Skip to main content
When you are setting up a new branch or adding a large batch of dishes, you can import many menu items at once from a CSV or Excel file instead of adding them one by one. oFatoura creates any missing categories and menus for you, checks your file before anything is saved, and shows you exactly which rows worked and which did not. This is done in the browser web admin.
Permissions: You need the Create Menu Item capability to run a bulk import.

​
Before you start

  • Have your data ready in a CSV, XLSX, or XLS file.
  • The file must be 10 MB or smaller.
  • You can run one import per minute — if you try again too soon, wait a moment before retrying.
Download the sample template first (see below) and fill it in. It already has the correct column headings, so you avoid mapping mistakes.

​
Required and optional columns

Your file needs these four columns for every item:
ColumnWhat it holds
item_nameThe dish or product name
category_nameThe category it belongs to (e.g. Starters, Drinks)
menu_nameThe menu it belongs to
priceThe item price
These columns are optional and can be left out:
ColumnWhat it holds
descriptionA short description of the item
typeveg, non-veg, or egg
show_on_customer_siteWhether the item appears on your online ordering site
If a category_name or menu_name in your file does not exist yet, oFatoura creates it automatically during the import. You do not need to set up categories and menus in advance.

​
Importing your items

1

Open Bulk Upload

In the sidebar go to Menu > Menu Items, then open Bulk Upload.
2

Download the sample template

Use the Download sample template option to get a correctly formatted starter file, then fill it with your items.
3

Select your file

Choose your prepared CSV or Excel file (10 MB or smaller). You will see upload progress as the file is read.
4

Choose a kitchen

If your branch has more than one kitchen station, pick the kitchen these items should be sent to. With only one kitchen, this step does not appear.
5

Preview and review

oFatoura shows a preview of your file and checks the data. Any problems are listed as per-row errors so you can see exactly which lines need fixing.
6

Start the import

Once the data looks correct, start the import. oFatoura creates the items, along with any missing categories and menus.
7

Download the results

After the import finishes, download the results report to confirm what was imported and review anything that was skipped.

​
Fixing validation errors

Before saving, oFatoura validates the file’s security and each row’s data and completeness. If a row is missing a required value or has an invalid one (for example a type that is not veg, non-veg, or egg), it is flagged with a per-row error.
Correct the flagged rows in your source file and upload it again. Remember the one import per minute limit — if you just ran an import, wait before retrying.

Adding and Editing Menu Items

Add or fine-tune individual items after importing.

Creating Menus and Item Categories

Review the menus and categories created during import.

Assigning Menu Items to Kitchens

Control which kitchen station prepares each item.

Sorting Menu Items and Categories

Arrange the order items appear in.