Ele.me vs Meituan: China's Two Giant Food Delivery Platforms
Ele.me is China's second largest food delivery platform owned by Alibaba. Compare Ele.me with Meituan and learn about food delivery in China.
TL;DR
Ele.me is China's second largest food delivery platform owned by Alibaba. Compare Ele.me with Meituan and learn about food delivery in China.
Key Insights
Ele.me Market Position
Ele.me is China's second largest food delivery platform with approximately 30 percent market share and over 300 million registered users. Following its acquisition by Alibaba in 2018 for 9.5 billion USD, Ele.me has been integrated with Alibaba's local services ecosystem.
Alibaba Ecosystem Integration
Ele.me's biggest advantage is Alibaba ecosystem integration. Users with 88VIP membership get free delivery, exclusive discounts, and points across Taobao, Tmall, Youku, and Ele.me. Payment through Alipay is seamless. Ele.me also powers food delivery within Alipay's mini-programs and Taobao's app.
Ele.me vs Meituan Waimai
Meituan Waimai leads with 65 percent market share, Ele.me follows at 30 percent. Meituan has more restaurant options and stronger presence in lower-tier cities. Ele.me has better integration with Alibaba services and is stronger in Alibaba's Hema grocery delivery. Both offer similar delivery times of 30-45 minutes.
Ele.me Services
Ele.me delivers food from 3 million+ restaurants, plus groceries from Hema Fresh and Freshippo, medicines from pharmacies, and flowers from florists. Its 'Everything Delivery' service has expanded to include daily necessities, office supplies, and electronics with delivery in 30-60 minutes.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Ele.me | Meituan Waimai | DoorDash (US) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Market Share (China) | Approx 30% | Approx 65% | N/A |
| Registered Users | 300M+ | 700M+ | 30M+ |
| Avg Delivery Time | 30-45 min | 25-40 min | 30-50 min |
| Delivery Fee | 3-8 yuan | 3-8 yuan | 3-8 USD |
| Avg Order Value | 25-40 yuan | 25-40 yuan | 25-40 USD |
| Grocery Delivery | Yes (Hema) | Yes (Meituan Buy) | Yes (DashMart) |
| Parent Company | Alibaba | Meituan | DoorDash |
| Membership | 88VIP | Meituan Super VIP | DashPass |
Frequently Asked Questions
Ele.me (literally 'Hungry?') is China's second largest food delivery platform, acquired by Alibaba in 2018. With over 300 million users, it competes with Meituan for dominance in China's food delivery market. Ele.me integrates deeply with Alibaba's ecosystem including Alipay and Taobao.
Meituan leads with approximately 65 percent market share, while Ele.me holds about 30 percent. Meituan has broader services including hotel booking, movie tickets, and bike-sharing. Ele.me benefits from Alibaba's ecosystem, offering integration with Alipay, Hema Fresh grocery, and 88VIP membership discounts.
Yes, foreigners can use Ele.me in China. The app supports English and accepts international credit cards through Alipay. You need a Chinese phone number and address. Delivery fees are typically 3-8 yuan. The app is the best option for Alibaba ecosystem users as it integrates with 88VIP for free delivery.
Food delivery in China is very affordable. Meal prices on Ele.me range from 10-50 yuan (1.5-7 USD). Delivery fees are typically 3-8 yuan. Many restaurants offer new user discounts of 50-70 percent off. With membership plans, delivery can be free. Total cost for a meal delivery is often 30-60 percent cheaper than Western platforms like DoorDash or Uber Eats.