Restaurant India News: Harajuku Tokyo Café Raises Rs 19 Crores, Expands From Delhi NCR to Mumbai and Beyond

Harajuku Tokyo Café, one of India’s fastest-growing Japanese casual dining and QSR chains, has completed its first institutional funding round, raising Rs 19 crores through a structured investment. The round was led by Indian Angel Network (IAN) with participation from Samved VC, LetsVenture, and venture debt fund Capitar Ventures, aimed at supporting the brand’s aggressive growth plans. Additional capital is expected to be raised as part of the ongoing round.

The announcement follows Harajuku’s Mumbai debut at Jio World Drive, BKC, where Harajuku Tokyo Café and Harajuku Bakehouse opened in July 2025 to strong consumer response. The launch represents a key step in the company’s strategy to mainstream Japanese cuisine within India’s dining sector.

Founded in 2021 by Gaurav Kanwar, the brand has expanded quickly, reaching over Rs 30 crores in annual recurring revenue (ARR) with seven outlets across Delhi NCR and Mumbai. With expansion at the core of its strategy, Harajuku is targeting 90 outlets across 20 cities and Rs 200 crores-plus in revenue by 2027. The company has already signed Letters of Intent for 15 new locations in Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Ludhiana, and Chandigarh.

“This funding milestone strengthens our vision of democratizing Japanese cuisine in India,” said Gaurav Kanwar, Founder and CEO, Harajuku Tokyo Café. “What began as a passion project to make Japanese food accessible has evolved into a scalable business model that resonates with India’s evolving palate. With our Mumbai launch exceeding all expectations and this funding secured, we're positioned to become India's leading Japanese dining destination.”

Harajuku’s positioning combines authentic Japanese cuisine with immersive dining spaces. Its menu features jiggly pancakes, conveyor belt sushi, Naruto ramen, and Japanese cotton cheesecakes, while outlets are designed with Tokyo-inspired décor, manga libraries, and even robot DJs to create a differentiated customer experience.

The funding round was co-led by IAN investors including Hari Balasubramanian—an early investor in Wow Momos and Samosa Party—along with Uday Chatterjee, Pradeep Jai Singh, and Sri Prakash, who bring industry expertise and strategic networks. “Gaurav and his team have masterfully executed a complex concept – bringing authentic Japanese cuisine to the mass market while maintaining quality and creating genuine brand affinity,” said Balasubramanian. “Their attention to operational detail, from the central kitchen operations to the customer experience design, demonstrates the scalability we need to see in today’s competitive F&B landscape.”

Chatterjee added, “Having visited their outlets multiple times with family, I can attest to both the food quality and the unique dining experience they've created. Harajuku is a cultural bridge that makes Japanese cuisine approachable for Indian families while maintaining authenticity.”

Samved VC also co-led the round. Vivek Khare, Partner at Samved VC, explained, “I’ve always believed that the best investments come from the heart—and my heart has long been with this brand. I’m a regular customer, drawn back again and again by the flavors I love. But what truly sealed my decision was the founder’s infectious passion—for the food, the menu, the processes, the hygiene, the branding, and the vision for scaling. He lives and breathes every aspect of the business, and that energy is as irresistible as the cuisine itself.”

Early-stage platform LetsVenture, led by Shanti Mohan, also participated.

India’s food service industry is currently valued at about USD 51 billion and is projected to grow to USD 123 billion by 2033. Japanese cuisine is one of the fastest-growing categories within the international dining segment, driven by rising anime culture, increasing travel to Japan, and evolving consumer tastes. Harajuku is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend.

The company operates through two formats—full-service Harajuku Tokyo Café and quick-service Harajuku Bakehouse. A central kitchen in Delhi NCR handles 85 percent of food preparation, enabling consistency and quick service across outlets. The business already delivers strong unit-level margins, giving it a sustainable platform for expansion.

Harajuku also collaborates with Japanese chefs Asami Indo and Nariaki Higuchi to ensure culinary authenticity. Technology is integrated across operations, from AI-driven inventory management and loyalty programs to digital ordering and customer experience tools. The company is also extending its brand into packaged foods through its D2C vertical, KoiKoi Essentials, offering ramen kits, sauces, and frozen meals.

Marketing efforts have been boosted by organic social media traction, with its conveyor belt sushi and jiggly pancakes generating more than 3 million views. The brand has also been recognized with awards including Restaurateur of the Year (Restaurant India), Best Asian Specialty Casual Dining (NDTV Food Awards), Best Japanese Casual Dining (Times Food Awards), and Foreign Cuisine Restaurant of the Year (Indian Restaurant Awards).

Looking ahead, Harajuku plans international expansion, with franchise discussions already underway in the UAE and other markets with strong Indian diaspora demand. “Our vision extends beyond just restaurants,” said Kanwar. “We're building a Japanese lifestyle brand that encompasses dining, retail, and experiences. By 2030, when someone thinks of Japanese cuisine in India, we want Harajuku to be the first name that comes to mind.”