Telegram Bot for Restaurant: Step-by-Step Setup in 1 Hour
How to create and set up a Telegram bot for restaurant orders. Mini App, catalog, payment, notifications — complete guide.
Article
Telegram is the #1 messenger in Uzbekistan with 20+ million users. A Telegram bot for a restaurant is a full-fledged sales channel that can be set up in 1 hour without programming skills.
## Why a Telegram Bot Is a Must-Have for Restaurants
- **Audience** — 85% of Uzbekistan's population uses Telegram
- **Zero entry barrier** — customer doesn't need to download anything
- **Conversion** — 30% higher than mobile app
- **Acquisition cost** — 3-5x lower than for an app
- **Push notifications** — free and instant
## Telegram Mini App vs Regular Bot
In 2026, Telegram Mini Apps became the standard — full-fledged web applications inside Telegram:
### Regular Bot (button-based)
- Text menu with buttons
- Limited UX
- Hard to show dish photos
- Suitable for simple catalogs
### Mini App
- Full graphical interface
- Dish photos, cart, payment
- UX like a mobile app
- Works right inside Telegram
Recommendation: use Mini App for catalog and orders, regular bot for notifications and support.
## Step-by-Step Setup (via Delever)
### Step 1: Create the Bot (5 minutes)
1. Open @BotFather in Telegram
2. Send /newbot
3. Choose a name: "Your Restaurant — Delivery"
4. Choose a username: @your_restaurant_delivery_bot
5. Copy the bot token
### Step 2: Connect to Platform (10 minutes)
1. Log into Delever control panel
2. Go to "Sales Channels" → "Telegram"
3. Paste the bot token
4. Set up welcome message
5. Activate Mini App
### Step 3: Catalog Setup (20 minutes)
1. Upload dish photos
2. Add descriptions and prices
3. Set up modifiers (size, add-ons)
4. Create categories
5. Set availability times
### Step 4: Payment Setup (10 minutes)
1. Connect Payme and/or Click
2. Set up cash on delivery
3. Set minimum order amount
### Step 5: Testing and Launch (15 minutes)
1. Place a test order
2. Check notifications
3. Verify the order appeared in control panel
4. Send the link to friends for testing
## Promoting Your Telegram Bot
After launch, you need to attract customers:
- **QR code** — on receipts, business cards, menu, storefront
- **Instagram** — link in bio, stories with instructions
- **Delivery flyer** — "Order via Telegram — 5% off"
- **Telegram channels** — advertising in local channels
- **Word of mouth** — "Share the bot with a friend — get a bonus"
## Automation Through the Bot
A Telegram bot can automate more than just orders:
- **Order status** — customer receives updates automatically
- **Loyalty program** — bonus balance, order history
- **Reviews** — review request after delivery
- **Broadcasts** — promotions, new menu, special offers
- **Support** — FAQ bot answers common questions
## Conclusion
A Telegram bot for a restaurant is a sales channel that pays for itself from day one. Setup takes 1 hour, and growth potential is limited only by your marketing. Start today — every day without a bot means lost orders.