Korean QSR chain Koriken raises Rs 4 crore in funding from Rukam Capital

Koriken, a Korean Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) in India, has raised Rs 4 crore in a seed funding round from Rukam Capital, a venture capital firm that invests in early-stage consumer brands.

The startup said it combines authentic Korean taste with a modern QSR approach, making it fast, consistent, and accessible to its consumers. The latest investment will enable it to expand its flagship and high street outlets across cities, drive product innovation, and enhance brand visibility.

Koriken, which offers Korean fried chicken, ramen, mandu, and more, will also strengthen operational efficiency, which includes scaling kitchen systems for speed, consistency, and delivery while blending authentic Korean flavours with the richness of Indian culinary traditions.

“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," said Hasan Patel, Founder and CEO.

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 aims to capitalize on the rapidly growing Korean food market in India. The startup said that the food delivery platforms such as Swiggy and Zomato report nearly a 50% year-on-year increase in orders for Korean food, a trend led by Gen Z consumers.