get more online orders. A gentle reminder to all, don’t forget to consider food packaging that is appropriate for your special menu too to perfect your food delivery!

Sign up for Ajinomoto Food Biz Partner to get food business idea, learn how to promote your food service business and get your hands on high quality seasoning powders!