Ordering from a home cook, start to finish.
It's a little different from a restaurant app, because a home kitchen is a little different from a restaurant. Here's the whole thing.
See it in 30 seconds
A buyer orders from a home cook, and the cook marks the payment received. Real TrulyServd screens, demo kitchens.
One order, both sides
What you see, and what the cook is doing at the same moment.
You find something
You
Browse dishes near you. Every page shows the price, the allergens and the next pickup time.
The cook
Their menu, prices and usual week are already on the page, so there's nothing to ask.
You order ahead
You
Pick a pickup day and a time slot, choose cash or e-Transfer, and place the order. Nothing is charged online.
The cook
The order lands in their kitchen right away.
The cook says yes
You
On a day the cook planned, it's confirmed on the spot. On any other day it's a pre-order, and you'll see the time they have to confirm by.
The cook
Pre-orders come with a countdown. They accept or decline — and if they don't answer in time, it expires and nothing is owed.
The address appears
You
Once accepted, you see the exact pickup address and the cook's payment instructions.
The cook
They cook. Their cooking time is set separately from pickup time.
You pick it up
You
Pick up in your time slot and pay the cook directly, cash or e-Transfer.
The cook
They hand it over and mark your payment received.
You say how it was
You
Within 30 days you can leave a star rating and a few words.
The cook
They can reply once, in public.
Instant or pre-order?
If the cook has planned portions for your day, the order is confirmed instantly. If they haven't, it's a pre-order: they confirm before a deadline, or it expires and nothing is owed.
- The cook planned Saturday — your order is confirmed instantly.
- Sunday isn't planned yet — it's a pre-order.
- The cook accepts before the deadline — you're confirmed.
- If they can't, it expires and nothing is owed.
1. The cook planned Saturday — your order is confirmed instantly.
2. Sunday isn't planned yet — it's a pre-order.
3. The cook accepts before the deadline — you're confirmed.
4. If they can't, it expires and nothing is owed.
What we check
- Every kitchen is reviewed by TrulyServd before it goes live.
- Each cook's identity is checked with a government ID and a selfie.
- Every listing shows its allergens.
Allergies and special requests
Every listing shows its allergens. If you have an allergy or a specific dietary need, message the cook before ordering (where they accept questions) or add a note at checkout.
Fair questions
Can I cancel?
Yes, until the cook marks your order ready. After that, message the cook from your order page.
Can I order from two cooks at once?
Not in one order. A cart holds dishes from one cook, so each order goes to one kitchen and one pickup.
Can I ask the cook something first?
If the cook accepts questions, there's a Message button on their page. Once you've ordered, you can chat with them on the order page.
Do I need an account?
To order, yes: sign up and verify your email. Browsing doesn't need one.
What if the cook can't make my order?
They can decline a pre-order, or it expires if they don't confirm in time. Either way, nothing is owed.
Still curious?
Read why TrulyServd exists, or write to us at hello@trulyservd.com.