Koriken, a next-generation Korean Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) brand, has secured ₹4 crore in seed funding from Rukam Capital, a venture capital firm focused on early-stage consumer brands. The investment will accelerate Koriken’s expansion strategy and strengthen its position as an emerging category leader in Korean dining.
Expansion Strategy
The fresh capital will fuel Koriken’s next phase of growth, including new flagship outlets, high-street locations, improved brand visibility, and scaled operational systems. The funding will also support talent development and core team building, helping the brand maintain consistency and operational excellence across multiple formats.
QSR Differentiation
Koriken is reimagining Korean cuisine for India by combining authentic taste with a fast, consistent, and accessible QSR model. The brand is focused on strengthening kitchen systems to improve speed and delivery performance, while ensuring its dishes retain the depth and richness of traditional Korean flavours fused with Indian sensibilities.
Founder’s Perspective
“At Koriken, we are on a mission to make Korean street food a mainstream dining choice in India,” said Hasan Patel, Founder & CEO, Koriken. “India’s young consumers are increasingly seeking new flavours and dining formats. Our focus remains on consistency, affordability, and innovation, while staying true to the cultural essence of Korean food.”
Core Menu
Koriken’s signature menu features Korean fried chicken, ramen, mandu, and other street-style favourites, bringing the flavours of Seoul into everyday Indian dining. The brand plans to broaden its offerings as it expands across major cities.
Investor View
“We see a tremendous opportunity to build a category-defining brand as India embraces Korean cuisine,” said Archana Jahagirdar, Founder & Managing Partner, Rukam Capital. “The Korean food wave and India’s fast-growing QSR industry together create a powerful long-term market opportunity.”
Market Momentum
India’s appetite for Korean cuisine is accelerating, with food platforms reporting 50% year-on-year growth in Korean food orders. Demand is led by Gen Z and is now spreading beyond metros into Tier-2 markets like Surat, Vadodara, Mysuru, Mangaluru and Thiruvananthapuram.
Future Outlook
With fresh capital in place, Koriken aims to scale rapidly, expand its retail footprint, and redefine Korean dining as a familiar part of India’s vibrant QSR culture.
Keep building. Keep learning. Keep growing with StartupByDoc.