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Culture at Zomato: How to Rewire Your Brain for Greatness
Culture eats strategy for breakfast.
In this short, sharp, witty book originally written for Zomato employees, get an insight into how one of India’s most exciting and successful companies works, and what it does to create the culture of excellence that makes it break barriers – time and time again.
It won’t just help you understand Zomato, it might just change the way you work.
In this short, sharp, witty book originally written for Zomato employees, get an insight into how one of India’s most exciting and successful companies works, and what it does to create the culture of excellence that makes it break barriers – time and time again.
It won’t just help you understand Zomato, it might just change the way you work.
152 pages, Hardcover
Published September 1, 2023
13 people are currently reading
342 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
October 15, 2023
Why this culture book?
I asked myself this question so as to understand it from the perspective of an entrepreneur and the answer was - why not?
In India, I don't think I have come up with any detailed company culture document that's converted into a book. There is of course a possibility of having someone who has written it for circulation within the organization but this is one step ahead of that.
What I liked?
The book is full of illustrations and to the point explanation of how Zomato works is mentioned. It gives a glimpse of how to the people in the organization behave and what will work for them in Zomato.
Right from working systems, leaves, employee morale to the future of the employees, this book was a handbook that got upgraded into a book format.
What I didn't like
It has too much of a statement type explanation rather than having some personal sharing or anecdotes that can make an employee or even a brand loyalist understand Zomato better. It was insightful in some places but too clinical in the way each aspect is handled despite the good illustrations.
Best part of the book?
Culture is never constant and hence the culture document that we all make as eager startups during the initial years of the startup cannot remain the same when you have progressed a few years into your business. Each new milestone in your business adds to the culture document.
It is a great companion guide for every startup founder to morph into the business of connecting with employees and being clear of their vision.
Final Takeway:
Every aspect of employee's welfare is part of founder's thought process and that is glimpsed in this book. It's a good founder's guide to spearheading an organization.
I asked myself this question so as to understand it from the perspective of an entrepreneur and the answer was - why not?
In India, I don't think I have come up with any detailed company culture document that's converted into a book. There is of course a possibility of having someone who has written it for circulation within the organization but this is one step ahead of that.
What I liked?
The book is full of illustrations and to the point explanation of how Zomato works is mentioned. It gives a glimpse of how to the people in the organization behave and what will work for them in Zomato.
Right from working systems, leaves, employee morale to the future of the employees, this book was a handbook that got upgraded into a book format.
What I didn't like
It has too much of a statement type explanation rather than having some personal sharing or anecdotes that can make an employee or even a brand loyalist understand Zomato better. It was insightful in some places but too clinical in the way each aspect is handled despite the good illustrations.
Best part of the book?
Culture is never constant and hence the culture document that we all make as eager startups during the initial years of the startup cannot remain the same when you have progressed a few years into your business. Each new milestone in your business adds to the culture document.
It is a great companion guide for every startup founder to morph into the business of connecting with employees and being clear of their vision.
Final Takeway:
Every aspect of employee's welfare is part of founder's thought process and that is glimpsed in this book. It's a good founder's guide to spearheading an organization.
September 19, 2023
Please don’t buy this book. Whether you’re a Zoman or Human, please skip this. There’s nothing in this book except few illustrations here and there and some fancy quotes.
Skip this book at all cost. Go read something else.
Skip this book at all cost. Go read something else.
May 21, 2024
It's a quick and light read. I liked how the content was presented - in simple spaced-out sentences with interesting Zomato specific art. The vibe is welcoming. Its largely relevant to the firm but there can be some general takeaways on employee work culture/well-being.
October 19, 2023
I had high expectations for this illustrated book that promised a quick and enjoyable read. While it did deliver on its promise of being visually appealing and easy to flip through, I found several aspects worth discussing.
On the positive side, the book's design and aesthetics were commendable. The illustrations were eye-catching, and the quality of paper and print was top-notch. However, these visual aspects turned out to be the primary highlights, leaving much to be desired when it came to content.
The brevity of the book was both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it could be devoured in a matter of hours due to its succinct nature. Most pages contained just a few words or short sentences, making it a swift read. Unfortunately, this brevity led to a lack of substantial content. The book often felt like a series of motivational quotes and generic advice, such as "seek discomfort" and "question everything." It was as if I were reading rehashed self-help guidance rather than gaining unique insights into building a strong organizational culture.
While Deepinder Goyal, the author, did share some personal anecdotes and experiences, the book fell short in providing in-depth content. More case studies and detailed explanations could have enriched the reading experience, especially considering the current significance of fostering a robust work culture and motivating employees in large companies.
One of the most significant drawbacks was the book's target audience. It seemed primarily tailored for Zomato employees, which limited its broader appeal. The last 20-30 pages were overly specific to Zomato, making them irrelevant for a general audience. This narrow focus was unexpected and somewhat disappointing for a book available for public purchase.
In conclusion, this book might find its place as Zomato merchandise or serve as a quick, visually pleasing read. However, its limited content and its specific orientation towards Zomato make it less attractive to a wider audience. While it had its merits in terms of design and aesthetics, it ultimately left me wanting more substance and broader applicability.
🌟🌟🌟✨
On the positive side, the book's design and aesthetics were commendable. The illustrations were eye-catching, and the quality of paper and print was top-notch. However, these visual aspects turned out to be the primary highlights, leaving much to be desired when it came to content.
The brevity of the book was both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it could be devoured in a matter of hours due to its succinct nature. Most pages contained just a few words or short sentences, making it a swift read. Unfortunately, this brevity led to a lack of substantial content. The book often felt like a series of motivational quotes and generic advice, such as "seek discomfort" and "question everything." It was as if I were reading rehashed self-help guidance rather than gaining unique insights into building a strong organizational culture.
While Deepinder Goyal, the author, did share some personal anecdotes and experiences, the book fell short in providing in-depth content. More case studies and detailed explanations could have enriched the reading experience, especially considering the current significance of fostering a robust work culture and motivating employees in large companies.
One of the most significant drawbacks was the book's target audience. It seemed primarily tailored for Zomato employees, which limited its broader appeal. The last 20-30 pages were overly specific to Zomato, making them irrelevant for a general audience. This narrow focus was unexpected and somewhat disappointing for a book available for public purchase.
In conclusion, this book might find its place as Zomato merchandise or serve as a quick, visually pleasing read. However, its limited content and its specific orientation towards Zomato make it less attractive to a wider audience. While it had its merits in terms of design and aesthetics, it ultimately left me wanting more substance and broader applicability.
🌟🌟🌟✨
March 26, 2024
"We avoid bad news because we hate discomfort. Yet, all growth begins with discomfort. Without it, there is no reason to change. We start our journey of maturity when we finally realise that life is not about achieving absolute peace but about effectively managing tension."
A book that was originally written as a corporate handbook for new Zomato employees, gives an insight into how one of India’s most exciting and successful companies works, and what it does to create the culture of excellence that makes it break barriers – time and time again.
Presented as an orientation manual / survival guide to adapt to the organisation’s culture, and chart one’s journey to success, this book captures the principles and standards of how Zomato works and their key policies. It also includes the company’s history – how it was created, its purpose, and evolution into what it has become today.
I loved how the book is styled as a visual guidebook with simple illustrations and text designed using clean, bold fonts. It is a quick and easy read that succinctly delivers the message it set out with.
CULTure at Zomato serves both as an employee’s rules of engagement as well as a manual for entrepreneurs/start-ups to identify and streamline their vision and culture. As I see it, it is also a self-help book to a way of life that will benefit your professional goals as well as your personality.
For complete review, visit https://aquamarineflavours.wordpress....
Find me on other platforms via https://linktr.ee/AshieJayn
A book that was originally written as a corporate handbook for new Zomato employees, gives an insight into how one of India’s most exciting and successful companies works, and what it does to create the culture of excellence that makes it break barriers – time and time again.
Presented as an orientation manual / survival guide to adapt to the organisation’s culture, and chart one’s journey to success, this book captures the principles and standards of how Zomato works and their key policies. It also includes the company’s history – how it was created, its purpose, and evolution into what it has become today.
I loved how the book is styled as a visual guidebook with simple illustrations and text designed using clean, bold fonts. It is a quick and easy read that succinctly delivers the message it set out with.
CULTure at Zomato serves both as an employee’s rules of engagement as well as a manual for entrepreneurs/start-ups to identify and streamline their vision and culture. As I see it, it is also a self-help book to a way of life that will benefit your professional goals as well as your personality.
For complete review, visit https://aquamarineflavours.wordpress....
Find me on other platforms via https://linktr.ee/AshieJayn
September 18, 2023
I got the book right after it was launched and I was looking forward to reading this one. It is one of those illustrated book that Juggernaut popularly does. Something they've done with Ankur Warikoo's books too.
The book is very easy to ready and I was able to finish it in a matter of hours since most of the pages have single words or 1-2 lines only.
Content-wise, the book shares some good insight on how to build a strong culture in your organisation and how employees should conduct themselves in order to achieve their personal goals as well as the goals of the organisation. There are many examples that, Deepinder Goyal, the author of the book has used from his own personal experience that give you a lot of perspective.
That said, there are parts in the book that feel like a investment pitch for Zomato or an Annual Report for the shareholders. I feel that more case studies could have been incorporated and the content could have been more in-depth as these days building a strong work culture and keeping your employees motivated is very important for big companies.
Lastly, if you're an employee at Zomato, then you'll be familiar with what's in the book. And if you plan to join Zomato at any time in the future, then this book is the culture-deck you'd want to read.
The book is very easy to ready and I was able to finish it in a matter of hours since most of the pages have single words or 1-2 lines only.
Content-wise, the book shares some good insight on how to build a strong culture in your organisation and how employees should conduct themselves in order to achieve their personal goals as well as the goals of the organisation. There are many examples that, Deepinder Goyal, the author of the book has used from his own personal experience that give you a lot of perspective.
That said, there are parts in the book that feel like a investment pitch for Zomato or an Annual Report for the shareholders. I feel that more case studies could have been incorporated and the content could have been more in-depth as these days building a strong work culture and keeping your employees motivated is very important for big companies.
Lastly, if you're an employee at Zomato, then you'll be familiar with what's in the book. And if you plan to join Zomato at any time in the future, then this book is the culture-deck you'd want to read.
October 12, 2023
Chiki Sarkar, CEO of @juggernaut.in discovered this book accidentally at the office of one of her friends working at Zomato. It demanded to be read by a larger audience, she thought and hence, Culture is here for us to read.
Written as an induction as well as survival guide cum self help book for Zomans (Zomato Employees), this book offers tidbits to guide an employee working at Zomato. It offers the founder’s ethics and thought process, encouraging them to always ‘do things the right and not easy way’.
Deepinder encourages Zomans to take rosh as the biggest risk is to take no risk at all. He encourages us to seek contradictions and not confirmations.
Deepinder has also expanded upon various ways he and his company is giving back to the community and their delivery partners. Zomato is a carbon neutral company. They help recycle plastic and have invested in windmill projects in various states of the country.
Deepinder encourages diversity in the company and provides for surgical expanses for people who are going through gender dysphoria.
Author has also shared how Zomato came into being- accidentally. He was standing in line to order food and thought about scanning menus to help everyone save time. Rest is history.
Written as an induction as well as survival guide cum self help book for Zomans (Zomato Employees), this book offers tidbits to guide an employee working at Zomato. It offers the founder’s ethics and thought process, encouraging them to always ‘do things the right and not easy way’.
Deepinder encourages Zomans to take rosh as the biggest risk is to take no risk at all. He encourages us to seek contradictions and not confirmations.
Deepinder has also expanded upon various ways he and his company is giving back to the community and their delivery partners. Zomato is a carbon neutral company. They help recycle plastic and have invested in windmill projects in various states of the country.
Deepinder encourages diversity in the company and provides for surgical expanses for people who are going through gender dysphoria.
Author has also shared how Zomato came into being- accidentally. He was standing in line to order food and thought about scanning menus to help everyone save time. Rest is history.
February 18, 2024
Culture at Zomato... Hmmm. As a book-nerd, I loved the book; as a reader, not so much.
It's nothing about, in particular. A stripped down version of a corporate handbook that's a cute, little book you can finish reading in a whizz.
The book is about Zomato, and a bit about Deepinder. It captures the soul of Zomato, along with its history, cultural principles and company policies.
It's about the culture at Zomato, about how they worked, and about what a productive culture of a company should be like.
What I liked the most about the book is its cover. Unfortunately. Oh, and the illustrations, too.
The pages don't have a lot of text. A paragraph here, one sentence there and then, a illustration. Some anecdotes from Deepinder's life. A bit about working style. And throw in some motivational quotes. That's all there is in this Zomato book.
If you want to know a little about Zomato, if you want to read a short book, if you're looking for an eye-catching collectible... you sure should buy this book.
If you're looking to get deep insights into company culture, this isn't the one you should pick up.
Read it only when you have nothing better to do. At around 150 pages (probably around 3000-4000 words overall), it won't take you long to finish reading Culture at Zomato.
It's nothing about, in particular. A stripped down version of a corporate handbook that's a cute, little book you can finish reading in a whizz.
The book is about Zomato, and a bit about Deepinder. It captures the soul of Zomato, along with its history, cultural principles and company policies.
It's about the culture at Zomato, about how they worked, and about what a productive culture of a company should be like.
What I liked the most about the book is its cover. Unfortunately. Oh, and the illustrations, too.
The pages don't have a lot of text. A paragraph here, one sentence there and then, a illustration. Some anecdotes from Deepinder's life. A bit about working style. And throw in some motivational quotes. That's all there is in this Zomato book.
If you want to know a little about Zomato, if you want to read a short book, if you're looking for an eye-catching collectible... you sure should buy this book.
If you're looking to get deep insights into company culture, this isn't the one you should pick up.
Read it only when you have nothing better to do. At around 150 pages (probably around 3000-4000 words overall), it won't take you long to finish reading Culture at Zomato.
October 1, 2024
Ever wonder what really makes a company like Zomato so successful? It’s not just strategy—it’s the culture they’ve built.
This book offers a refreshing insight into the inner workings of Zomato. What sets it apart is its focus on culture over traditional business strategies. Rather than laying out strategies and KPIs, the book dives into how Zomato fosters creativity, innovation, and a relentless drive for improvement. It emphasizes the importance of cultivating a work environment that motivates individuals to excel, which in turn, pushes the company to break barriers.
The writing is sharp and engaging, with plenty of real-world examples that show how Zomato’s approach to culture fuels its continued success. This isn’t just a book for entrepreneurs or employees at Zomato—it’s for anyone who wants to understand how culture can elevate a business beyond the sum of its strategies. By the end, you might find yourself rethinking how you approach your own work or leadership style. A must-read for those interested in high-performance work cultures!
This book offers a refreshing insight into the inner workings of Zomato. What sets it apart is its focus on culture over traditional business strategies. Rather than laying out strategies and KPIs, the book dives into how Zomato fosters creativity, innovation, and a relentless drive for improvement. It emphasizes the importance of cultivating a work environment that motivates individuals to excel, which in turn, pushes the company to break barriers.
The writing is sharp and engaging, with plenty of real-world examples that show how Zomato’s approach to culture fuels its continued success. This isn’t just a book for entrepreneurs or employees at Zomato—it’s for anyone who wants to understand how culture can elevate a business beyond the sum of its strategies. By the end, you might find yourself rethinking how you approach your own work or leadership style. A must-read for those interested in high-performance work cultures!
October 29, 2023
Reading this book makes me want to work at Zomato. The principles and ideas in this book are so supportive and encouraging of employees, how much they actually get implemented and exist in reality, is something I do not have any visibility on. But from whatever I have heard, a lot of it is as good as they say it is. I loved reading the book, and I am sure like many others, wished my workplace was as supportive, as encouraging, better in this way and that, and more. Great workplaces don't get built overnight, or by magic. Good culture takes time and effort and dedication to the purpose and more
This book is sharp, witty, and inspiring. If I go the entrepreneurial way someday, I'd want my company to have such an awesome culture.
This book is sharp, witty, and inspiring. If I go the entrepreneurial way someday, I'd want my company to have such an awesome culture.
June 24, 2025
Visually, the book is a treat — thoughtfully designed with clean illustrations and high-quality printing that adds to its appeal. It sets a strong first impression. In terms of content, it offers some valuable insights into workplace culture, leadership, and aligning personal growth with organizational goals. Deepinder Goyal draws from his own journey, and those real-life experiences bring authenticity to the narrative.
Coming to the content it is well pened and the write style is reader friendly however I think it would have been good if the book is in more detail and some case study or likes but still a good read to understand the working culture of Zomato
For those curious about Zomato's internal culture, it's an interesting glimpse.
Coming to the content it is well pened and the write style is reader friendly however I think it would have been good if the book is in more detail and some case study or likes but still a good read to understand the working culture of Zomato
For those curious about Zomato's internal culture, it's an interesting glimpse.
February 20, 2024
The good thing is that this book is short, light read. I am acquainted with this style from Jason Fried’s Rework book (which I love). The typesetting, design and illustrations are delightfully done.
What doesn’t work for me is that this looks like Onboarding or Induction into Zomato. I am not interested in knowing your health and insurance policies or what carbon footprint you have. I picked it up thinking to understand what goes on building great teams. Only a small section of book is dedicated to it.
If you are still on the fence, skip it and read something else. Unless of course you are well into your first week in your Zomato job :D
What doesn’t work for me is that this looks like Onboarding or Induction into Zomato. I am not interested in knowing your health and insurance policies or what carbon footprint you have. I picked it up thinking to understand what goes on building great teams. Only a small section of book is dedicated to it.
If you are still on the fence, skip it and read something else. Unless of course you are well into your first week in your Zomato job :D
April 21, 2024
The book is divided into 2 parts.
One talks about what exactly Zomato does for it employees & partners. This will make sense for someone who is in Zomato or planning to join them soon.
Then there’s second part which talks about few 5-7 points focusing on having a better corporate career in respective of the company you work in. These points are something you can get literally by googling.
Overall it will a chill read, I expected more as Deepinder was the author, wanted to know few insights from his POV. Wasn’t satisfied at all, will wait for his autobiography.
One talks about what exactly Zomato does for it employees & partners. This will make sense for someone who is in Zomato or planning to join them soon.
Then there’s second part which talks about few 5-7 points focusing on having a better corporate career in respective of the company you work in. These points are something you can get literally by googling.
Overall it will a chill read, I expected more as Deepinder was the author, wanted to know few insights from his POV. Wasn’t satisfied at all, will wait for his autobiography.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2025
The book is informative and help to adapt new perspective towards life in context to work and career.
It is Zomato employees [Zomans] handbook so most of chapters consists of company protocols and perks given by them but if you're a business owner then you can actually learn ways to run a healthy work place for your team.
personally i like the mantra of bad news = great news where its been said that the bad news help to solve problem so should be told without fear.
its was a good read got to learn many things.
Must say the illustration and writing is good✨️💖
It is Zomato employees [Zomans] handbook so most of chapters consists of company protocols and perks given by them but if you're a business owner then you can actually learn ways to run a healthy work place for your team.
personally i like the mantra of bad news = great news where its been said that the bad news help to solve problem so should be told without fear.
its was a good read got to learn many things.
Must say the illustration and writing is good✨️💖
November 22, 2023
As a Zoman (Zomato Alumni) - this was a fantastic read that brought back a lot of great memories from my time at the company.
What was particularly beautiful was knowing that a lot of the things written there by Deepinder, Ashish and Naina are true - and that they live and demonstrate the behaviours and attitudes that are mentioned in the book.
And to those that say that this reads like it was written for new employees at Zomato - I think that is because that was the main purpose. :-)
What was particularly beautiful was knowing that a lot of the things written there by Deepinder, Ashish and Naina are true - and that they live and demonstrate the behaviours and attitudes that are mentioned in the book.
And to those that say that this reads like it was written for new employees at Zomato - I think that is because that was the main purpose. :-)
October 12, 2023
It's short... it's interesting and I'm curious to know whether all that is written is actually implemented in the organisation.
It seems like I could be a part of it except perhaps for the smarter and ambitious part required in their employees.
It seems like I could be a part of it except perhaps for the smarter and ambitious part required in their employees.
August 26, 2024
A friend joined the company and sent the book to me. A convincing and revealing peek into the culture / mindset of one of the most exciting companies in our country today. I'm a fan of the business after reading it.
Palatable, honest and empowering. Not to mention a 20 minute read.
Palatable, honest and empowering. Not to mention a 20 minute read.
February 3, 2025
The books talks about the values that the owner is trying to bring in the company and a community he is building. With simple language, intriguing illustrations and strong beliefs the book is a good read for all those who are building their own businesses.
October 22, 2023
A short book which can be finished in one sitting. It has thought provoking ideas that implemented correctly can create any organisation great.
October 24, 2023
Got it as a joke book. It delivered.
December 20, 2023
It's a good book to learn about the culture at Zomato
January 29, 2024
Insightful! Interesting to know how different organizations function.
April 7, 2024
It feels like an orientation for Zomato employees… probably was intended so that way 😕
April 19, 2024
Be Left or Be Right, it’s all about Faith and Trust .
September 26, 2024
Great different perspective
May 3, 2025
Not for outsiders to be honest, just preferable for Zomato employees, it is kind of the induction training you do while joining a new org
October 23, 2025
A book that feels heavily influenced by “No Rules Rules” but has done a brilliant job of highlighting the right aspects of work culture that an organization should strive for.
January 19, 2026
Imagine paying money to read a 140-page sales pitch from Zomato's HR. 😭
Read
June 8, 2025As someone who is not in Zomato (and merely chanced on this while waiting at a client's lounge) - it was interesting in parts (mostly when they were referencing things outside of the org) but largely new-age startup bro-speak. They have some good policies though (for the white-collars obviously, the riders - oops?)
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews