Indian Crowd Savours Japanese and Korean Delicacies at AAHAR 2026

New Delhi, India: Visitors thronging Hall 1 at Bharat Mandapam are discovering the rich flavours of East Asia as Japanese and South Korean food companies showcase a diverse range of beverages, sauces, noodles and speciality ingredients at AAHAR 2026, the 40th edition of the International Food & Hospitality Fair being held from March 10–14 in New Delhi.

With over 1,800 exhibitors, including about 155 international companies from 17 countries, AAHAR 2026 has become a global meeting point for food and hospitality businesses. Among the most popular attractions this year is the growing presence of Japanese and Korean brands, whose stalls are drawing curious Indian chefs, restaurateurs, distributors and food enthusiasts eager to experience authentic East Asian tastes.

Hall 1 emerges as East Asian culinary hub: Hall 1 has emerged as the primary hub for East Asian food giants, where companies such as ITO EN, ASUKU, Kikkoman and OTOKI are presenting their products and culinary traditions to the Indian market.

Visitors can be seen sampling everything from Japanese matcha ice creams and premium sauces to Korean ramen and curry, reflecting the rising interest in Japanese and Korean cuisine among Indian consumers and the hospitality industry.

ASUKU India showcases “Authentic Japan”: Leading the Japanese presence is ASUKU India, which has positioned itself as a premium gateway for introducing a wide spectrum of Japanese brands and ingredients to India’s hospitality sector.

At its pavilion, ASUKU has assembled an impressive lineup of specialised Japanese manufacturers and food producers. These include Nichimo, known for high-grade seafood solutions, Otafuku and Somi for world-class sauces and soup bases, and House and Youki for innovative seasonings and curry products.

The showcase also highlights artisanal and industrial excellence through brands such as Fuji Bussan and Fgrow Japan, while premium dry goods and staples are represented by Sakata Beika, Heiwa Seifun, and Showa.

Further strengthening the culinary lineup are specialised ingredients from Fukushima Katsuo, Hikari Miso, and Gomaya, enabling chefs and food retailers to access every component needed for a professional Japanese kitchen.

Concluding with the tagline “Bringing Japan to India,” ASUKU’s collective presence in Hall 1 reflects a growing wave of culinary collaboration between the two countries.

Sasuke spring water set to enter Indian market: ASUKU India is also preparing to introduce Sasuke spring water, a premium Japanese natural water brand extracted from a deep freshwater reservoir in Gifu, Japan.

The company plans to launch the product in India soon, adding another authentic Japanese beverage option for Indian consumers.

ITO EN’s world-famous green tea draws attention: Another major attraction at the fair is the stall of ITO EN Limited, one of Japan’s leading beverage companies.

Visitors are eagerly sampling Oi Ocha, the company’s ready-to-drink Japanese green tea, along with matcha-based beverages and desserts. The Oi Ocha brand holds a Guinness World Record as the world’s biggest-selling natural healthy ready-to-drink green tea beverage since 2019, making it one of Japan’s most recognised tea brands globally.

Speaking to the ACN Network, Yuki Suto, International Sales Department Section 1 Manager at ITO EN, said that the company sees strong potential in the Indian market.

According to Suto, Oi Ocha is currently being imported into India through distributor Hybrid Designs, but the company plans to significantly expand its presence.

“We are preparing to establish our own office in Mumbai in May, which will enable us to expand operations in India and introduce a wider product portfolio,” he said.

Korean giant OTOKI draws food lovers: The Korean presence at AAHAR 2026 is equally vibrant, with OTOKI, formerly known as Ottogi, attracting a steady flow of visitors.

The South Korean food giant officially rebranded its global name to OTOKI Corporation in March 2025, a move aimed at making the brand more accessible in international markets.

At the exhibition, OTOKI is showcasing a broad portfolio of its well-known Korean food products. These include the iconic Ottogi (OTOKI) Curry, available in both powder and ready-to-eat packs, which has long been a staple in Korean households.

The company is also displaying its popular Jin Ramen instant noodles, including vegetarian and mild variants that are gaining traction among Indian consumers.

In addition, OTOKI is presenting its premium ketchup and mayonnaise, including the brand’s creamy “Gold” variants, which trace their origins to the company’s distinction as the first manufacturer of ketchup and mayonnaise in South Korea.

Other products on display include seaweed and sesame oil, high-quality ingredients aimed at India’s B2B hospitality sector and premium retail market.

Growing appetite for East Asian cuisine: The enthusiastic response to these stalls highlights the rapidly expanding popularity of Japanese and Korean cuisine in India, driven by exposure through travel, pop culture and growing culinary experimentation in restaurants and hotels.

For many visitors at AAHAR 2026, the East Asian pavilions are not just about tasting new products but also about exploring business opportunities in importing, distributing and incorporating Japanese and Korean ingredients into Indian kitchens.

As crowds continue to gather around the stalls offering Oi Ocha green tea, matcha ice creams, ramen, curry, sauces and specialty ingredients, Hall 1 has effectively turned into a vibrant showcase of Japan–Korea culinary innovation meeting India’s fast-evolving food market.