Koriken, a next-gen Korean Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) brand, has raised ₹4 Crore in a Seed Funding Round led by Rukam Capital, an early-stage venture capital firm recognised for backing high-potential consumer brands. The investment marks a significant milestone for Koriken as it aims to bring authentic Korean flavours to India’s rapidly evolving QSR landscape.
The fresh capital will be channelled into product innovation, expanding flagship and high-street outlets, enhancing operational systems, boosting brand marketing, and strengthening talent acquisition. With a sharp focus on speed, consistency, and authenticity, Koriken plans to scale its kitchen infrastructure and reinforce its commitment to delivering high-quality Korean street food across India.
Hasan Patel, Founder & CEO of Koriken, expressed confidence in the company’s growth trajectory, stating, “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.”
Koriken already offers a wide range of signature dishes—Korean fried chicken, ramen, mandu, and more—crafted to deliver an authentic Seoul street-food experience with a modern QSR approach. The latest fundraise reinforces Rukam Capital’s commitment to supporting innovative consumer brands shaping new dining cultures in India.
Archana Jahagirdar, Founder & Managing Partner at Rukam Capital, said, “India’s young consumers are embracing global flavours like never before. The Korean food wave presents a powerful cultural opportunity, and Koriken is well-positioned to turn it into an everyday dining habit. This intersection of a fast-growing QSR industry and Korea’s cultural momentum creates a unique high-growth opportunity.”
India’s evolving preference for Korean cuisine has been further accelerated by entertainment, K-pop influence, and global food curiosity. Platforms like Swiggy and Zomato report nearly 50% YoY growth in Korean food orders, with Gen Z contributing over 25% of total orders. Demand for Korean restaurants and QSRs has surged by 59%, expanding from major metros to tier-2 cities such as Surat, Vadodara, Mysuru, Mangaluru, and Thiruvananthapuram.
With this strategic investment, Koriken plans to scale aggressively and make authentic Korean cuisine a beloved household choice across India, contributing to the country’s vibrant and diverse QSR ecosystem.
By: Arushi Agarwal
