Zomato's New 'Host Mode' Eliminates Ordering Awkwardness
Food delivery giant Zomato has introduced an innovative feature called 'Host Mode,' designed to simplify the dining experience when ordering for others. This new functionality allows users to conceal food prices while their guests browse restaurant menus, addressing a common social dilemma where guests might hesitate to choose expensive items.
The feature was rapidly developed and rolled out across India after Zomato founder Deepinder Goyal publicly acknowledged a user's suggestion on LinkedIn. The company prides itself on implementing the idea within just 72 hours, showcasing a responsive approach to user feedback.
From LinkedIn Idea to App Feature in 72 Hours
The genesis of 'Host Mode' came from marketing manager Ayushmaan Agarwalla, who proposed a 'Mehmaan Mode' (Guest Mode) on LinkedIn, tagging Goyal. Agarwalla highlighted the pressure guests often feel when selecting food at someone else's expense. Goyal's positive response and swift action led to the official launch of the feature, now known as 'Host Mode,' making it easier for hosts to offer choices without price-related discomfort.
How to Use Zomato's 'Host Mode' for Seamless Ordering
Activating 'Host Mode' is straightforward. Users can find the dedicated icon in the top-right corner of the Zomato app, on the home screen, or within the 'Profile > Your preferences' section. Once activated, the mode hides all food prices from both the restaurant menu and the order cart.
Hosts can then either select dishes themselves or hand their phone to guests, allowing them to browse and add preferred items without any visibility of the cost. This ensures a relaxed and uninhibited selection process.
After all selections are made, exiting 'Host Mode' requires identity verification, typically through fingerprint or face authentication, before revealing the total bill. This security step ensures only the host can view and finalize the order. The feature is available to Zomato users across India, with the company advising users to update their app if the option isn't immediately visible.