Importing your menu using our AI tool is the fastest way to add your items to Teya. Whether you have a digital file, a spreadsheet, or a physical menu, the AI will extract your items, prices, categories, and VAT rates for you. This guide explains how to use the AI import feature and review your results.
Where you can import your menu
The AI menu import feature is available across all Teya platforms. For the easiest experience, we recommend using a device with a larger screen so you can review every line clearly.
You can use the import tool on:
- The Business Portal
- The Teya App
- The Card Machine (via the pre-installed Teya Payment app)
Note: The AI menu import is a dedicated setup wizard. It is different from the chat-based AI assistant, which is a separate feature and is not available on the Card Machine.
Supported file types and accuracy
| Input | Best when | Accuracy |
|---|---|---|
| You have a digital menu PDF, such as a designer file, supplier export, or an online menu saved as a PDF. | Highest; the AI reads text directly from the file. | |
| CSV | You have your items in a spreadsheet, or you are moving from another POS that can export a CSV. | Highest; structured data usually needs very little fixing. |
| Photo | You only have a printed menu in front of you. | Good for clean printed menus, but less accurate for handwritten or stylised menus. |
How to import your menu
The steps are the same whether you upload a digital file or take a photo.
- Open your Catalogue and tap Import menu.
- Choose a file from your device, or take a photo of your printed menu. The AI will detect the file type automatically.
- For CSV files: If you are starting from scratch, download the Teya CSV template, fill in your details, save the file, and upload it. If you are migrating from another POS, you may need to rearrange your exported columns to match our template.
- Wait a few seconds while the AI extracts your items. You will see a preview list showing the name, price, description, category, and VAT rate for each item.
- Review each item in the list. You can edit, delete, or approve the items.
- Tap Add to catalogue when you are happy with the list.
Reviewing and fixing AI suggestions
The AI does most of the work, but it is not perfect. We recommend reviewing the extracted details before you go live.
- Review VAT carefully: The AI attempts to assign the correct VAT rate based on the item. However, VAT rules can be tricky (especially for food and drink, or eat-in versus takeaway). Please check the VAT on every item.
- Check prices: Ensure all prices are correct. Handwritten or stylised menus can sometimes confuse photo imports, whereas PDFs and CSVs are usually exact.
- Check categories: The AI groups items based on how they appear on the page. You may want to edit or regroup these categories.
Troubleshooting
When importing your menu into the Teya App, the AI menu import feature requires access to your device's camera or photo library. If you accidentally declined the permission prompt, the app will not be able to photograph your menu or select your files, and the import cannot continue.
To restore access:
- Open the main Settings menu on your mobile device.
- Scroll through your list of installed applications and select the Teya App.
- Review the app's permissions and toggle the switches to enable access for your Camera and Photos.
- Close your settings, reopen the Teya App, and start the menu import again.