Foodstories, a gourmet retail and food lifestyle platform, has secured Rs. 50 crore in a funding round led by entrepreneur and investor Nikhil Kamath, with participation from existing backer Narotam Sekhsaria Family Office. The fresh capital will support the company’s plans to expand its retail footprint, strengthen its digital business, and enhance its delivery capabilities.

Founded by sisters Ashni Biyani and Avni Biyani, Foodstories has positioned itself as a curated food lifestyle destination, bringing together premium food products, artisanal brands, culinary experiences, and specialty offerings under one platform.

The Biyani sisters, founders of Foodstories, also oversee a portfolio of consumer-focused ventures through Think9, including D2C brands such as SuperYou in the protein nutrition segment, Good Bug in gut health, Anaar in footwear and accessories, and BiE in clean beauty.

Commenting on the investment, Nikhil Kamath,Founder, Gruhas Investment Firm said, “Food impacts how we live, feel, and connect. As consumers become more conscious about what they eat, platforms like Foodstories are building the infrastructure needed to make better choices more accessible.”

The company currently operates across Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Mumbai, where it recently launched a flagship store in Bandra. It is also preparing to open another location in Lokhandwala as part of its broader expansion strategy.

Speaking about the company’s growth ambitions, co-founder Ashni Biyani said, “We are building a Rs. 1,000 crore business by combining retail, experiences, and a strong digital layer. This investment allows us to accelerate that vision while continuing to deepen our relationship with consumers.”

Foodstories plans to use the newly raised funds to scale its omnichannel presence, invest in technology and logistics infrastructure, and broaden access to curated gourmet offerings across markets.

Highlighting the brand’s long-term philosophy, co-founder Avni Biyani said, “As we scale, our commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and provenance remains unchanged. We want to continue creating a platform that celebrates exceptional food and the people behind it.”

The latest funding comes amid growing investor interest in premium food retail and experiential consumption categories, as urban consumers increasingly seek curated, high-quality food experiences both online and offline.

With fresh capital in place and expansion plans underway, Foodstories is looking to strengthen its position in India’s evolving gourmet retail landscape while building a comprehensive food lifestyle ecosystem that integrates retail, hospitality, and digital commerce.

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Riding on this shift, Pune-based Innocent Fresh Foods Pvt. Ltd. is expanding its presence across India with a portfolio of more than 25 traditional food products. The company, which achieved profitability early in its growth journey, currently has a presence across approximately 1,000 retail outlets and is preparing to expand into 40-50 cities over the next few years.

Commenting on the company’s vision, Saroj Rai, Co-founder, Innocent Fresh Foods Pvt. Ltd., said, “For decades, traditional foods such as Sattu, Thekua, Nimki, Makhana and regional pickles have been consumed by millions of Indians, yet most of these categories remain fragmented and under-branded. We see a significant opportunity to build trusted national brands around products consumers already know, love and trust. At Innocent Fresh, our mission is simple: make traditional foods as accessible, convenient and desirable as modern packaged foods without compromising on authenticity, nutrition or taste.”

Over the next two to three years, the company plans to deepen its presence across existing markets while expanding into 40-50 cities, with a particular focus on Tier-2 and Tier-3 markets where traditional food categories already enjoy strong consumer acceptance. Future growth will be driven through general trade, e-commerce, quick-commerce, institutional channels, and exports.

Beyond its commercial ambitions, the company has incorporated rural participation into its operating model by working with women from rural communities who possess traditional food preparation skills passed down through generations. By integrating traditional expertise into a scalable business model, Innocent Fresh aims to create livelihood opportunities while helping preserve India’s rich culinary traditions.

Despite widespread consumption, many traditional food categories continue to remain fragmented and under-branded. Innocent Fresh believes this gap presents a significant opportunity to build trusted consumer brands around products that consumers already understand, purchase, and consume regularly.

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New Delhi: India was the highest milk producer in the world in the year 2021-2022, contributing to 24% of the world’s milk production, according to the data from Food and Agriculture Organization Corporate Statistical Database (FAOSTAT). During the same period, Rajasthan emerged as the highest milk-producing state in the country, contributing to 15.05% of the total milk production, AS per media reports. Here is the list of the top 5 highest milk-producing companies or cooperatives in India mentioned as per their per-day procurement capacity.

1. Amul (Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd)

With a daily milk procurement of 26.3 million litres, Amul or Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd. (GCMMF) is India’s biggest milk producer. Amul had a turnover of $ 6.2 billion (Rs 50,000 crore) in 2021-22 which further grew to over $  8.8 billion (Rs 72,000 crore) in the year 2022-2023, as per media reports.

The apex organization has 18 member unions attached to it and it procures milk from 18,600 village milk cooperative societies and 3.64 million milk producer members from 33 districts of Gujarat, according to its website.

GCMMF is the largest exporter of dairy products from India, distributing to 25 different countries. Amul has 26 categories of products including Amul butter, Amul curd, Amul cheese, Amul ghee, Amul beverages and many others.

2. Nandini (Karnataka Milk Federation)

Nandini was founded in 1974 by the government of Karnataka as Karnataka Dairy Development Corporation (KDDC). It had a turnover of $ 2.4 billion (Rs 19,800 crore) in 2021-22 which increased to over $ 3 billion (Rs 24,500 crore) in 2022-23 as per media reports. KDDC markets milk and milk products. Nandini procured over 7.8 million litres of milk per day in 2022 as per recent media reports. Nandini had income from operations of $ 600 million (Rs 4,900 crore) in the year 2021-22 as per media reports.

3. Mother Dairy (National Dairy Development Board)

Incorporated in 1974 Mother Dairy is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). According to Outlook India, Mother Dairy has a daily processing capacity of over 5 million litres of milk per day. Mother Dairy products are available in 100 cities across the country. It markets 3.2 million litres of milk in Delhi, Mumbai, Saurashtra and Hyderabad daily. It also manufactures and markets a wide range of dairy products, most of which are available across the country.

Mother Dairy markets through 1,400 retail stores and 1,000 exclusive stores across India. It had a revenue of over $ 1.5 billion (Rs 12,500 crore) in 2021-22.

4. Dudhsagar Dairy (Mehsana District Cooperative Milk Producers Union Ltd.)

Dudhsagar was incorporated in 1963 in Gujarat India in the Mehsana district. Dudhsagar had a revenue of $ 737 million (Rs 6,028 crore) in the year 2021-22 as per Dairy Newsindia. It had peak milk procurement of 4.5 million litres in the year 2021-22. The products of Dudhsagar are marketed under the brand name Amul / Sagar / Dudhsagar in national and international markets.

5. MILMA (Kerala Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation)

Milma was incorporated in 1980 by the government of Kerala as back in the day, Kerala was dependent on other states for its milk requirement. As per media reports, Milma procured over 1.5 million litres of milk per day in the year 2021-22 and generated a revenue of $ 524 million (Rs 4,300 crore). It markets a wide range of milk and milk products. Milma passes 83% of its revenue to the farmers due to which farmers in Kerala get the highest rate of milk per litre.

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The newly launched Bengaluru store, located in Nagarbhavi, further strengthens TOW’s growing footprint in its home market, while the Hyderabad launch at Srinagar Colony – its fifth in the city –  marks another strategic step in the brand’s expansion into key urban markets beyond Karnataka. Spread across approximately 1200 sq. ft the stores bring TOW’s curated range of organic, clean-label, and natural products to a rapidly growing base of health-conscious consumers in the city.

Both stores offer consumers access to a wide assortment of over 2,000+ thoughtfully curated products across everyday grocery and wellness categories. Staying true to TOW’s responsible retail philosophy, every product available at the stores is screened through the brand’s industry-first “Not In Our Aisle” framework, which excludes more than 25+ harmful and questionable ingredients commonly present in packaged consumer goods today. Through this stringent approach, TOW continues to strengthen its commitment towards clean-label and transparent retailing in India.

Commenting on the expansion, Gaurav Manchanda, Founder & Director, The Organic World, said, “Consumers today are becoming far more mindful about the choices they make for themselves and their families, and our endeavour has always been to make clean, trustworthy, and worry-free products more easily accessible. The launch of our new stores in Bengaluru and Hyderabad marks another important step in our larger vision of building a responsible retail ecosystem rooted in transparency, quality, and conscious living. As we continue to expand, our focus remains on empowering consumers with better choices so they can shop with confidence across everyday categories.”

The stores house a wide range of categories including organic fruits and vegetables, clean-label staples, cold-pressed oils, bilona ghee, toxin-free personal care, baby care essentials, healthy snacking options, vegan products, natural beverages, wellness supplements, and plant-based nutrition. Consumers will also have access to leading conscious brands such as WellBe, OSH, Vanam, Two Brothers Organic Farms, Conscious Foods, Urban Platter, Mezame, Heapwell, Gladful, Radico, Juicy Chemistry and Flying Kombucha, among others.

As the retail arm of Bengaluru-based Nimida Group, The Organic World continues to strengthen its retail footprint while staying committed to making worry-free and mindful consumption more accessible to Indian households. 

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Inspired by the Italian word “Bella,” meaning ‘beautiful’, the name Belmarose reflects the idea of a “beautiful rose,”  symbolic of elegance, romance, warmth, and memorable experiences. Every detail of the venue has been thoughtfully curated to embody this essence, creating a space that feels luxurious, inviting, and effortlessly timeless.

Spread across approximately 5,000 sq. ft. with around 120 covers, the interiors draw inspiration from European and Roman aesthetics. Artistic accents, maroon velvet seating, premium leather finishes, and warm ambient lighting come together to create a luxurious yet intimate atmosphere, perfectly complementing the venue’s immersive dining-to-nightlife experience. 

The culinary programme at Belmarose showcases a refined blend of European and Asian-inspired cuisine led by Chef Sunil Pandey, who brings together contemporary techniques with layered flavours and elegant presentation. Speaking about the philosophy behind the menu, Chef Sunil Pandey shares, “At Belmarose, we wanted every dish to feel indulgent yet memorable. The menu reflects global inspirations while focusing on balanced flavours, refined techniques, and an experience that guests keep coming back for.”

Among the standout signature dishes is the Smoked Chicken Caesar Croquettes, offering crispy golden bites with creamy Caesar-inspired richness and smoky undertones. The Enoki Mushroom Roll delivers delicate textures paired with umami-forward flavours, while the Stuffed Zucchini Flower brings together lightness and indulgence in a beautifully plated preparation. The Rosette Ravioli stands out with its handcrafted elegance and comforting layered flavours, while the Lobster in XO Sauce offers a luxurious balance of bold Asian influences and rich seafood indulgence.

Complementing the cuisine is Belmarose’s innovative cocktail programme led by in-house mixologists Roshan and Hardik. Curated to enhance both the food and the evolving energy of the venue, the cocktail menu combines creativity, presentation, and layered flavour profiles. Signature cocktails include Pandan Bloom with refreshing tropical notes, Flora Blanca with delicate floral undertones, Mango Inferno balancing sweetness with spice, Palantine Fig featuring rich fruity depth, and Ignis Roma – a smoky, bold cocktail inspired by classic Roman flair.

As the evening unfolds, Belmarose transforms into a vibrant nightlife destination with curated music experiences, international artists, and an energetic social atmosphere that keeps the momentum alive long after dinner ends.

Speaking about the vision behind the venture, entrepreneur Rajjeet Chandra shares, “My favorite part of starting a venture is transforming a simple vision into something people truly connect with. But what inspires me even more is continuing its legacy, evolving every day, creating opportunities, and building something meaningful that future generations can proudly carry forward.”

At Belmarose, the night doesn’t simply end with dessert, it only gets better from there. Whether it’s an intimate dinner, celebratory evening, or a night that turns into unforgettable memories on the dance floor, Belmarose invites Mumbai to dine, sip, celebrate, and stay a little longer.

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When Dhruv Kohli, Founder of Boba Bhai, shared that reflection ahead of the opening of the company’s 100th outlet at Whiteland, Gurugram on June 1, it captured the scale, speed, and ambition of one of India’s most remarkable Gen Z-focused food service success stories.

What began barely two-and-a-half years ago as a niche bubble tea experiment riding the Korean Wave has rapidly evolved into a full-fledged multi-category QSR brand spanning Korean gourmet burgers, fried chicken, Korean street snacks, bubble teas, desserts, and highly social-media-driven food experiences.

At a time when several food startups struggle to scale meaningfully beyond a handful of outlets, Boba Bhai has crossed the 100-store milestone while simultaneously building one of India’s fastest-growing Korean QSR ecosystems. More importantly, the company’s growth is no longer just about novelty or Instagram appeal. It is increasingly becoming a serious food service business backed by scale, investor confidence, digital traction, and sharp Gen Z positioning.

The numbers reflect that momentum clearly.

Boba Bhai’s revenue reportedly surged from around Rs.5 crore in FY24 to approximately Rs.30 crore in FY25, representing nearly six-fold growth within a year. More recently, the company indicated that FY26 revenues climbed to nearly Rs.70 crore, marking roughly 145 percent year-on-year growth. The company is now targeting annual recurring revenues exceeding Rs.100 crore as it scales both online and offline operations aggressively.

The rapid scale-up has naturally attracted investor attention. In March 2026, the company raised ₹40 crore in fresh funding led by existing investors including 8i Ventures, Titan Capital Winners Fund, and Global Growth Capital. The round reportedly came at almost five times the valuation of its previous funding stage. Earlier, Boba Bhai had also gained national visibility after securing Rs.90 lakh for 1 percent equity on Shark Tank India Season 4 from Namita Thapar and Viraj Bahl.

One of the biggest reasons behind Boba Bhai’s rapid expansion has been its ability to evolve beyond being perceived merely as a bubble tea company. While bubble tea helped create initial consumer curiosity, the company quickly diversified into Korean-inspired food formats and QSR products tailored for Indian tastes. According to the company, food and beverages now contribute almost equally to revenues, reflecting the success of its diversification strategy.

This transition is critical because beverage-led brands often struggle with repeat frequency and ticket-size limitations. By building a larger Korean QSR ecosystem around burgers, fried chicken, snacks, and desserts, Boba Bhai has significantly improved customer engagement, frequency, and average order values.

Among the company’s biggest differentiators are its Korean gourmet burgers, which fuse bold Korean flavors with classic burger formats while adapting them carefully for Indian consumers.

Unlike conventional burger chains competing around standard patties and global fast-food templates, Boba Bhai has carved out a highly differentiated niche through products inspired directly by Korean street-food culture and K-Pop-driven youth trends.

Its standout innovations include the Korean Honey Sriracha Burger, available across chicken, paneer, and aloo tikki variants, balancing fiery Sriracha heat with sweetness and creamy chipotle sauces. The Korean Honey Gochujang Burger has emerged as one of the company’s most viral products, using authentic Korean chili paste to create an intense sweet-spicy flavor profile that strongly resonates with younger spice-loving consumers.

The Yangnyeom Korean Fried Chicken Burger draws inspiration from Korea’s famous sweet-savory fried chicken glaze culture, while the quirky Cluck N Crunch or UFO Burger replaces traditional bread buns entirely with crispy fried chicken fillets sandwiching cheese and sauces.

Importantly, these burgers are intentionally designed to remain intensely flavorful yet approachable for Indian palates. The company smartly pairs them with cooling beverages such as Taro Lava Bubble Tea and Classic Milk Tea, encouraging combo-based consumption occasions that differentiate Boba Bhai from traditional burger chains.

Timing has also played a huge role in the company’s success. Few Indian foodservice brands have leveraged cultural trends as effectively as Boba Bhai. The company positioned itself at the intersection of K-Pop, K-Dramas, Korean street-food curiosity, bubble tea culture, Instagram-driven food discovery, and Gen Z consumption behavior.

As Korean entertainment exploded across India, Boba Bhai emerged as one of the earliest organized food brands to build an entire QSR identity around this cultural movement. Its store aesthetics, menus, packaging, communication style, and digital presence are all designed to appeal directly to younger consumers seeking globally inspired but approachable food experiences.

The brand’s expansion has also been driven heavily by social media. Unlike traditional restaurant chains that rely mainly on high-street visibility, Boba Bhai has built much of its awareness through Instagram visibility, influencer collaborations, viral food formats, user-generated content, and delivery-platform discovery.

Its colorful bubble teas, Korean burgers, quirky packaging, and visually engaging menu items naturally lend themselves to social sharing, allowing the company to build strong organic consumer recall without depending entirely on conventional advertising spends.

At an operational level, Boba Bhai has balanced online delivery growth with aggressive offline expansion. The company has rapidly scaled through high-street outlets, mall locations, compact QSR formats, and delivery-focused stores. Its latest 100th outlet at Whiteland, Gurugram reflects growing confidence in organized offline expansion even as Swiggy and Zomato continue driving large volumes of digital demand.

This omnichannel approach is increasingly important in India’s modern foodservice ecosystem, where discovery often happens online while long-term brand building still requires strong physical presence.

Several factors distinguish Boba Bhai from conventional QSR operators. Instead of competing directly with legacy burger players, it built an identity around Korean youth culture and Asian food curiosity. It has developed one of the sharpest Gen Z-focused food service identities in India, combining product innovation with social-media-first branding and rapid execution capabilities.

The company’s ability to scale from startup stage to 100 stores within roughly 2.5 years demonstrates unusually strong operational discipline for a young QSR brand.

Looking ahead, Boba Bhai now appears to be positioning itself not merely as a bubble tea startup but as a large-scale Korean QSR ecosystem. With fresh funding, rapidly rising revenues, growing investor confidence, and strong youth appeal, the next phase of growth will likely include Tier-2 city expansion, new Korean-inspired menu formats, delivery-led scaling, packaged offerings, and larger omnichannel distribution.

For now, however, the 100-store milestone represents something much larger than store count.

It signals the arrival of a new generation of Indian foodservice brands – brands that understand digital culture, social media, localization, pop-culture trends, and Gen Z aspirations perhaps better than many traditional QSR operators.

And if Boba Bhai’s journey so far is any indication, India’s Korean QSR opportunity may still be only getting started.

The post From Bubble Tea Craze to 100 Stores in 2.5 Years: How Boba Bhai is Building India’s Korean QSR Revolution appeared first on Business of Food.

Strategically positioned in Sector 75, Spectrum@Metro Phase 2 has emerged as a growing commercial and lifestyle hub backed by strong residential catchment, seamless connectivity, and increasing consumer footfall. The project continues to attract leading retail and dining brands, offering visitors an integrated experience comprising shopping, entertainment, leisure, and dining under one roof. The launch of KFC further reinforces Spectrum Metro’s positioning as a preferred destination for premium retail and lifestyle experiences in Noida.

Speaking on the launch, Ajendra Singh, Vice President, Spectrum@Metro said, “We are delighted to welcome KFC to Spectrum Metro Phase 2. The addition of such an iconic global brand aligns with our vision of creating a dynamic and engaging destination for visitors. As consumer preferences continue to evolve towards experiential retail and dining, we remain focused on bringing renowned brands that enhance the overall experience and add greater value to the destination.”

The newly launched KFC outlet has been designed to offer a modern dining ambience along with dine-in, takeaway, and delivery services, catering to the convenience-driven preferences of today’s consumers. With the addition of KFC, Spectrum Metro Phase 2 continues to expand its retail ecosystem and strengthen its appeal as one of the prominent lifestyle and commercial destinations in the region.

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Reflecting on the brand’s uncompromising commitment to quality, Ben’s Cookies will launch with a diverse selection of favourite flavours, ranging from the classic Milk Chocolate Chunk and White Chocolate & Macadamia to Ginger & Dark and a dedicated eggless variant. Positioned for those who appreciate a freshly baked treat, the brand will also offer simple gifting solutions, ideal for sharing during festive and corporate occasions. With individual cookies starting at Rs.325 and gifting options reaching upwards of Rs.1500, the partnership aims to share a premium standard of quality and freshness with cookie lovers across the country.

Sanskriti Gupta, Ben’s Cookies, India, laid her emphasis on the synergy between the two entities by saying, “The arrival of Ben’s cookies in India marks a significant milestone in DS Group’s strategic expansion within the premium food retail sector. We are delighted to introduce a piece of British heritage to the Indian market, combining a forty-year legacy of artisanal baking with DS Group’s rooted understanding of Indian palette and the ever-evolving consumer preferences. We have a robust retail expansion strategy which represents a significant pillar of DS Group’s growth objectives for Ben’s Cookies in India, with a target to establish eight to ten physical stores across India in the current financial year.”

To ensure a fresh cookie is always within reach, Ben’s Cookies will also be available on major ecommerce and food delivery platforms.

Luke Menezes, Ben’s Cookies’s UK spokesperson also expressed, “To ensure our traditional, quality standards are mirrored in India, every Ben’s Cookies boutique will feature a live-oven baking fresh batches throughout the day. Beyond our world-famous cookies, we look forward to sharing an array of delicious treats, including rich cookie shakes, coffees, and cookie ice cream sandwiches. We are truly grateful for the opportunity to work with DS Group and look forward to becoming a cherished part of the Indian dessert landscape.”

The partnership arrives as more consumers in India are looking for authentic, handcrafted treats. The domestic cookie market, valued at USD 1.3 billion in 2024, is on an aggressive growth trajectory and is projected to reach USD 2.3 billion by 2033. This surge is fuelled by rising urban affluence and a profound shift toward “premiumisation,” where consumers increasingly seek authentic, handcrafted indulgence. Ben’s Cookies is positioned to bridge this gap, offering handcrafted, freshly baked cookies and simple gifting solutions for those who value authenticity and freshness.

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HyFun Foods currently supplies burger patties to leading QSR and foodservice partners across India while continuing to strengthen its retail and quick-commerce presence. HyFun burger patties are already consumed by 3.5 lacs of metro consumers/households via retail channels, further reinforcing the company’s role in making quality burger experiences more accessible across the country.

HyFun Burger Patty packs are available across quick commerce and retail platforms including Blinkit, JioMart, Swiggy Instamart, Zepto, and major retail outlets, enabling consumers to recreate café-style burgers at home with convenience and consistency. Made with 71% vegetables, HyFun Burger Patties cater to evolving consumer demand for flavorful, convenient, and accessible snacking solutions.

Kamlesh Karamchandani, Group Executive Director, HyFun Foods, stated, “The burger category in India is witnessing strong growth, driven by evolving consumer lifestyles, rising demand for convenience, and increasing preference for globally inspired yet locally relevant food choices. At HyFun, we are focused on making quality burger experiences more accessible across QSRs, foodservice, retail, and home consumption. Through our continued emphasis on taste, quality, innovation, and consistency, we remain committed to supporting the evolving needs of consumers and partners across the ecosystem.” 

A spokesperson from KFC added, “Burgers continue to remain one of the largest revenue-driving categories within the QSR industry globally. In India, vegetarian burgers account for nearly 55–60% of overall burger sales across several formats, reflecting strong consumer preference for veg offerings. Our association with HyFun Foods has helped strengthen product consistency, quality, and supply reliability as demand for burgers continues to grow across markets.”

A spokesperson from Burger King additionally specified, “Burger King serves over 2.1 billion Whoppers annually across its global network, highlighting the scale of the burger category worldwide. In India, vegetarian burgers contribute a significant share of overall burger consumption, driven by evolving consumer preferences and growing demand across dine-in and delivery channels. Our partnership with HyFun Foods plays an important role in maintaining quality, consistency, and operational scale across the category.”

Bringing an Indian touch to the category is HyFun’s Mumbai Aloo Vada, inspired by Mumbai’s iconic vada pav and often referred to as the “Indian burger.” Alongside products like the Spicy Paneer Patty, the portfolio reflects the growing demand for localized flavors within globally popular food formats.

According to food delivery platform trends, burgers and pizzas together accounted for nearly 8 crore orders on Swiggy during the year. Vegetarian burgers today contribute significantly to overall burger consumption across Indian QSRs, reflecting strong consumer preference for veg offerings and localized flavors. With India’s burger ecosystem continuing to expand across QSR chains, cafés, cloud kitchens, and retail consumption, HyFun Foods remains focused on driving category growth through innovation, product consistency, and consumer-centric offerings tailored to evolving Indian tastes. 

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At a time when food consumption in India is evolving rapidly, Dil Foods is building a platform that combines culinary diversity, operational efficiency, and digital distribution.  Since its last fundraise, Dil Foods has significantly scaled its footprint, expanding into new cities and strengthening its presence across existing markets.

The company has also significantly grown its network of restaurant partners, launched multiple cuisine-led brands, and introduced new menu categories aligned with evolving consumer demand. Building on this momentum, the company is now entering its next phase of growth. With the funding, the company will focus on diversifying its portfolio across cuisines, catering to a wider set of consumer cohorts, and expanding into additional high-growth markets.

Today, Dil operates 10 regional food brands across 6 cities, covering 340 pin codes. It is India’s largest chain of virtual brands, specializing in regional Indian cuisine. A continued focus on food-tech innovation and supply chain optimization will remain central to enabling scalable and sustainable growth.

Commenting on the development, Arpita Aditi, Founder, Dil Foods, said “Dil Foods has always been built on the idea of creating a sustainable ecosystem in the food industry. This funding will help us double down on that belief and capture a larger share of the consumer’s plate.With this capital, we aim to scale to 600 locations by FY28 and reach an annualized revenue of ₹500 crores. A significant portion will also go into strengthening our backend production and supply chain. Last year, we set up one of Bangalore’s largest central kitchens, spanning over 1 lakh sq. ft., and this is just the beginning.”

Arjun Vaidya, Founder, V3 said, “We backed Dil Foods three years ago at a very early stage when they were at just 30 locations, and the 30X scale they’ve achieved since then has been remarkable. What’s even more impressive is how they’ve combined that growth with strong capital discipline and a model that’s genuinely differentiated in the cloud kitchen QSR space. They are probably the most capital efficient business in the cloud kitchen QSR space in India. What I love is that Dil is building regional heroes. From a leading khichdi brand to a strong Bihari cuisine play and a fast-growing chole brand, it’s a clear sign of where India’s tastes is heading towards embracing regional flavours in a big way. They’re not just growing fast, Dil Foods is giving consumers their home favourites in an easy-to-access digital way – this impact makes it an even more interesting investment.”

Deepak Agarwal, Managing Director, Bikaji Foods International Ltd emphasised that “Having built Bikaji on the foundation of bringing authentic Indian flavours to people across the world, this investment in Dil Foods feels especially meaningful to us. We see in their journey a shared passion for regional cuisine and a deep understanding of how consumer preferences in India are evolving. What stands out is their ability to blend culinary authenticity with a modern, scalable approach to distribution. As they continue to expand their footprint and portfolio, we are excited to support them not just as investors, but as strategic partners who believe in the same larger vision of taking India’s diverse food culture to more plates, more consistently and more efficiently.”

“This isn’t a cloud kitchen play — it’s a distributed virtual brand network built on infrastructure that already exists. Arpita and the team have turned the restaurant industry’s biggest inefficiency into their moat, growing aggressively while keeping profitability at the core. This round sets them up to do it at national scale.” said by Mohammed Ali Shariff, Partner Mount Judi Ventures.

By redefining India’s access to its diverse regional cuisines at scale, while setting new benchmarks for capital efficiency and operational discipline, it is growing fast while staying grounded in a sustainable model.

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