Robot servers, mannequin guests, and teddy bear dates: Photos show how restaurants are reopening with social distancing regulations in the world's densest cities

Joey HaddenAug 28, 2020, 20:04 IST

An employee prepares the terrace of a coffee shop to reopen in Bogota on August 14, 2020.DANIEL MUNOZ/AFP via Getty Images

Restaurants in cities across the world are reopening with new social distancing regulations in place.
We looked at how restaurants are bringing back business safely in the most packed cities.
To inform this list, Business Insider referred to Our World in Data, a 2014 project about population density by Global Change Data Lab using information from the United Nations.
The population density of a city comes from the number of people per square kilometer.
Here's how the experience of dining out has changed in the 19 densest cities in the world, with robots and reduced capacity.

19. Cairo, Egypt. Population density: 8,600 people per square kilometer

People travel on an overcrowded train in Cairo, Egypt, on July 9, 2020. REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany

Restaurants in Cairo reopened on June 27 with 25% capacity and a 10 p.m. curfew, per Reuters.

'Mozo', a robot waiter of MARSES Robotic Solutions, serves food at Kimbo Restaurant & Cafe in Cairo, Egypt, on July 28, 2020. REUTERS/Ahmed Fahmy

At Kimbo Restaurant and Cafe in East Cairo, a robot server takes and delivers orders to limit human contact, Market Watch reported.

'Mozo', a robot waiter of MARSES Robotic Solutions at Kimbo Restaurant & Cafe in Cairo, Egypt, on July 28, 2020. REUTERS/Ahmed Fahmy

18. Yangon, Myanmar. Population density: 8,700 people per square kilometer

People wear face masks and observe social distancing as they wait to enter the Martyrs' Mausoleum during a ceremony for Martyrs' Day in Yangon on July 19, 2020. SAI AUNG MAIN/AFP via Getty Images

In Yangon, Myanmar, restaurants were able to reopen on May 19 with regulations like having employees wear masks and shields and installing more hand sanitizing stations, per Mayanmar Times.

A member of Yangon City and Development Committee sprays disinfectant on a restaurant's front doors on March 29, 2020. AP Photo/Thein Zaw

In Yangon, Myanmar, restaurants were able to reopen on May 19 with regulations like having employees wear masks and shields and installing more hand sanitizing stations, per Mayanmar Times.

17. Jakarta, Indonesia. Population density: 9,600 people per square kilometer

Statistics for COVID-19 coronavirus infection and deaths displayed with a coffin and a mannequin wearing personal protective equipment installation in the local area of Jakarta. Feature China/Barcroft Media via Getty Images

In Jakarta, Indonesia, restaurants can open for dine-in at 50% capacity, The Jakarta Post reported on June 9. At Atjeh Connection, a cafe, clear partitions separate patrons.

People are seen at the Atjeh Connection restaurant with separation on the table in Jakarta, Indonesia, on June 8, 2020. REUTERS/Ajeng Dinar Ulfiana

In Jakarta, Indonesia, restaurants can open for dine-in at 50% capacity, The Jakarta Post reported on June 9. At Atjeh Connection, a cafe, clear partitions separate patrons.

16. Chennai, India. Population density: 9,700 people per square kilometer

A security personnel checks the body temperature of a woman as she enters a market in Chennai, India, on July 29, 2020. ARUN SANKAR/AFP via Getty Images

Restaurants in Chennai, India, were allowed to reopen on June 9, but only 10% of them opened for dine-in, according to Times of India. Some restaurants didn't have enough employees to open for dine-in.

A graffiti on a road depicting coronavirus to create awareness about social distancing during a 21-day nationwide lockdown in Chennai, India, on April 9, 2020. REUTERS/P. Ravikumar

Restaurants in Chennai, India, were allowed to reopen on June 9, but only 10% of them opened for dine-in, according to Times of India. Some restaurants didn't have enough employees to open for dine-in.

15. Mexico City. Population density: 9,800 people per square kilometer

Members of the mariachi group Nuevo Acapulco, toured various streets of the Zocalo of Mexico City, Mexico, on August 17, 2020. Gerardo Vieyra/NurPhoto via Getty Images

A restaurant in Mexico City used gigantic teddy bears to help patrons maintain social distancing regulations.

Owners of restaurants put Giant teddy bears on the chairs as an attempt to get customers to respect social distancing. Leonardo Casas / Eyepix Group/Barcroft Media via Getty Images

The city reopened restaurants at 40% capacity on July 1, per The LA Times.

Teddy bears are located on the tables to maintain social distancing measures at Jaso Bakery restaurant in Mexico City on July 23, 2020. REUTERS/Edgard Garrido TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

About a month later, bars that agreed to serve food were allowed to reopen and operate as restaurants at 30% capacity with a 10 p.m. curfew, NBC reported.

Bartenders with face masks prepare drinks at the restaurant "Cuerno" on July 03, 2020 in Mexico City. Manuel Velasquez/Getty Images

14. Istanbul, Turkey. Population density: 9,800 per square kilometer

Spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Istanbul Reuters

Restaurants in Istanbul reopened on June 1, per Reuters. Some used props like mannequins to help customers maintain a social distance from others. The figures sat in between tables of humans.

Mannequins are seen placed between tables to make customers sit according to social distancing rules in a bar that reopened after being closed for weeks in Istanbul on June 1, 2020. REUTERS/Umit Bektas TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

Restaurants in Istanbul reopened on June 1, per Reuters. Some used props like mannequins to help customers maintain a social distance from others. The figures sat in between tables of humans.

13. Tehran, Iran. Population density: 9,900 people per square kilometer

An Iranian family wearing protective face masks walk along an area in the recreational Chitgar complex in northwestern Tehran at sunset on August 13, 2020. Morteza Nikoubazl/NurPhoto via Getty Images

In Tehran, Iran, restaurants reopened after Ramadan, which ended on May 23, Reuters reported.

An empty restaurant is seen at the mall, in Tehran, Iran, on April 20, 2020. WANA (West Asia News Agency)/Ali Khara via REUTERS

12. Singapore. Population density: 10,500 people per square kilometer

A couple with face masks walk through Singapore during the coronavirus outbreak on March 14, 2020. Ee Ming Toh/AP

In Singapore, restaurants reopened on June 19, and they were booked to capacity, per Channel News Asia.

People eat at a busy steamboat restaurant in Singapore on June 19, 2020. REUTERS/Edgar Su

Social distancing regulations in Singapore's restaurants include having up to five people at each table and keeping tables six feet apart.

People dine in an empty restaurant in Singapore on August 12, 2020. REUTERS/Edgar Su

11. Lima, Peru. Population density: 11,300 people per square kilometer

The outbreak of the coronavirus disease in Lima, Peru. Reuters

Restaurants in Lima, Peru, reopened for dine-in at a limited capacity on July 20, VOA News reported.

An employee stands next to a sign reading "Temporarily reduced capacity 50%" at a restaurant in Lima on July 20, 2020. ERNESTO BENAVIDES/AFP via Getty Images

Social distancing regulations included keeping tables six feet apart, per VOA News. At some restaurants, servers disinfected customers upon arrival.

A waiter disinfects a customer as he enters a restaurant in Lima on July 20, 2020. ERNESTO BENAVIDES/AFP via Getty Images

10. Lahore, Pakistan. Population density: 11,300 people per square kilometer

Traders protest beside their closed shops against a lockdown imposed by the Punjab provincial government ahead of the Muslim festival Eid al-Adha or the 'Festival of Sacrifice', in Lahore on July 28, 2020. ARIF ALI/AFP via Getty Images

In Lahore, Pakistan, restaurants could reopen for outdoor and indoor service on August 10, Dawn reported.

People eat at a rooftop restaurant close to the historical Badshahi Mosque, on Aug. 11, 2020. AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary

9. New Dehli, India. Population density: 11,600 people per square kilometer

The spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in New Delhi Reuters

Restaurants in New Delhi were allowed to reopen on June 8 with social distancing regulations like temperature checks and online orders, according to VOA News.

A Tibetan restaurant in New Delhi, India, on August 4, 2020. Photo by Mayank Makhija/NurPhoto via Getty Images

But many New Delhi restaurants have remained closed because they are not allowed to serve alcohol, per Times of India. Some restaurant owners say that liquor sales make up about 90% of their business.

A health worker taking a nasal swab from a man, close to a restaurant. The mobile Covid-19 testing van runs through slum areas conducting rapid antigen tests. Pradeep Gaur/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

But many New Delhi restaurants have remained closed because they are not allowed to serve alcohol, per Times of India. Some restaurant owners say that liquor sales make up about 90% of their business.

8. Lagos, Nigeria. Population density: 13,800 people per square kilometer

Worshippers maintain the required social distance during the first Friday prayer outside The Lagos State Secretariat Central Mosque on August 7, 2020. Olukayode Jaiyeola/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Restaurants in Lagos, Nigeria, reopened at reduced capacity on August 14, U.S. News reported.

Officials of Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency discussing with the manager of a restaurant while inspecting hospitality business violators on July 19, 2020. Olukayode Jaiyeola/NurPhoto via Getty Images

7. Manilla, Philippines. Population density: 14,400 people per square kilometer

People shop at a public market in Manila, Philippines on August 23, 2020. Lisa Marie David/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

In Manila, Philippines, restaurants were allowed to reopen with social distancing regulations in place on June 16, per Reuters.

Billboards of characters wearing masks and maintaining social distancing are placed in the middle of a shopping mall in Metro Manila, Philippines, on June 16, 2020. REUTERS/Eloisa Lopez

Restaurants were allowed to open at 30% capacity, and some used plastic partitions to protect guests and employees.

A waitress wears personal protective equipment while working at a restaurant where plastic barriers are installed in-between tables in Metro Manila, Philippines, June 16, 2020. REUTERS/Eloisa Lopez

At this food court in Manila, only one person is allowed at each table.

Diners wait for their orders at a food court where only one customer per table is allowed in Metro Manila, Philippines, on June 16, 2020. REUTERS/Eloisa Lopez

6. Abidjan, Ivory Coast. Population density: 14,700 people per square kilometer

Passengers wearing face masks prepare to board a bus at the Adjame bus station in Abidjan on July 15, 2020. ISSOUF SANOGO/AFP via Getty Images

Only outdoor restaurants in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, were allowed to reopen on May 15, Big News Network reported.

The almost empty outside part of restaurant Riviera 2 is pictured in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, on May 20, 2020. REUTERS/Luc Gnago

5. Alexandria, Egypt. Population density: 15,600 people per square kilometer

A woman wearing a protective face mask walks along the Mediterranean Sea as the government closes beaches in Alexandria, Egypt, on August 7, 2020. REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh

In Alexandria, Egypt, restaurants reopened with social distancing measures like keeping tables six feet apart and disinfecting bathrooms between uses, per ALX Now.

This picture was taken on May 24, 2020, showing a view of a deserted beach in Egypt's northern Mediterranean coastal city of Alexandria. -/AFP via Getty Images

4. Bogota, Colombia. Population density: 16,600 people per square kilometer

Two men one on a bike and the other walking use protective face masks on August 1 2020 in Bogota, Colombia. Sebastian Barros/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Bogota, Colombia, initiated a pilot program to reopen some restaurants on August 28, The City Paper Bogota reported.

General view of a restaurant during a reopening pilot test in Bogota on July 10, 2020. by JUAN BARRETO/AFP via Getty Images

Restaurants can serve up to 25% capacity inside, The Bogota Post reported on August 26.

Signs showing preventive measures against the spread of the coronavirus are displayed in a restaurant during a reopening pilot test in Bogota on July 10, 2020. Photo by JUAN BARRETO/AFP via Getty Images

Starting September 3, restaurants can serve outdoors using space that's been rearranged for the occasion from Thursday through Sunday of each week.

An employee is seen behind a screen reading, "Today's distance is temporary." Photo by DANIEL MUNOZ/AFP via Getty Images

3. Ahmedabad, India. Population density: 19,800

Hindu devotees dance outside Lord Jagannath Temple in Ahmedabad, India, on June 23, 2020. SAM PANTHAKY/AFP via Getty Images

In Ahmedabad, India, restaurants reopened at 50% capacity with a 7 p.m. curfew on June 8, per Times of India.

A general view of a food court arranged to maintain social distance is seen at the Ahmedabad One Mall on June 7, 2020. Photo by SAM PANTHAKY/AFP via Getty Images

2. Hong Kong. Population density: 25,700 people per square kilometer as of 2011

Getty

Hong Kong reopened restaurants on May 8, Hindustan Times reported.

Tables and chairs taped up to maintain social distancing at a Starbucks coffee shop in Hong Kong, on April 2, 2020. Tyrone Siu/Reuters

Social distancing regulations included measures like reduced capacity and temperature checks, per The Atlantic.

A restaurant in Hong Kong. AP Photo/Vincent Yu

Due to a spike in coronavirus cases, Hong Kong restaurants endured a two-day dine-in ban that began on July 29 and lifted on July 31, according to the South China Morning Post.

A woman has lunch outside a restaurant at a mall after the government banned dine-in services in Hong Kong on July 30, 2020. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu

Due to a spike in coronavirus cases, Hong Kong restaurants endured a two-day dine-in ban that began on July 29 and lifted on July 31, according to the South China Morning Post.

1. Dhaka, Bangladesh. Population density: 44,000 people per square kilometer

People wait in the queue outside of a coronavirus testing center in Dhaka. Reuters

In Dhaka, Bangladesh, restaurants are allowed to reopen, The Business Standard reported in early June. But only 5% did, and few customers came.

People go through a disinfection tunnel installed by Artoonad, a volunteer organization, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, April 16, 2020. REUTERS/Mohammad Ponir Hossain

About a month later, BDNews24 reported that restaurants were still struggling and that some restaurants weren't enforcing social distancing regulations.

People wearing facemasks arrive at Launch station in the River Padma in Dhaka, Bangladesh on August 5, 2020. Mamunur Rashid/NurPhoto via Getty Images

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Robot servers, mannequin guests, and teddy bear dates: Photos show how restaurants are reopening with social distancing regulations in the world's densest cities

19. Cairo, Egypt. Population density: 8,600 people per square kilometer

Restaurants in Cairo reopened on June 27 with 25% capacity and a 10 p.m. curfew, per Reuters.

At Kimbo Restaurant and Cafe in East Cairo, a robot server takes and delivers orders to limit human contact, Market Watch reported.

18. Yangon, Myanmar. Population density: 8,700 people per square kilometer

In Yangon, Myanmar, restaurants were able to reopen on May 19 with regulations like having employees wear masks and shields and installing more hand sanitizing stations, per Mayanmar Times.

17. Jakarta, Indonesia. Population density: 9,600 people per square kilometer

In Jakarta, Indonesia, restaurants can open for dine-in at 50% capacity, The Jakarta Post reported on June 9. At Atjeh Connection, a cafe, clear partitions separate patrons.

16. Chennai, India. Population density: 9,700 people per square kilometer

Restaurants in Chennai, India, were allowed to reopen on June 9, but only 10% of them opened for dine-in, according to Times of India. Some restaurants didn't have enough employees to open for dine-in.

15. Mexico City. Population density: 9,800 people per square kilometer

A restaurant in Mexico City used gigantic teddy bears to help patrons maintain social distancing regulations.

The city reopened restaurants at 40% capacity on July 1, per The LA Times.

About a month later, bars that agreed to serve food were allowed to reopen and operate as restaurants at 30% capacity with a 10 p.m. curfew, NBC reported.

14. Istanbul, Turkey. Population density: 9,800 per square kilometer

Restaurants in Istanbul reopened on June 1, per Reuters. Some used props like mannequins to help customers maintain a social distance from others. The figures sat in between tables of humans.

13. Tehran, Iran. Population density: 9,900 people per square kilometer

In Tehran, Iran, restaurants reopened after Ramadan, which ended on May 23, Reuters reported.

12. Singapore. Population density: 10,500 people per square kilometer

In Singapore, restaurants reopened on June 19, and they were booked to capacity, per Channel News Asia.

Social distancing regulations in Singapore's restaurants include having up to five people at each table and keeping tables six feet apart.

11. Lima, Peru. Population density: 11,300 people per square kilometer

Restaurants in Lima, Peru, reopened for dine-in at a limited capacity on July 20, VOA News reported.

Social distancing regulations included keeping tables six feet apart, per VOA News. At some restaurants, servers disinfected customers upon arrival.

10. Lahore, Pakistan. Population density: 11,300 people per square kilometer

In Lahore, Pakistan, restaurants could reopen for outdoor and indoor service on August 10, Dawn reported.

9. New Dehli, India. Population density: 11,600 people per square kilometer

Restaurants in New Delhi were allowed to reopen on June 8 with social distancing regulations like temperature checks and online orders, according to VOA News.

But many New Delhi restaurants have remained closed because they are not allowed to serve alcohol, per Times of India. Some restaurant owners say that liquor sales make up about 90% of their business.

8. Lagos, Nigeria. Population density: 13,800 people per square kilometer

Restaurants in Lagos, Nigeria, reopened at reduced capacity on August 14, U.S. News reported.

7. Manilla, Philippines. Population density: 14,400 people per square kilometer

In Manila, Philippines, restaurants were allowed to reopen with social distancing regulations in place on June 16, per Reuters.

Restaurants were allowed to open at 30% capacity, and some used plastic partitions to protect guests and employees.

At this food court in Manila, only one person is allowed at each table.

6. Abidjan, Ivory Coast. Population density: 14,700 people per square kilometer

Only outdoor restaurants in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, were allowed to reopen on May 15, Big News Network reported.

5. Alexandria, Egypt. Population density: 15,600 people per square kilometer

In Alexandria, Egypt, restaurants reopened with social distancing measures like keeping tables six feet apart and disinfecting bathrooms between uses, per ALX Now.

4. Bogota, Colombia. Population density: 16,600 people per square kilometer

Bogota, Colombia, initiated a pilot program to reopen some restaurants on August 28, The City Paper Bogota reported.

Restaurants can serve up to 25% capacity inside, The Bogota Post reported on August 26.

Starting September 3, restaurants can serve outdoors using space that's been rearranged for the occasion from Thursday through Sunday of each week.

3. Ahmedabad, India. Population density: 19,800

In Ahmedabad, India, restaurants reopened at 50% capacity with a 7 p.m. curfew on June 8, per Times of India.

2. Hong Kong. Population density: 25,700 people per square kilometer as of 2011

Hong Kong reopened restaurants on May 8, Hindustan Times reported.

Social distancing regulations included measures like reduced capacity and temperature checks, per The Atlantic.

Due to a spike in coronavirus cases, Hong Kong restaurants endured a two-day dine-in ban that began on July 29 and lifted on July 31, according to the South China Morning Post.

1. Dhaka, Bangladesh. Population density: 44,000 people per square kilometer

In Dhaka, Bangladesh, restaurants are allowed to reopen, The Business Standard reported in early June. But only 5% did, and few customers came.

About a month later, BDNews24 reported that restaurants were still struggling and that some restaurants weren't enforcing social distancing regulations.