Surge in Korean Cuisine Orders Signals Cultural Shift in India

The popularity of Korean cuisine in India has experienced significant growth, with a recent report indicating a 50 per cent year-on-year increase in orders for Korean dishes on the food delivery platform Swiggy. This surge, observed between July 2024 and July 2025, reflects a broader cultural embrace of Korean influences, particularly among younger generations.

As more Indians engage with Korean culture through music and television, the trend has extended to culinary preferences. Swiggy’s internal insights reveal that the demand for Korean food is not confined to major urban centers. While cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Hyderabad continue to dominate the market, emerging cities such as Surat, Thiruvananthapuram, Vadodara, Mysuru, and Mangaluru have shown remarkable growth, with a 59 per cent year-on-year increase in Korean food orders.

The driving force behind this culinary trend is largely attributed to the younger demographic, particularly Gen Z. Data indicates that this group accounted for 27 per cent of all Korean food orders on Swiggy over the past year. Their proclivity for global trends has reshaped consumption patterns, highlighting their role as key influencers in the rising popularity of Korean cuisine.

The types of Korean dishes gaining traction underscore this cultural shift. Searches for items such as “Korean bun,” “Korean cheese bun,” and “Korean ramen” have surged, indicating a growing curiosity among Indian consumers. Topping the list of most-ordered items is the Korean McAloo Tikki Burger, followed by Korean Corn & Jalapeno Garlic Bread. Other popular choices include the Korean Tangy Chicken Roll and Korean Spicy Chicken Burger. Furthermore, Korean-inspired beverages like Korean Yuzu-Pop Sprite are also making waves.

This trend signifies a larger transformation in the Indian food landscape, with consumers showing an increasing willingness to explore international flavors. Food brands are responding by localizing global cuisines, offering accessible and snackable formats that cater to this evolving palate. The demand for Korean food is not just a passing phase; it is indicative of a significant shift in culinary preferences that is likely to influence India’s modern food scene for years to come.

In summary, the rise of Korean cuisine in India reflects a dynamic cultural exchange and changing consumer habits, particularly among the youth. As more people embrace these international flavors, the landscape of Indian dining continues to expand, paving the way for diverse culinary experiences.