Real Estate

F*ck Rappi: Direct Order from Restaurants in Medellin

Discover the benefits of ordering directly from restaurants in Medellin. Enjoy faster service, hotter food, and better deals while supporting local businesses. Learn how to build your network of direc

Carlos Arias · · 4 min read

As a food lover living in Medellin, I used to rely heavily on delivery apps like Rappi for my meals. But over the past few months, I’ve made a significant change in how I order food, and I want to share my experience with you. If the follow image is all to familiar with you, then this article is for you.

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My Journey to Direct Ordering

It all started when I noticed that Rappi’s service was getting worse. I can’t count the number of times I’ve received cold food, waited for hours for my order, or worse – had my order never show up at all. There were days when I’d order lunch at 1 PM, only to find myself making a sandwich at 3 PM after canceling my still-undelivered order.

Frustrated, I decided to try something different. I started collecting direct phone numbers of restaurants and ordering from them directly. To test my theory, I once placed the same order through Rappi and directly with the same restaurant. The results? The direct order arrived quickly, hot and fresh. The Rappi order? It showed up an hour later, cold and unappetizing.

My favorite restaurants I like to order from are Na Pizza, Japoneria and Jamaquita. Fast Service, friendly staff on the whatsapp and quick delivery.

Why I’m Sticking with Direct Ordering

Since then, I’ve been slowly building up my list of restaurants that offer direct ordering, and I’ve noticed several benefits:

  1. Personal Customer Service: When order directly with the restaurant, I can easily explain any special requests or ask questions about the menu.
  2. Supporting Local Businesses: I learned that delivery apps can charge restaurants up to 40% in fees. By ordering directly, I’m ensuring more of my money goes to the hardworking restaurant staff and owner. 
  3. Faster, Hotter Food: This is definitely a bonus. No more lukewarm meals or soggy fries!
  4. Better Deals: Some restaurants offer specials for direct orders that you won’t find on delivery apps.

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Building My Direct Ordering Network

I’ll be honest – not all restaurants offer direct ordering. That’s why I’m slowly building up my list of restaurants that do. I’ve even started a restaurant directory where you can see which places offer direct ordering and download their menus.

Medellin.co’s Restaurant Directory is personally hand picked by Medellin.co Team and Recommended by our followers. We feel these are the best of the best of restaurants that Medellin has to offer, and we’re adding more as we find them. You can filter Direct Order only restaurants if you’re interested in ordering from whatsapp, and you can find the menus be clicking the link. So of the restaurants offer a 10% discount for first time customers; if you mention that you’re coming from Medellin.co

My Advice to You

If you’re tired of disappointing delivery experiences, I encourage you to give direct ordering a try. Here’s how you can start:

  1. Check out Medellin.co restaurant directory for local places that offer direct ordering.
  2. Start saving the direct numbers of your favorite restaurants.
  3. Next time you order, ask if they have any specials for direct customers.
  4. Enjoy your faster, hotter, and often cheaper meal!

A Personal Reflection

Making this switch has not only improved my dining experiences but also made me feel more connected to my local restaurant community. There’s something satisfying about cutting out the middleman and dealing directly with the people preparing my food.

As I continue to expand my list of direct-order restaurants, I’m excited to see how this trend might reshape the way we all think about food delivery. Who knows? Maybe we’re at the forefront of a food ordering revolution.

I’d love to hear about your experiences with direct ordering. Have you tried it? What were your results? Let’s share our stories and help each other discover the best way to enjoy our favorite restaurant meals.

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Written by
Carlos Arias

Founder of Medellín.co — a long-time resident writing about living in and visiting the city.

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