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Food Type ​

Food Types are high-level categories for your menu items, such as Appetizers, Main Courses, Desserts, Beverages, etc. Navigate to Foods → Food Type to manage food types.

Food Type - List Page

Overview ​

Food Types help organize your menu into major categories that customers understand. They're broader than Food Categories and provide the first level of menu organization.

Food Hierarchy

The food organization hierarchy is: Menu → Food Type → Food Category → Food Items. For example: Dinner Menu → Main Courses → Chicken Dishes → Grilled Chicken Breast.

Creating a Food Type ​

Click Add Food Type to create a new food type.

Food Type - Add/Edit Form

Image

  • Upload an image representing this food type
  • Example: A platter of appetizers for "Appetizers" type
  • Optional but enhances visual presentation
  • Displays on website and digital menus

Name (Required)

  • Name of the food type
  • Common examples:
    • Appetizers / Starters
    • Main Courses / Entrees
    • Desserts / Sweets
    • Beverages / Drinks
    • Sides / Accompaniments
    • Soups / Salads
    • Breads
    • Rice & Noodles
    • Seafood
    • Vegetarian
    • Non-Vegetarian
  • Use names your customers will recognize
  • Keep consistent with your menu style

Food Type List View ​

The list displays:

  • Image: Food type thumbnail
  • Name: Food type name
  • Created At: Date added
  • Actions: Edit, Delete buttons

Bulk Actions

  • Select multiple food types
  • Bulk delete (only empty types)

Deleting Food Types

You cannot delete a food type that has food items assigned to it. Reassign all items first, then delete.

Common Food Type Structures ​

Traditional Restaurant ​

  • Appetizers
  • Soups & Salads
  • Main Courses
  • Sides
  • Desserts
  • Beverages

Fast Food / Casual ​

  • Burgers
  • Pizza
  • Fried Chicken
  • Sandwiches
  • Sides
  • Drinks
  • Desserts

Fine Dining ​

  • Amuse-Bouche
  • Appetizers
  • Soups
  • Salads
  • Fish & Seafood
  • Meat & Poultry
  • Desserts
  • Beverages
  • Wine List

Café / Coffee Shop ​

  • Hot Beverages
  • Cold Beverages
  • Bakery
  • Breakfast
  • Light Meals
  • Desserts

Multi-Cuisine ​

  • Chinese
  • Italian
  • Indian
  • Continental
  • Thai
  • Mexican

Best Practices ​

Clear Categories

  • Use universally understood terms
  • "Appetizers" not "Small Plates" (unless that's your brand)
  • Keep naming consistent

Logical Order

  • Organize as customers expect
  • Appetizers before Main Courses
  • Desserts at the end
  • Beverages separate or at end

Limited Number

  • 5-10 food types is typical
  • Too many confuses customers and staff
  • Consolidate similar categories

Visual Quality

  • Use high-quality, professional images
  • Images should be appetizing and representative
  • Consistent style across all types

Regular Review

  • Update quarterly or seasonally
  • Remove unused types
  • Add new categories as menu evolves

Website Display

Food Types often appear as navigation tabs or sections on customer-facing websites. Choose names and images that work well in digital formats.