Written By: Resham Daswani

Vegetarian options are more popular, especially those that appeal to those concerned about their health. A recent survey shows India is home to more vegetarians than the rest of the world combined.

Because of this, several popular fast-food chains and fast food restaurants now offer vegetarian options, such as Subway’s veggie patty, KFC’s zinger burger and many others.

As vegetarianism becomes more popular worldwide, more and more restaurants are venturing into the hitherto uncharted territory of serving only vegetarian fare. Vegetarian food franchises are a great place to put your money because many vegetarians suspicious about whether vegetarian food is made on a meat-covered grill in the kitchen find solace in 'pure' vegetarian restaurants.

Top Vegetarian Food Franchises in India for 2023

Vegetarian Food Franchises in India can fall under various cuisine categories:

• South Indian Cuisine
• North Indian Cuisine
• Restaurants and Cafes
• Street Food Cuisine
• Fast Food Cuisines
• Global Cuisine
• Vegan Cuisine
• Salads Restaurants

The economy in India is vibrant and expanding quickly. Consequently, so are Indian consumers' tastes and inclinations. However, their appreciation for Indian food has been consistent. They still favour piping hot idlis and buttery naans over pita and Chinese rice cakes.

Considering this shift in consumer mindset along with the growth of the franchise industry, it's reasonable to suggest that starting a chain of vegetarian restaurants might be a lucrative venture. If you want to start a business in the Indian Food and Beverage field, here are a few options you must look into.

1. Sagar Ratna

The initial Sagar Ratna restaurant opened in Defence Colony in 1986, and since then, it has spread across India to become the go-to spot for South Indian food.  Sagar Ratna has quickly expanded its reach, and now operates more than 90 restaurants across the country, including locations in the National Capital Region (NCR) and other major cities in North India operated under franchise agreements.

Sagar Ratna has earned multiple honours in the hospitality sector over the years, and their authentic South Indian cuisine is still a customer favourite.

2. Shiv Sagar

Mr. N.T. Poojari founded Shiv Sagar in 1990 in Kemps Corner (Mumbai) with the intention of satisfying everyone's craving for vegetarian fast cuisine.

Shiv Sagar was first opened in Kemps Corner (Mumbai), and it has since expanded to other thriving neighbourhoods around the city, including Church Gate, Thane, Mulund, Phoenix Market City (Kurla), Mira Road, and even as far afield as Surat, Ahmedabad, Pune, and Mangalore.

3. Ds Dosa Factory

The first location of the South Indian restaurant chain DS Dosa Factory Pvt. Ltd. (An ISO Certified Company) debuted in Ghaziabad, UP, in 2016. The plan is to satisfy the cravings of local foodies by offering both traditional South Indian fare and tantalising North Indian dishes.

The decor was meant to evoke a mood typical of South India. DS Dosa Factory's mission is to serve delicious, reasonably priced food in a comfortable setting where people may socialise and form new connections.

4. Sankalp

The Sankalp restaurants serve vegetarian, authentic South Indian fare. Dosas and other South Indian specialities make up a large portion of their menu. If you're interested in opening a Sankalp store, you can get a franchise from the company.

5. Haandi Pure Veg

Haandi Pure Veg Restaurant opened its first location in Indirapuram, Uttar Pradesh, in 2011. The menu has expanded from a few characteristic items to include a wide variety of appetisers and main courses from North India and China.

This vegetarian eatery has established a devoted following over the years because to the quality of its Dal Makhani, Paneer Butter Masala, Paneer Tikka, Paneer Lababdar, etc. The vegetarian restaurant chain that has created a name for itself by treating guests like royalty is hoping to expand across the entire country of India.

6. KK Thali

One of the top Gujarati restaurants in Rajkot is KK Thali. The Thali dishes at this restaurant are some of the best I've ever had. Everything on the menu would be absolutely mind-blowing, and there would be a million of them.

The architecture of this restaurant is really traditional. Those who are familiar with the area and have a taste for authentic Gujarati fare will never miss an occasion to dine here. The food, service, atmosphere, and overall allure of this restaurant have contributed to its meteoric rise in popularity.

7. Haldiram’s

Haldiram is well-known in India for its many varieties of snacks, sweets, and Namkeens. The brand's success has allowed it to sell franchises to would-be business owners, broadening its reach. Those interested in starting their own food business with the backing of a well-known brand will find the Haldiram franchise opportunity to be quite attractive.

8. Bikanervala

Bikaner Express is a household name in the processed food industry thanks to its extensive catalogue and expansion into new markets for namkeens and other delectable treats. Our products are the go-to for any regular Joe since they taste well and are packaged well.

Bikaner Express is your one-stop shop for delicious, high-quality processed foods like namkeen, rusk, biscuits, and maida savouries, which are staples in every Indian home.

9. Rajdhani Thali

Rajdhani has carved itself a niche for its fashionable and authentic food among the lovers of Indian cuisine by serving truly authentic regional cuisine in their Thalis, such as the Rajasthani, Maharashtrian, Sindhi, South Indian, and Kathiawadi Thali.

10. Kake Di Hatti

A name that has been around since before India's independence and is steeped in Indian tradition. Kake Di Hatti is a restaurant chain that spans the country, and it has managed to maintain its authenticity and cultural significance over the course of eight decades and four generations of cooking.

Trends For Growing Vegetarian Food Franchises in India

Cultural, religious, and individual dietary preferences have all contributed to India's sizable vegetarian population. In India, many people adhere to vegetarian or vegan diets because of the religion's long history of support for such lifestyles.

Consciousness about one's health, the environment, and morality have all contributed to the expansion of India's vegetarian food sector. Many restaurants and grocery stores have added vegetarian alternatives or even started vegan or vegetarian divisions to meet the rising demand.

Here are some trends governing the growth of the vegetarian food franchise businesses in India.

• Increase in Health Consciousness - More individuals are interested in eating healthy, therefore there's a greater need for plant-based solutions. Lower cholesterol, lower risk of heart disease, and weight control are just a few of the health benefits commonly attributed to vegetarian diets.
• Demand for Vegan & Vegetarianism on the rise - Vegetarianism has deep roots in Indian culture for spiritual, religious, and ethical reasons. However, in recent years, there has been a dramatic rise in the vegetarian and vegan population. This move has opened up a huge market for vegetarian fast-food chains.
• Rise in the Middle-Class Disposable Income- The rising purchasing power and shifting preferences of India's middle class are direct results of the country's fast-developing middle class. Consumers are more open to trying new restaurants and foods as their disposable income increases. Vegetarian food franchises have benefited from this fad by providing a wide variety of vegetarian options, from traditional fare to exotic fusion cuisines.
• Initiatives by the government - Vegetarianism and other forms of healthy eating have been actively promoted by the Indian government through a number of programmes and policies. Many government-sponsored initiatives in India, such as "Green India, Healthy India" and "Eat Right India," promote plant-based diets as essential to good health. Having the government on board helps foster an environment where vegetarian fast-food franchises may flourish.
• Increase use of Delivery Platforms - Vegetarian fast-food businesses now have a better chance of breaking into mainstream culture thanks to the proliferation of online ordering and other kinds of online food delivery. Vegetarian food businesses can now reach customers beyond those who frequent conventional restaurants thanks to online ordering, delivery apps, and cloud kitchens.

Overall, the expansion of the vegetarian food franchise industry in India may be attributed to the convergence of health awareness, cultural preferences, environmental concerns, and favourable market conditions.

Market prospects for businesses catering to vegetarians are expected to grow as these tendencies gain traction.

Moreover, because of the rising need for vegetarian and vegan options and the rising popularity of vegetarianism in India, starting a vegetarian food franchise here can be a profitable venture.

In conclusion,

The restaurant industry in India is flourishing alongside the country's expanding middle class. Vegetarianism's popularity has grown over the years, creating an opening for Indian restaurants.

Buying a franchise is a great option if you've wanted to start your own restaurant. Franchisees still have to put in long hours and think creatively to succeed, but the learning curve is shorter compared to starting from scratch. Franchising is great for new business owners because it gives them rapid brand recognition and comprehensive training.

Customers will keep coming back for more of what they already appreciate on your menu. Contact us at FranchiseBazar if you're interested in learning more about our franchise opportunities in India.

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 risks and discretion. FranchiseBAZAR or its Directors, disclaim any liability or risks arising out of any transactions that may take place due to information provided in this blog.