Korean fusion QSR brand Boba Bhai has forayed into the ready-to-drink (RTD) beverage segment with the launch of its canned bubble teas, as it looks to diversify its multi-channel presence beyond restaurants and food aggregators.
The Mumbai-based startup, which operates 57 QSR outlets across nine cities, has rolled out its RTD bubble teas on Blinkit and Zepto, with an Instamart launch in the pipeline. The products are now available in over 70 cities, targeting urban consumers seeking convenience and novelty in their beverage choices.
Founded by Dhruv Kohli, Boba Bhai has built its brand on the back of Asian-inspired food and beverages tailored for Indian palates. The company is now betting on the growing demand for impulse and on-the-go drinks among Gen Z and millennials. “With the rise of quick commerce and on-demand convenience, our entry into the ready-to-drink space was a natural next step,” Kohli told Inc42.
The company expects the RTD format to contribute nearly 20% of its beverage revenue in the next 12 to 15 months. Boba Bhai is also in advanced talks to expand retail distribution to supermarkets, kirana stores, and multiplexes, as it seeks to move beyond the QSR and aggregator model.
The RTD launch comes on the heels of Boba Bhai’s Series A funding round in March 2025, which was aimed at accelerating product innovation and expanding its geographic footprint. The company followed the fundraise with the launch of a Korea-inspired ice cream line in major cities, further strengthening its position in the Asian fusion food and beverage segment.
Boba Bhai’s product roadmap includes new milk teas, seasonal SKUs, functional beverages, and a K-Coffee range, as it looks to tap into evolving consumer preferences. The company is aiming to position itself as a culture-driven, multi-format brand catering to the modern Indian consumer.
The move comes at a time when India’s beverage market is seeing increased activity from both domestic and international players, with a focus on convenience, flavour innovation, and youth-centric branding.
With the RTD bubble tea launch and a push into quick commerce, Boba Bhai is positioning itself to capture a larger share of India’s fast-evolving beverage market, while continuing to build on its QSR legacy.
