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Harajuku Tokyo Café Raises $2M to Make Sushi and Jiggly Pancakes the New Street Food of India

Who says sushi and ramen can’t go mainstream in India?

Harajuku Tokyo Café, the viral Japanese casual dining and quick-service restaurant (QSR) chain known for its jiggly pancakes, robot DJs, and anime-inspired interiors, just raised $2 million to turbocharge its expansion across the country.

The funding round was led by Indian Angel Network (IAN), with participation from Samved VC, LetsVenture, and venture debt fund Capitar Ventures. The timing couldn’t be better — it follows the brand’s blockbuster Mumbai debut at Jio World Drive, which has already become a foodie hotspot.

Now, the brand is setting its sights on 90 outlets across 20 cities and a massive Rs 200 crore+ revenue target by 2027.

From Passion Project to Pan-India Powerhouse

Founded in 2021 by Gaurav Kanwar, Harajuku Tokyo Café started with a simple vision: bring authentic Japanese cuisine to India in a way that’s affordable, Instagrammable, and unforgettable.

What began as a niche dining concept in Delhi NCR quickly turned into a crowd-puller with long queues, high repeat customers, and massive social media buzz.

“This funding milestone strengthens our vision of democratizing Japanese cuisine in India,” said Kanwar. “What began as a passion project is now a scalable model that speaks to India’s evolving palate.”

What Makes Harajuku Tokyo Café So Unique?

It’s not just the food — it’s the full experience.

• Conveyor belt sushi that adds drama to your dinner
• Naruto ramen bowls straight out of your favorite anime
• Fluffy, jiggly Japanese pancakes that are a viral favorite
• Robot DJs, Manga libraries, and Harajuku-themed décor that transport you to Tokyo
• Japanese cotton cheesecakes that melt in your mouth

The café doesn’t just serve meals — it creates a cultural moment. And in a market flooded with repetitive fast food options, that emotional hook is turning casual diners into superfans.

The Numbers Speak for Themselves

• Rs 30 crore+ in Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR)
• 7 operational outlets across Delhi NCR and Mumbai
• Letters of Intent (LOIs) already signed for 15 more locations, including Ludhiana and Chandigarh
• Goal of 90 outlets by 2027, targeting metro cities and Tier-2 markets alike

The Mumbai launch, particularly, “exceeded all expectations”, setting a new benchmark for performance and proving that Harajuku’s formula works in India’s most competitive food market.

Why Investors Are Hungry for More

According to investors, Harajuku Tokyo Café has done what few others have managed — crack the code for scaling authenticity.

“Gaurav and his team have masterfully executed a complex concept — bringing authentic Japanese cuisine to the mass market while maintaining quality,” said Balasubramanian from IAN. “They’ve built operational efficiency with central kitchens, strong branding, and a customer-first experience that is hard to replicate.”

Chatterjee, another investor, summed it up perfectly:

“Harajuku is a cultural bridge — it makes Japanese food approachable for Indian families while keeping the soul of it intact. I’ve dined there multiple times. It’s not just hype — it’s a genuinely enjoyable experience.”

What’s Next? Full Throttle Expansion

With this fresh round of capital, Harajuku Tokyo Café is preparing to:

• Open 15+ new locations in the next 12 months
• Expand further into Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities
• Scale central kitchen operations to maintain quality across outlets
• Double down on tech, design, and brand marketing
• Experiment with new Japanese menu items, loyalty programs, and app-based ordering

The brand is also exploring franchise models and partnerships to accelerate growth while retaining tight control over experience and standards.

Why This Could Be the Next Big Thing in Indian Dining

India’s younger population is curious, globally aware, and constantly looking for new culinary experiences. Combine that with a booming eating-out culture and a massive delivery market, and Harajuku finds itself in a sweet spot.

Japanese cuisine, once seen as premium and exotic, is becoming fun, fast, and familiar — thanks to brands like Harajuku Tokyo Café.

And they’re not stopping at food. The brand is rapidly becoming a cultural experience hub — one that appeals to anime fans, Gen Z foodies, families, and even wellness-focused diners seeking lighter options like sushi and miso.

Final Thoughts: Ramen, Robots, and Revenue

Harajuku Tokyo Café is doing something few Indian QSRs have pulled off — building a mass-market, premium-experience brand that’s fun, functional, and full of personality.

With robot DJs spinning beats, jiggly pancakes bouncing off the plates, and ramen bowls that would make any anime fan tear up — this is more than dining. It’s a spectacle.

Now, with $2 million in the bank and a 90-outlet dream, Harajuku Tokyo Café is setting the table for what could be the most exciting QSR story in India’s food landscape.

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