Middle-Eastern food franchises, especially shawarma, falafel, and hummus-based concepts, are gaining popularity in urban India. This cuisine appeals to younger demographics seeking flavorful, protein-rich fast food alternatives. Franchises like Shawarma Junction, Beirut Bites, and Faasos (which offers fusion shawarmas) are leading this growth.

These models work well in both quick-service restaurant (QSR) and kiosk formats. Shawarma, in particular, fits India’s street-food culture due to its visual preparation and grab-and-go appeal. The cuisine also adapts easily with Indian flavours—paneer shawarmas or tandoori-style wraps, for instance.

Urban centers such as Mumbai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad have seen the fastest adoption, but Tier-2 cities like Indore, Surat, and Kochi are catching up. Franchisors are promoting plug-and-play kitchen formats, low CAPEX options, and hybrid dining+delivery business models to attract franchisees.

Initial investment starts from ₹6–₹10 lakhs for kiosks and can go up to ₹25 lakhs for dine-in models. Monthly revenues depend on footfall, location, and delivery integration, but average breakeven is expected within 12–18 months.

This segment is ideal for young entrepreneurs and food enthusiasts aiming to tap into global food trends while aligning with Indian taste preferences. With growing demand for global street food and moderate competition, Middle-Eastern food franchises present a compelling entry point in India’s vibrant food franchise market.