Restaurant India News: Foodsta Kitchens Launches Kokoro, A Modern Japanese Dining Experience

Foodsta Kitchens, the parent company behind Nasi and Mee, has launched its latest dining venture — Kokoro — a contemporary Japanese restaurant concept that focuses on comfort food traditions from Japan. The launch signals the company’s intent to diversify its portfolio with globally inspired yet locally approachable dining formats.

Positioned as a modern Japanese restaurant, Kokoro aims to deliver familiar Japanese comfort dishes using traditional methods adapted to current dining preferences. The concept blends authenticity with accessibility, catering to diners looking for flavorful, high-quality meals at competitive price points.

The name “Kokoro,” meaning “heart” in Japanese, reflects the brand’s core philosophy of creating food with emotion and intention. “Kokoro represents our commitment to making Japanese comfort food part of everyone's everyday story,” said Dilip Krishnan, Co-founder and CEO, India of Foodsta Kitchens. “It is where authentic techniques meet modern accessibility, allowing our guests to experience bold Japanese flavors with genuine heart, at prices that make great food available to all.”

The menu at Kokoro includes a mix of ramen, don bowls, sushi, and other comfort-oriented Japanese offerings. Key dishes include Tonkotsu-style Ramen, Spicy Miso Ramen, Korean-style Ramen, Chicken Katsu Don Bowl, Tempura Veg Don Bowl, and Salmon Rainbow Don Bowl. The restaurant also serves Japanese fried chicken (Chicken Karaage) and sushi items like Kani Kuri Maki and Spicy Salmon Maki.

With a focus on broths made in-house, traditional toppings, and premium proteins, Kokoro aims to balance authentic preparation with the convenience of modern service standards. The concept caters to a growing segment of urban Indian diners interested in Japanese flavors beyond the typical sushi experience.

With Kokoro now operational, Foodsta Kitchens expands its presence in the Asian dining category and enters the competitive Japanese QSR and casual dining segment — a category seeing increasing traction in metro markets.