Startup Originals Team
India’s food and beverage market has a fresh disruptor, Boba Bhai, a Bengaluru-born QSR (quick service restaurant) brand that has quickly captured the attention of young consumers. Launched in 2023 by Dhruv Kohli, the brand has become one of the fastest-growing names in the bubble tea and fusion snack space, combining playful Korean street food with flavors that appeal to Indian tastebuds.
From Pop-Ups to 60+ Outlets:
What began as a small experiment with pop-ups and cloud kitchens in Bengaluru has grown into a nationwide craze. In just two years, Boba Bhai has expanded to 60+ outlets across 9 cities, fulfilling over one lakh orders every month. Its rapid growth showcases how a well-timed idea, strong branding, and youth appeal can create a scalable business model in the crowded F&B sector.
The Menu: Bubble Tea and Beyond
At the core of Boba Bhai’s offerings are 45+ bubble tea flavors, but the menu goes much further. Its quirky fusion snacks have struck a chord with Gen Z and millennials alike, from Gochujang Paneer Burgers and Cheese Maggi Corn Dogs to Loaded Kimchi Fries. Alongside these, the brand also serves wings, fries, and spring rolls, creating a complete snacking experience.
For dessert enthusiasts, Boba Bhai has curated a Korean-inspired sweet menu, featuring ice creams and desserts in unique flavors like Matcha, Korean Melon, Banana Milk, and Strawberry Milk. The toppings, chewy mochi, popping boba, and soft rice cake bits, add both flavor and an Instagram-worthy touch.
Impressive Growth and Financials:
Boba Bhai’s business performance has been just as exciting as its food:
- FY24 Revenue: ₹5 Cr
- FY25 Revenue: ₹30 Cr
- FY26 Projection: ₹70–100 Cr
- Funding Raised: ₹42.5 Cr (Seed + Series A)
- Average Order Value (AOV): ₹400 online, ₹330 in-store
These numbers highlight not only strong consumer demand but also a scalable model that appeals to investors.
Smart Operations at Scale:
Behind the scenes, Boba Bhai has built a tech-enabled system to ensure consistency and efficiency. Central kitchens prepare sauces and marinades, guaranteeing standardized flavors across all outlets. IoT-enabled fryers and automation tools help maintain quality while keeping operations lean.
With a capex of about ₹14 lakh per outlet, most stores achieve breakeven within 12–14 months, making the model sustainable and expansion-friendly.
Future Plans: Ready-to-Drink and Tier-2 Cities
Looking ahead, Boba Bhai is preparing to extend its reach even further. The company plans to launch ₹99 ready-to-drink bubble tea cans with a six-month shelf life, a move that could take the brand into retail and convenience channels. Expansion into Tier-2 cities and converting existing cloud kitchens into full dine-in QSRs are also on the roadmap.
The bigger ambition? To blend K-pop vibes with Desi swag and evolve into a youth lifestyle brand rather than just a QSR chain.
Conclusion:
Boba Bhai is more than just a bubble tea brand, it’s a cultural experience built for the youth of India. With bold flavors, a playful brand identity, and strong financial performance, this Bengaluru startup has created a niche at the intersection of global food trends and Indian creativity. As it scales further, Boba Bhai is well on its way to becoming a household name in India’s QSR landscape.
