Koriken Raises Rs. 4 Cr to Expand Korean QSR Presence in India

Koriken, a next-gen Korean Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) brand in India, has secured Rs. 4 Crore in Seed Funding from Rukam Capital, an investor known for supporting early-stage consumer brands.

This strategic investment will accelerate Koriken’s growth, enabling it to expand its flagship and high-street outlets, enhance product innovation, and elevate brand visibility across major cities.

The funding will also strengthen operational efficiency, focusing on scaling kitchen systems for speed, consistency, and delivery while maintaining authentic Korean flavours infused with Indian culinary richness.

Key Highlights

• Koriken raises Rs. 4 Cr from Rukam Capital to scale its Korean QSR footprint in India
• Korean cuisine demand surges 50 percent YoY, led by Gen Z and growing traction in tier-2 cities
• Funding supports outlet expansion, product innovation, and stronger operational systems

Founded by Hasan Patel, Koriken offers signature Korean dishes such as Korean fried chicken, ramen, and mandu, aiming to make Korean cuisine widely accessible through a modern QSR model. Rukam Capital’s investment underscores its commitment to fostering innovative consumer-centric brands reshaping India’s evolving food landscape.

Commenting on the deal, Hasan Patel, Founder and CEO, shared, “At Koriken, we are on a mission to make Korean street food a mainstream dining choice in India. With India’s young population increasingly seeking new flavours and experiences, we see an incredible opportunity to build a category-defining brand. Our focus is on consistency, affordability, and innovation, while staying true to the essence of Korean food culture.”

Speaking on the investment, Archana Jahagirdar, Founder & Managing Partner at Rukam Capital, said, “We see a tremendous opportunity to build a category-defining brand as India’s young consumers increasingly embrace new flavours and global cuisines. The current funding will help Koriken turn the Korean food wave into an everyday dining choice and make it a lasting part of India’s food culture. This intersection of India’s fast-growing QSR industry and the cultural momentum of Korea creates a unique high-growth opportunity, the perfect blend to propel ideas that create momentum for long-term success.”

Koriken is positioned to capitalize on the surging popularity of Korean cuisine in India, driven by a nationwide cultural wave sparked by Korean entertainment and fashion. Food delivery platforms like Swiggy and Zomato report nearly a 50 percent YoY increase in Korean food orders, with Gen Z contributing over a quarter of demand. Korean QSRs have seen a 59 percent surge in popularity, extending beyond metros to tier-2 cities including Surat, Vadodara, Mysuru, and Mangaluru.

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With this investment, Koriken aims to redefine India’s Korean dining experience and integrate authentic Korean flavours into the country’s vibrant QSR culture.