What is a KOT (kitchen order ticket)?

A KOT, short for kitchen order ticket, is a written or printed note that tells the kitchen exactly what a table has ordered.

What a KOT usually contains

The table number, the items and quantities, any special notes such as no onions, and the time the order was placed.

Why restaurants use KOTs

Verbal orders get forgotten or misheard. A ticket gives the kitchen one clear record, and it gives staff something to check if a customer disputes an order.

Paper KOT versus digital KOT

With a paper pad, someone has to copy or carry the order. With a digital system, the waiter sends the order and the ticket prints in the kitchen.

How Table Ticket handles KOTs

Take the order, send it to the kitchen, print the ticket, and see whether it is waiting, in the kitchen or served. Read more about our kitchen order ticket system.

Tips for better tickets

Keep item names short and consistent, use notes for special requests, and reprint a ticket if the kitchen loses it.

How a KOT flows through a restaurant

The waiter takes the order and enters it at the table or counter. The order becomes a ticket that goes to the kitchen. The cook prepares the dishes, the waiter serves them, and the same order is used to build the bill. Because one order feeds the kitchen and the bill, what is cooked matches what is charged.

What to write in the notes

Notes are where mistakes creep in, so keep them short and specific. Write 'no onions' or 'extra spicy' rather than long sentences. Put allergies at the top and repeat them back to the guest. If your system supports it, use the same wording for common requests so the kitchen learns to recognise them.

KOT versus a bill

A KOT is for the kitchen and does not need prices. A bill is for the guest and shows prices, tax, service charge and discounts. Mixing them up is a common problem on paper. In a digital system the two come from the same order, so they stay consistent.

Handling changes and cancellations

Guests change their minds. Decide how your team handles a dish that is added, changed or removed after the ticket has gone to the kitchen. Ideally the kitchen sees the change straight away, and removals are logged. Table Ticket records items removed from open orders, so an owner can review them later.

Kitchen tickets for takeaway and online orders

KOTs are not only for dine-in. Takeaway and online orders need the same clarity, and they are easy to lose if they arrive by phone. Putting them in the same list as your tables means the kitchen sees one queue and prepares orders in the right sequence.

When to move from paper to digital

Paper works for a very small restaurant. If you often lose tickets, argue over what was ordered, or cannot see what is still waiting, a digital KOT will pay for itself in fewer mistakes. It also gives you a record you can search later.

Frequently asked questions

What does KOT stand for?

KOT stands for kitchen order ticket. It is the note that tells the kitchen what a table has ordered.

Does a KOT include prices?

Usually not. It lists the table, items, quantities, notes and time. Prices appear on the customer's bill.

Can a KOT be digital?

Yes. A digital system sends the order from the waiter to the kitchen, where it can be viewed on a screen or printed.

Ready to try it?

Table Ticket runs in your browser with tables, kitchen tickets, bills and QR menus in one app.