India’s food culture is experiencing a delicious transformation, and at the heart of this change lies the rising popularity of Korean cuisine in India. What started as a fascination with K-dramas and K-pop has now made its way onto dinner tables across metros and even emerging cities. From ramen bowls to Korean fried chicken, Indian consumers—especially Millennials and Gen Z—are embracing these international flavors like never before.
The Surge in Popularity
According to Swiggy’s latest insights, orders for Korean dishes have grown by 50% year-on-year (July 2025 vs July 2024). While metros like Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Hyderabad continue to lead in volume, cities such as Surat, Thiruvananthapuram, Vadodara, Mysuru, and Mangaluru are showing some of the strongest growth. In fact, there’s been a 59% rise in Korean food orders from these emerging markets, proving that the trend is no longer limited to urban hubs.
Gen Z Driving the Trend
Gen Z alone accounts for 27% of all Korean food orders on Swiggy. Their openness to experimenting with global cuisines has fueled this movement, with dishes such as Korean buns, ramen, and chicken ranking among the most searched and ordered items. Popular fusion items include the Korean McAloo Tikki Burger, Korean Corn & Jalapeno Garlic Bread, and the Korean Tangy Chicken Roll. Even Korean-inspired beverages, like the refreshing Yuzu-Pop Sprite, are becoming common choices.
A Shift in India’s Dining Culture
This growing interest highlights a broader cultural shift. Indians are increasingly curious about international food experiences and are more willing than ever to blend global flavors with local tastes. What was once niche has now become mainstream, as Korean food finds its place alongside traditional Indian comfort dishes.
What’s Next?
The rise of Korean cuisine in India signals more than just a passing fad—it reflects India’s evolving dining landscape. With food delivery apps, social media trends, and cultural influences driving demand, the popularity of Korean dishes is expected to expand well beyond major metros in the coming years.
As global and local flavors continue to mix, one thing is clear: India’s food culture is becoming more vibrant, diverse, and exciting than ever.
also read: Food Safety in India: What’s Really in Your Street Food?
