Japanese casual dining and QSR chain Harajuku Tokyo Café raises $2 million in funding

Harajuku Tokyo Café, a Japanese casual dining and QSR chain, today announced the completion of its first institutional funding round, raising Rs 19 crore in a structured investment.

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The round was led by Indian Angel Network (IAN), with participation from Samved VC, LetsVenture, as well as venture debt fund Capitar Ventures to support its aggressive expansion plans. The funding comes on the heels of the brand's Mumbai debut at Jio World Drive, BKC. 

Founded in 2021 by Gaurav Kanwar, Harajuku Tokyo Café has redefined Japanese dining in India by making authentic cuisine accessible through casual dining restaurants and quick-service formats.

The brand combines authentic Japanese flavors with Instagram-worthy aesthetics, featuring signature offerings like jiggly pancakes, conveyor belt sushi, Naruto ramen, and Japanese cotton cheesecakes. Each outlet creates an immersive Tokyo experience with manga libraries, robot DJs, and vibrant Harajuku-inspired décor.

The brand claims to have over Rs 30 crore in annual recurring revenue (ARR) with 7 operational outlets across Delhi NCR and Mumbai. It is now targeting 90 outlets across 20 cities and Rs 200 crores+ in revenue by 2027, with Letters of Intent already signed for 15 locations in Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Ludhiana, and Chandigarh. 

“This funding milestone strengthens our vision of democratising Japanese cuisine in India,” said Gaurav Kanwar, Founder and CEO of Harajuku Tokyo Café.

“What began as a passion project to make Japanese food accessible has evolved into a scalable business model that resonates with India's evolving palate. With our Mumbai launch exceeding all expectations and this funding secured, we're positioned to become India's leading Japanese dining destination.” 

“Gaurav and his team have masterfully executed a complex concept – bringing authentic Japanese cuisine to the mass market while maintaining quality and creating genuine brand affinity. Their attention to operational detail, from the central kitchen operations to the customer experience design, demonstrates the scalability we need to see in today's competitive F&B landscape,” said Balasubramanian. 

Chatterjee added, “Having visited their outlets multiple times with family, I can attest to both the food quality and the unique dining experience they've created. Harajuku is a cultural bridge that makes Japanese cuisine approachable for Indian families while maintaining authenticity.” 

Harajuku operates through two high-growth formats: the full-service Harajuku Tokyo Café and the quick-service Harajuku Bakehouse. The brand collaborates with renowned Japanese chefs Asami Indo and Nariaki Higuchi, who bring years of experience to ensure cultural authenticity while constantly evolving and helping bridge the gap between Japan and India.

It also leverages technology across operations, from AI-powered inventory management, tech-driven loyalty programs to digital ordering and customer experience. Expanding beyond dining, the brand is foraying into the packaged food segment with its D2C vertical, KoiKoi Essentials, which will bring ramen kits, sauces, and frozen meals to homes across India.

Notably, it is in discussions for franchise partnerships in the UAE and other international markets where Indian diaspora communities could drive demand. 

"Our vision extends beyond just restaurants," concluded Gaurav Kanwar. "We're building a Japanese lifestyle brand that encompasses dining, retail, and experiences. By 2030, when someone thinks of Japanese cuisine in India, we want Harajuku to be the first name that comes to mind."