How to Add Cooking Instructions in Zomato
Learn to add precise, user-friendly cooking instructions to Zomato menu items. This practical guide covers planning, formatting for mobile, step-by-step structuring, safety notes, real-world examples, and how to publish with confidence.
To add cooking instructions in Zomato, create a clear, step-by-step method for each dish, including temperatures, times, and safety notes. Access your restaurant's partner portal, open the dish editor, and paste a concise sequence of actions with exact cues. Publish after a final review to ensure readability on mobile screens.
Why clear cooking instructions matter on Zomato
Clear cooking instructions on Zomato help diners reproduce dishes with confidence and safety. When a dish page includes precise steps, temperatures, timing cues, and equipment notes, home cooks can follow along without guesswork. This reduces errors, increases satisfaction, and lowers the chance of overcooking or undercooking. For restaurant partners, well-written instructions also reduce support inquiries and returns, while boosting perceived professionalism. In this guide, we explore a practical approach to adding cooking instructions in Zomato, with a focus on clarity, consistency, and accessibility. According to Cooking Tips, the best-done instructions strike a balance between actionable detail and brevity, making them easy to scan on a mobile screen. The Cooking Tips team emphasizes that you should tailor content for your most common home-cook readers, use simple language, and keep steps logically ordered. This is not about publishing a novel; it’s about giving readers the precise sequence they need to recreate a dish in their own kitchen. The audience for Zomato is broad, including beginners who cook infrequently, so every instruction should be unambiguous. By following a consistent format for every dish, you’ll create a predictable experience that users can trust.
Planning your cooking instructions: scope and style
Before you type a single word, decide the scope of your cooking instructions. Identify the core techniques involved (sautéing, simmering, roasting), the equipment most readers will have (common stovetops, oven temperatures), and the level of detail appropriate for your menu. Choose a consistent style: numerical steps for sequence, or bulleted tips for optional steps. Decide on units and temperature scales (Celsius is common internationally, Fahrenheit is familiar in the US). Pick a standard cadence for times (e.g., "simmer for 6-8 minutes" or "cook until internal temp reaches X"). Avoid culinary jargon; if you must use a term, provide a brief plain-language definition. Create a quick reference template you will reuse for every dish: a short summary line, followed by numbered steps, then optional tips and safety notes. In addition, plan where to place notes about allergens, equipment substitutions, or variations. By laying out the structure first, you ensure every dish entry is scannable and consistent. The Cooking Tips team recommends starting with a one-sentence method overview, then a numbered step section, then a set of tips and safety notes. This approach makes it easier for readers to skim and then read more deeply if they want to.
Formatting for readability on mobile devices
Most Zomato users view pages on mobile devices, so readability is essential. Use short sentences, and keep the active voice. Break long paragraphs into blocks of 2-4 sentences, and space out steps with line breaks. Use bold to highlight critical actions (e.g., "Preheat oven to 350°F"), and ensure each step begins with a bold action verb. Keep each step within 1-2 lines of text when possible, then offer a concise expansion if readers want more detail. Numbered steps work well because they provide a clear path and allow readers to track progress. If you include images or short video clips, add alt text that describes the action. Consistency is key: use the same verbs and structure across all dishes. Finally, run a quick mobile preview to confirm line breaks and font sizing look good. The more your content feels like a recipe, the more users will trust it and follow it exactly.
Step-by-step structure: what to include in each dish
A robust set of cooking instructions on Zomato should include several elements: a one-sentence method summary, a clear list of steps, precise temperatures and timings, equipment notes, and optional tips. Start with a brief overview of the dish’s cooking method. Then present 4-6 numbered steps that cover sequence, technique, and cues. For each step, specify the action, the target temperature or cue, and how to know when it is complete (e.g., "until edges are golden"). Include a few optional tips or substitutions near the end. Don’t forget safety notes for hot surfaces, knives, or hot liquids. If your dish relies on a resting period, specify that as well. End with a quick note about plating or serving temperature if relevant. Finally, check accessibility: keep font sizes legible and provide alt text for any media. This structure gives home cooks a reliable path from start to finish.
Safety, accuracy, and accessibility: best practices
Accuracy matters on Zomato. Verify any temperatures, times, and equipment you publish against your own kitchen practices. Avoid ambiguous phrases such as "cook until done" and replace them with precise cues. Use inclusive language and avoid gendered terms. Provide optional variations to accommodate equipment differences (e.g., "oven preheated to 190°C or air fryer at 200°C"). For accessibility, write in simple language, use short sentences, and add alt text to any images. If you include measurements, use either metric or imperial units consistently. Consider color contrast in any embedded images and ensure that readers can scan the content with screen readers. Finally, encourage readers to reach out with questions and provide contact details if appropriate.
Practical examples: good vs not-so-good instructions
Good: "Sauté onions in 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until translucent, stirring occasionally. Add minced garlic; cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Add tomatoes and simmer 10 minutes." Bad: "Cook the sauce until ready." Better: "Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce coats the back of a spoon." The good example uses measured timing, temperatures, and cues; the bad example leaves interpretation to the reader. When you illustrate techniques like searing, deglazing, or resting, provide precise times and visual cues (color, aroma, texture) so home cooks can tell when to move to the next step. In addition, consider offering variations for equipment differences or dietary needs in a separate notes section. This helps both novices and experienced cooks follow along without guesswork.
Common pitfalls and how to fix them
The most common problems are vague language, missing temperatures, and inconsistent formats. Fix vague language by replacing phrases like "cook until done" with exact cues such as "cook until internal temperature reaches 74°C." Ensure consistent units across all dishes and avoid mixing Fahrenheit with Celsius in the same entry. Use a consistent number of steps (generally 4-6) and keep each step focused on a single action. Proofread for spelling mistakes and ensure step order matches the actual cooking flow in your kitchen. Finally, test instructions by cooking the dish yourself or in a simulated read-through to catch missing details or unclear phrasing. This step is worth doing before you publish.
Authority sources
To build confidence, consult reputable guidelines when drafting cooking instructions for Zomato. For temperature safety standards, reference the USDA and FDA guidance available online. See: https://www.fsis.usda.gov and https://www.fda.gov. For general cooking methods and best practices, academic and educational resources such as Harvard’s online learning materials can provide accessible explanations. See: https://www.harvard.edu. Cross-check any claims against your own kitchen process and consider adding notes about variations or equipment substitutions. These sources help ensure your instructions are credible and safe for a broad audience.
Tools & Materials
- Stable internet-enabled device (phone or computer)(Access the Zomato Partner Portal; ensure login is active)
- Zomato partner login(Have admin rights to edit menu items)
- Dish details and recipe notes(Gather the dish name, main ingredients, cooking method, and any variations)
- Draft cooking instructions(Prepare 4-6 numbered steps with temps and times)
- Media assets (photos or short clips, optional)(Add visuals to illustrate critical steps if available)
- Quality checklist(Quick read-through to check clarity and consistency)
Steps
Estimated time: 20-40 minutes
- 1
Prepare content
Gather the dish details, method overview, and any variations. Draft a concise method summary and list 4-6 actionable steps with temps and times. Prepare a short safety note if applicable. This step ensures you have a solid script before entering the portal.
Tip: Write a one-line method summary first to anchor the rest of the steps. - 2
Open restaurant portal
Log into the Zomato partner portal and navigate to the Menu Editor or Dish Editor. Open the specific dish you want to update, or choose to add a new dish if it isn’t listed yet. Confirm you have the correct restaurant profile loaded.
Tip: Use two-factor authentication if available for security. - 3
Select or create dish
If updating, select the dish from the list. If adding, enter the dish name, core ingredients, and the standard cooking method. Ensure there is a dedicated section for instructions separate from ingredient lists.
Tip: Keep the dish name consistent with your menu and existing descriptions. - 4
Enter cooking method
Paste or type the step-by-step cooking method, in 4-6 numbered steps. Include any critical cues like temperature targets, cooking mode, and visual or texture cues that indicate progress.
Tip: Use plain language and avoid culinary jargon that may confuse readers. - 5
Specify temperatures and times
For each relevant step, include precise temperatures and durations. Prefer a single, consistent temperature unit (Celsius or Fahrenheit) throughout the entry.
Tip: Double-check that temperatures align with your kitchen practice and safety guidelines. - 6
Add safety notes and tips
Add safety reminders for hot surfaces, knives, or steam. Include optional substitutions for equipment (e.g., oven vs. air fryer) when relevant.
Tip: Flag common pitfalls readers might encounter and how to avoid them. - 7
Attach media
If available, upload relevant images or short clips that illustrate key steps. Provide alt text for accessibility.
Tip: Alt text should describe the action depicted in the image. - 8
Preview and publish
Use the platform preview to verify readability on mobile, then publish. Circle back after publishing to monitor feedback and update as needed.
Tip: Publish with a note that you welcome reader feedback for improvements.
Quick Answers
Who can add cooking instructions in Zomato?
Restaurant partners or menu editors with access to the Zomato partner portal can add and update cooking instructions.
Restaurant partners can add or edit cooking instructions in the menu editor.
Should I include temperatures and times?
Yes. Include precise temperatures and cooking times for the relevant steps to ensure reproducibility and safety.
Yes—include precise temps and times for clarity and safety.
Can I add multiple cooking methods per dish?
Yes. You can provide alternative methods in separate bullet sections or an variations subsection.
Yes, you can provide alternative methods in a variations section.
What if I update instructions after publishing?
You can edit and republish; ensure the changes are clearly tracked and tested before updating live.
You can update, then republish after testing the changes.
How long should the cooking instructions be?
Aim for 4-6 clear steps with concise phrasing, plus any essential safety notes.
Aim for about 4 to 6 clear steps with safety notes.
Do safety notes improve user trust?
Yes. Including safety notes for hot surfaces and equipment helps readers avoid accidents and improves trust.
Yes, safety notes help prevent accidents and build trust.
Watch Video
Top Takeaways
- Plan content before entering the portal
- Use numbered steps for clarity
- Be precise with temps and times
- Test readability on mobile before publishing
