Korean tradition’s affect in India is increasing past music and leisure, with meals rising as a serious driver of curiosity. Based on meals supply platform Swiggy, orders for Korean dishes in India grew by 50% year-on-year in July 2025 in contrast with the identical month in 2024.
Whereas metro cities reminiscent of Bengaluru, Mumbai and Hyderabad contributed probably the most to total demand, the platform reported a 59% year-on-year rise in orders from non-metro markets. Cities together with Surat, Thiruvananthapuram, Vadodara, Mysuru and Mangaluru have proven sturdy adoption of Korean flavours.
Gen Z, recognised for quickly embracing international developments, accounted for 27% of all Korean meals orders on Swiggy over the previous 12 months. The corporate stated this demographic has been one of many key drivers of the delicacies’s reputation in India.
Search information on the platform additionally mirrored this rising curiosity. Phrases reminiscent of “Korean bun”, “Korean cheese bun”, “Korean ramen” and “Korean hen” had been among the many prime trending key phrases prior to now 12 months. Well-liked menu objects included the Korean McAloo Tikki Burger, Korean Corn & Jalapeno Garlic Bread, Korean Tangy Rooster Roll and Korean Spicy Rooster Burger. Korean-inspired drinks reminiscent of Korean Yuzu-Pop Sprite have additionally gained traction.
Swiggy famous that the development signifies a broader shift in client preferences, with Indians more and more keen to experiment with worldwide flavours. The corporate added that manufacturers are responding by localising international cuisines to make them extra accessible to Indian shoppers.
