Indian Crowd Savours Japanese and Korean Delicacies at AAHAR 2026

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

With over 1,800 exhibitors, including about 155 international companies from 17 countries, AAHAR 2026 became 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 were drawing curious Indian chefs, restaurateurs, distributors and food enthusiasts eager to experience authentic East Asian tastes.

Hall 1 emerged as the East Asian culinary hub: Hall 1 emerged as the primary hub for East Asian food giants, where companies such as ITO EN, ASUKU, Kikkoman, Wismettac Foods, Inc, and OTOKI presented their products and culinary traditions to the Indian market.

Visitors were 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 showcased “Authentic Japan”: Leading the Japanese presence was 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 assembled an impressive lineup of specialised Japanese manufacturers and food producers. These included 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 highlighted 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 were specialised ingredients from Fukushima Katsuo, Hikari Miso, and Gomaya, enabling chefs and food retailers to access all the components needed for a professional Japanese kitchen.

Concluding with the tagline “Bringing Japan to India,” ASUKU’s collective presence in Hall 1 reflected 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 was the stall of ITO EN Limited, one of Japan’s leading beverage companies.

Visitors were 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.

Voila Silken Tofu from Satonoyuki Foods, Japan: Also on the display was Voila Silken Tofu from Satonoyuki Foods, Japan. Present on the occasion were Erina Nikaido from Wismettac Foods, Inc., who is promoting Japanese food products such as Voila Silken Tofu in the Indian market through its Mumbai-based distributor Supreme Enterprises, headed by Kanish Gupta.

Satonoyuki Foods Co., Ltd., established in 1973 in Tokushima, Japan, is dedicated to producing high-quality tofu and soybean-based products that support healthy lifestyles and promote Japanese food culture. The company manufactures products such as cotton tofu, silken tofu, filling tofu, and long shelf-life tofu using simple ingredients like soybeans, nigari, and pure water.

It operates under the Shikoku Kakoki Group, which integrates machinery, packaging, and food divisions to ensure advanced production technology and efficiency. Satonoyuki uses innovative aseptic filling machines and special five-layer packaging that blocks oxygen and light, allowing tofu to maintain freshness without preservatives while preserving its natural taste and quality.

Korean giant OTOKI draws food lovers: The Korean presence at AAHAR 2026 was 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 was showcasing a broad portfolio of its well-known Korean food products. These included 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 was also displaying its popular Jin Ramen instant noodles, including vegetarian and mild variants that are gaining traction among Indian consumers.

In addition, OTOKI presented 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 included 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 were 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 continued to gather around the stalls offering Oi Ocha green tea, matcha ice creams, ramen, curry, sauces and speciality ingredients, Hall 1 had effectively turned into a vibrant showcase of Japan–Korea culinary innovation meeting India’s fast-evolving food market.