Written By: Payal Das

Chinese cuisine has firmly established itself as one of the most loved food options in India. From bustling street stalls to premium dining establishments, the demand for Chinese food is consistently high. For entrepreneurs seeking a lucrative and sustainable business opportunity, investing in a Chinese food franchise can be a smart move.

In this article, we will explore some of the top Chinese food franchises to consider in India in 2025. We’ll cover key factors like franchise costs, support provided, and potential profitability to help you make an informed decision.

What Makes a Chinese Food Franchise a Good Investment?

Before diving into the top choices, it’s essential to understand why Chinese food franchises are a promising venture:

1. High Demand: Chinese food is a staple in urban and semi-urban areas, enjoyed by people across age groups.
2. Profitability: Due to affordable ingredients and high markups, Chinese food franchises often yield excellent margins.
3. Easy Operations: Most franchises provide extensive training and standardized processes, making it accessible even for first-time business owners.
4. Brand Recognition: Partnering with an established brand reduces marketing efforts and enhances customer trust.

Requirements for Starting a Franchise

To start a Chinese food franchise, you’ll need:

• an initial investment of ₹15-40 lakh, depending on the brand and outlet size. 
• A space of 250-700 sq. ft. in high-footfall areas such as malls, food courts, or prime residential localities is typically required. 
• Basic infrastructure like kitchen facilities, ventilation systems, and seating arrangements may be necessary. 
• Necessary licenses, including FSSAI registration, health permits, and fire safety clearances, must be obtained. 

Additionally, franchisors expect franchisees to manage day-to-day operations, ensuring brand standards are maintained. Franchise training and operational support will be provided by the parent brand to ensure smooth operations.

Top Chinese Food Franchises in India for 2025

1. Chowman

• Investment: ₹50-80 lakh
• Area Required: 1000-1500 sq. ft.
• ROI: 18-24 months

Chowman is among the best Chinese food franchises in India, offering premium Chinese fine-dining. Known for its authentic flavors, curated interiors, and diverse menu, Chowman offers a complete dining experience. Franchisees benefit from comprehensive support in kitchen setup, staff training, and marketing.

2. Wow! China

• Investment: ₹30-50 lakh
• Area Required: 400-600 sq. ft.
• ROI: 12-18 months

A venture by the famous Wow! Momo, Wow! China serves Indo-Chinese delicacies with a contemporary twist. The brand has a strong presence in major cities and offers scalable models ranging from food court outlets to dine-in restaurants. Franchise owners receive hands-on support in operations and supply chain management.

3. Mainland China

• Investment: ₹1.5-2 crore
• Area Required: 3000-5000 sq. ft.
• ROI: 24-36 months

Mainland China is a flagship brand of Chinese food franchise options in India for Speciality Restaurants Ltd., renowned for its authentic Chinese cuisine. While it requires a larger investment, its premium positioning and customer loyalty result in high profitability. Franchise partners receive assistance in location selection, staff training, and promotional campaigns.

4. Wok Express

• Investment: ₹20-40 lakh
• Area Required: 250-500 sq. ft.
• ROI: 12-18 months

Wok Express operates on a fast-casual model, serving customizable wok meals at affordable prices. Its smaller space requirement and low operational costs make it ideal for entrepreneurs looking to enter the food business. Franchisees benefit from the brand’s streamlined supply chain and operational support.

5. Beijing Bites

• Investment: ₹30-60 lakh
• Area Required: 600-1200 sq. ft.
• ROI: 18-24 months

Beijing Bites is among the most popular Top Chinese Food Franchise Opportunities serving Indian-Chinese cuisine. It has a well-established network in South India and is gradually expanding to other regions. The brand offers multiple franchise formats, including dine-in, takeaway, and delivery-only kitchens.

6. Noodle King

• Investment: ₹10-20 lakh
• Area Required: 200-400 sq. ft.
• ROI: 12-18 months

Noodle King is a budget-friendly franchise specializing in noodle bowls, momos, and rice dishes. Its low investment and simple operational model make it a suitable choice for first-time entrepreneurs. The company provides end-to-end training and ensures quality control through a centralized supply chain.

7. Hakka Express

• Investment: ₹15-30 lakh
• Area Required: 300-500 sq. ft.
• ROI: 12-18 months

Hakka Express is a rapidly growing Chinese food business that brings authentic street-style Chinese cuisine to the masses. Its compact outlets are perfect for malls, airports, and high-traffic areas. Franchisees benefit from robust operational support and affordable vendor networks.

8. China Box

• Investment: ₹20-35 lakh
• Area Required: 300-600 sq. ft.
• ROI: 12-18 months

China Box offers a modern twist on traditional Chinese cuisine, specializing in quick-service meals served in signature takeout boxes. With a focus on fresh ingredients and customizable options, it attracts a diverse customer base. Franchise partners receive end-to-end support, including training, supply chain management, and marketing assistance.

9. The Yellow Bowl

• Investment: ₹15-30 lakh
• Area Required: 250-500 sq. ft.
• ROI: 12-18 months

The Yellow Bowl is one of the best Chinese food franchises in India, known for its vibrant menu of Chinese delicacies with a fusion of Indian flavors. The brand has a strong presence in urban areas and offers both dine-in and delivery models. Franchisees benefit from operational training, site selection support, and ongoing business guidance to ensure profitability.

10. Chinese Wok

• Investment: ₹25-40 lakh
• Area Required: 400-700 sq. ft.
• ROI: 12-18 months

Chinese Wok is a popular fast-casual franchise offering authentic Chinese and Asian cuisine. Customers can customize their meals by selecting from a variety of sauces, proteins, and noodles. With a streamlined operational model, Chinese Wok provides comprehensive support in kitchen setup, staff training, and marketing initiatives.

Profit Potential

Chinese food franchises offer attractive profit margins, typically ranging between 20% to 30%, depending on location, operational efficiency, and brand recognition. Fast-casual and delivery models often have lower overhead costs, contributing to quicker break-even points. 

A well-performing outlet can generate monthly revenues of ₹5-10 lakh, with return on investment (ROI) periods of 12 to 18 months. Franchisors also provide centralized supply chains and marketing support, further reducing operational complexities. Consistent customer demand for affordable, flavorful Chinese food ensures stable cash flow and long-term profitability for franchise owners.

Market Insights

The Chinese food market in India has seen exponential growth, fueled by urbanization, changing consumer preferences, and the popularity of Indo-Chinese cuisine. Fast-casual and quick-service restaurant models are particularly thriving, offering affordable and customizable meal options. 

With rising demand in both metropolitan cities and tier-2 towns, established franchises like China Box, The Yellow Bowl, and Chinese Wok continue to expand. The market’s growth is also supported by increased food delivery services, making Chinese cuisine one of the most ordered categories online. Entrepreneurs can leverage this robust demand to build a profitable business with a reliable franchise brand.

Factors to Consider Before Investing in a Chinese Food Franchise

While choosing the right franchise, keep these factors in mind:

1. Location: High footfall areas like malls, business districts, and residential hubs are ideal.
2. Brand Reputation: A well-established brand may have higher costs but ensures better customer loyalty.
3. Franchise Model: Evaluate whether a dine-in, takeaway, or cloud kitchen model aligns with your budget and vision.
4. Training and Support: Confirm that the franchisor provides adequate training in culinary operations, management, and customer service.
5. Profitability: Analyze the average ROI period and ongoing royalty fees to estimate long-term profitability.

Steps to Get Started with a Chinese Food Franchise

1. Market Research: Evaluate demand for Chinese food in your target location.
2. Budget Assessment: Determine how much capital you can invest, including franchise fees, operational costs, and working capital.
3. Franchise Selection: Shortlist brands that align with your budget and goals.
4. Application: Submit a franchise application to your chosen brand and undergo their screening process.
5. Legal and Financial Setup: Finalize legal agreements, acquire necessary licenses, and set up your business entity.
6. Training and Launch: Attend training programs, set up the outlet, and launch with a strategic marketing plan.

Conclusion

Investing in a Chinese food franchise in India offers promising returns, especially with the growing demand for quick and affordable meals. By choosing a reputed brand and following a systematic approach, you can establish a thriving business in this competitive sector.

Take your time to evaluate your options, consider the factors that align with your business goals, and embark on a rewarding entrepreneurial journey in the world of Chinese cuisine.

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.