DoorDash announced the launch of Ask DoorDash, a new conversational search experience that enables users to search the app using natural language. The feature allows customers to describe what they want to eat, upload recipe links or cookbook photos, and eventually search for restaurant reservations, with personalized results delivered in seconds.
According to DoorDash, the average U.S. customer has access to approximately 800,000 menu items and grocery products through the platform. Ask DoorDash is designed to simplify discovery by searching across that inventory and tailoring recommendations based on customer preferences and previous orders.
The feature is currently available in select markets on iOS for restaurant search and grocery shopping. DoorDash said support for Reservations and broader availability across the U.S. will roll out in the coming weeks.
For grocery shopping, Ask DoorDash can create carts from recipe links, photos of cookbook pages, or images of handwritten grocery lists. The feature automatically selects ingredients and quantities and can prompt users to verify pantry staples before adding them to the cart. Customers can also reorder previous grocery carts and receive recommendations based on past purchases.
For restaurant discovery, users can describe their preferences in everyday language, such as requesting a family meal or asking for kid-friendly vegetarian options. Ask DoorDash refines recommendations in real time and can build a delivery cart based on dietary preferences, budget, group size, and order history.
DoorDash is also expanding the technology to its Reservations service. Customers will be able to describe the type of dining experience they want, such as a date-night dinner or a restaurant with a strong cocktail menu, and receive reservation options with available times.
The company said traditional search remains useful when users know exactly what they want, while Ask DoorDash is intended for occasions when customers need help discovering restaurants, groceries, or dining experiences that fit their needs.
KEY QUOTE:
“We’ve spent over a decade building an app that puts everything in your city at your fingertips, but more options shouldn’t mean more work. Now you can search DoorDash in your own words to find exactly what you want. And we know if the vegetarian option you prefer is on the menu before recommending a restaurant, or that you recently ordered flour and sugar before stocking up on groceries. The app works harder so you don’t have to.”
Andy Fang, Co-Founder, DoorDash
