Indian franchise brands are no longer thinking only about the Indian market.

From food and tea to eyewear, diagnostics, salons, and cafés, homegrown businesses are entering international markets through stores, partnerships, exports, and master-franchise models.

For investors researching the top franchises in India, this creates a bigger opportunity: looking at brands that can grow outside India.

But international expansion is not just about opening a shop in another country. A brand needs a repeatable business model, strong operations, local-market fit, supply-chain support, and a clear territory strategy.

This guide looks at eight Indian brands with documented international activity or overseas expansion plans. It also separates current evidence from historical plans, so you can understand where each brand actually stands.

Quick answer: Which Indian franchise brands are going global?

Haldiram’s, Chai Sutta Bar, Lenskart, Dr Lal PathLabs, Punjabi Chaap Corner, WOW! Momo, Jawed Habib, and T VANAMM all have documented international activity or international expansion plans.

However, they are at different stages.

Important: An overseas restaurant, an exported product, and a master-franchise territory are three different things. Investors should not treat them as the same form of international presence.

What is an outbound master franchise?

An outbound master franchise gives a partner the rights to develop an Indian brand in a defined overseas territory.

The territory could be:

• A country
• A state or province
• A group of cities
• A regional market

Depending on the agreement, the master franchisee may develop outlets itself or appoint additional franchisees.

The franchisor normally provides the brand, operating system, training, technology, products, and business standards. The local partner handles market development and day-to-day execution.

T VANAMM, for example, says its international master-franchise model is designed for territory developers and can cover a country, region, or city cluster. It also says investment varies by territory. (T VANAMM International Master Franchise)

This is why an international master franchise usually requires more capital and management capability than a single-unit franchise.

Why are Indian brands expanding overseas?

Indian brands are expanding internationally because they can combine established domestic business models with growing demand for Indian products and services abroad.

Several factors are supporting this trend:

• A large Indian and South Asian diaspora.
• Growing awareness of Indian food and culture.
• International demand for Indian consumer brands.
• Digital marketing that makes brands easier to discover.
• Better cross-border supply chains.
• More experienced Indian entrepreneurs entering overseas markets.

But there is a major difference between demand and scalable demand.

A product may be popular with Indian customers abroad but still struggle with local pricing, regulations, labour costs, rent, or competition.

That is why a strong international franchise needs more than a popular Indian brand name.

Which Indian Franchise Brands Going Global?

1. Haldiram’s: Expanding Indian food in the UK and Europe

Haldiram’s is taking its international presence deeper into restaurant operations, particularly in the UK and Europe.

The Financial Times reported that Haldiram’s opened a 120-seat restaurant in London's Leicester Square and is targeting further European growth, including Germany, France, and Portugal. The company also has UK manufacturing and retail distribution. Financial Times — Haldiram’s European expansion

This shows how an Indian food company can move through several stages:

Indian brand → overseas products → retail presence → restaurants → wider market expansion.

For an international franchise investor, that existing market experience can be valuable.

The key question is not simply whether customers know Haldiram’s. It is whether the operating model can remain profitable and consistent in each new territory.

2. Chai Sutta Bar: Taking Indian chai to international markets

Chai Sutta Bar has built a significant overseas footprint alongside its large Indian network.

The company's official website currently states that it has 650+ outlets worldwide, including locations in Nepal, the UAE, and Canada.

Its official company history also records international expansion into markets including Dubai, Nepal, and Abu Dhabi. Chai Sutta Bar

Why can this model travel?

The concept is relatively simple:

• Tea is familiar across many countries.
• The kulhad creates a clear brand identity.
• The café format can be adapted to different locations.
• The menu can potentially serve both Indian and local customers.

The company also describes franchise support covering areas such as supply-chain management and outlet audits.

For investors, the bigger lesson is that international franchising depends on repeatable systems, not just a popular product.

3. Lenskart: Building a large international retail business

Lenskart is one of the strongest examples of an Indian consumer brand building substantial international operations.

Its international business spans markets including Japan, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.

In its FY26 shareholder communication, Lenskart reported:

• ₹10,540 million in Q4 FY26 international revenue.
• 35.4% year-on-year international revenue growth.
• 718 international stores at the end of FY26.
• 61 net new international stores during FY26.

Source : Lenskart FY26 shareholder report

Its investor information also lists international entities across markets including Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, the UAE, Japan, and other countries.

This is a useful example of how an Indian company can take a business overseas through a combination of:

• Physical retail
• Technology
• Supply chain
• Digital sales
• Local operations

It is not simply an export model.

Read : International Franchise Brands in India: 2026–2027 Growth Guide

4. Dr Lal PathLabs: Taking diagnostics overseas

Dr Lal PathLabs has developed international partnerships across several overseas markets.

Its official international partnership page says the company operates laboratories and diagnostic centres in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Nigeria, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, through fully owned setups or local partnerships. Source : Dr Lal PathLabs International Partnership

The company also describes international activity across the Gulf and Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia.

Healthcare expansion requires a different approach from food or retail.

An investor must consider:

• Healthcare licences
• Clinical regulations
• Data protection
• Laboratory standards
• Local professional requirements
• Insurance and reimbursement systems

So this type of franchise or partnership requires detailed local due diligence.

5. Punjabi Chaap Corner: North American master franchising

Punjabi Chaap Corner is a notable example of an Indian vegetarian QSR brand using a North American master-franchise structure.

IRFM Brands identifies itself as the master franchisor for Punjabi Chaap Corner in Canada and the USA.

According to its current brand information, Punjabi Chaap Corner was founded in New Delhi in 2012, while IRFM Brands launched Canadian operations in 2020. The network is now expanding across Canada and the USA.

IRFM also describes support that includes:

• Training
• SOP manuals
• Video tutorials
• Operational support

This model is particularly relevant for investors searching for international franchise opportunities from India.

The local master franchisee brings market knowledge and execution. The Indian franchisor brings the established brand and operating system.

6. WOW! Momo: From Indian QSR to overseas FMCG

WOW! Momo has documented international FMCG activity, particularly in the UAE.

The company's founder announced the international debut of WOW! Momo FMCG products in the UAE through LuLu Group, with availability across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Founder announcement

There is also independent retail evidence. LuLu UAE currently lists WOW! Momo products, including its instant momo range.

This distinction is important.

WOW! Momo's overseas FMCG presence should not automatically be described as a large overseas restaurant franchise network.

International expansion can happen through supermarkets and packaged products before a restaurant network develops.

7. Jawed Habib: A documented international salon strategy

Jawed Habib has a documented history of international expansion, but its current overseas footprint should be verified before making a 2027 investment decision.

The Economic Times reported that the company planned international salons, including three in London and one in Singapore.

Later reports also documented the brand's presence in international markets including the UAE, UK, and Singapore.

However, much of the publicly available evidence is older.

That means investors should directly verify:

• Current overseas outlets
• Available territories
• Current franchise fees
• Master-franchise rights
• Local operating partners

This is an important E-E-A-T point: historical expansion plans should never be presented as current facts without fresh evidence.

8. T VANAMM: An international master-franchise model

T VANAMM is actively seeking international territory partners for its café, ice cream, and juice concept.

Its official international franchise page says the company is legally cleared for international expansion and is evaluating markets based on demand.

The page specifically mentions:

• USA
• Canada
• UAE
• UK
• Singapore

It also explains that international master-franchise investment varies by territory.

This is different from saying the brand already has a large operating network in each of those countries.

For investors, that distinction matters.

“Open for international development” does not mean “already operating at scale.”

Read : New Franchise Brands Launching in India

What should you check before buying an international master franchise?

Review the commercial and legal structure before paying any franchise fee.

Use this checklist:

Also get advice from local legal, tax, and financial professionals.

Which countries are important for Indian franchise expansion?

The UAE, UK, Canada, USA, Singapore, Japan, and Southeast Asia are important markets to examine, but there is no universal best country for every franchise.

Consider the market based on your business type.

UAE

Often relevant for Indian food, beverage, retail, and hospitality concepts.

UK

A mature market for Indian cuisine and a significant South Asian consumer base.

Canada

Relevant for Indian food and vegetarian QSR concepts, with several Indian brands already operating there.

USA

A very large market, but investors must account for property, labour, compliance, and competition.

Singapore

A compact international market that can also provide a base for wider Southeast Asian expansion.

Japan and Southeast Asia

Potentially relevant to technology-led retail and consumer brands. Lenskart's international business specifically includes Japan and Southeast Asia.

The right market is the one where demand, pricing, regulations, supply chain, and unit economics work together.

Faqs

Which Indian franchises are expanding internationally?

Examples include Haldiram’s, Chai Sutta Bar, Lenskart, Dr Lal PathLabs, Punjabi Chaap Corner, WOW! Momo, Jawed Habib, and T VANAMM.

Their international models vary from operating stores and partnerships to exports and master franchising.

Which Indian franchise has the most international stores?

There is no reliable like-for-like ranking because companies report different metrics.

Lenskart reported 718 international stores in FY26, while Chai Sutta Bar reports 650+ outlets worldwide. These figures come from different business models and should not be treated as a direct ranking.

Can an NRI become an international master franchisee?

Potentially, yes. Approval normally depends on the franchisor, territory, capital, experience, and ability to operate the business.

NRI status alone does not guarantee territory rights.

How much does an international master franchise cost?

There is no standard price.

Costs depend on the brand, country, territory size, store format, development commitment, and working capital.

T VANAMM states that international investment is territory-specific.

Is international franchising profitable?

It can be profitable, but there is no guaranteed return.

Rent, wages, taxes, import costs, regulation, competition, and local customer behaviour can significantly change the economics.

Never rely only on projected ROI.

Final takeaway

The rise of Indian franchise brands going global is creating a new path for Indian entrepreneurs and international investors.

Haldiram’s is expanding its restaurant presence in the UK and Europe. Chai Sutta Bar reports 650+ outlets worldwide. Lenskart has built hundreds of international stores. Dr Lal PathLabs operates through overseas partnerships. Punjabi Chaap Corner has a North American master-franchise structure. WOW! Momo has entered overseas FMCG retail. Jawed Habib has a documented international expansion history. T VANAMM is developing an international master-franchise model.

For people researching the top franchises in India, the opportunity may increasingly extend beyond India's borders.

But global expansion is not simply about finding a famous Indian brand.

You need the right:

• Brand

• Country

• Territory

• Capital

• Local partner

• Supply chain

• Legal structure

• Operating plan

Verify current franchise availability, territory rights, investment requirements, and commercial terms directly with the franchisor before investing.

Written By: Gouri Ghosh, Franchisebazar Editorial Team — Updated September 2026

Disclaimer: The brands mentioned in this blog are the recommendations provided by the author. FranchiseBAZAR does not claim to work with these brands / represent them / or are associated with them in any manner. Investors and prospective franchisees are to do their own due diligence before investing in any franchise business at their own risk and discretion. FranchiseBAZAR or its Directors disclaim any liability or risks arising out of any transactions that may take place due to the information provided in this blog.