Korean Quick-Service Restaurant Koriken Secures Seed Funding

Korean quick-service restaurant Koriken has successfully raised Rs 4 crore in a seed funding round led by Rukam Capital, a venture capital firm that invests in early-stage consumer brands. This new financial backing will assist in accelerating the next growth phase while making genuine Korean flavours more accessible to Indian consumers, as stated by Koriken in their press release.

Founded in 2022 by Hasan Patel, Koriken provides an authentic Korean dining experience through various signature dishes, including Korean fried chicken, ramen, mandu, and many others. The brand merges traditional flavours with a contemporary quick-service restaurant model that prioritises speed, consistency, and accessibility.

Koriken’s Vision for Korean Cuisine in India

Koriken aspires to make Korean cuisine a beloved choice in India, featuring authentic tastes, rich aromas, and a modern dining atmosphere inspired by Korea. The company places a strong emphasis on consistency, affordability, and innovation, while remaining true to the foundation of Korean culinary culture.

Growing Demand for Korean Food

Food delivery services such as Swiggy and Zomato have reported nearly a 50% year-on-year increase in orders for Korean cuisine, highlighting India’s growing appetite for global flavours. This trend is predominantly driven by Gen Z consumers, who now represent over a quarter of all Korean food orders. Moreover, the demand for Korean restaurants and quick-service models has surged by 59%, with popularity spreading beyond major metro areas into tier-2 cities like Surat, Thiruvananthapuram, Vadodara, Mysuru, and Mangaluru.

Future Plans for Koriken

Koriken aims to broaden its presence with flagship and high-street outlets in various cities, while also driving product innovation and increasing brand awareness. Additionally, the company plans to enhance operational efficiency, focusing on scaling kitchen systems to improve speed, consistency, and delivery, all while infusing authentic Korean flavours into Indian culinary traditions. This expansion will be bolstered by talent development and the growth of its core team.