Bikanervala, one of India's most iconic culinary brands, is preparing to enter the United Kingdom through a strategic partnership with The Montana Group, a leader in retail and hospitality. This international expansion follows the launch of a new outlet in Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan—reaffirming the brand’s commitment to its roots while simultaneously embracing global ambitions. Through a modern quick-service restaurant format and a mission to popularize Indian cuisine worldwide, Bikanervala seeks to blend heritage with innovation. The Montana Group aims to support this expansion with over 25 new outlets globally between 2025 and 2026.
Bikanervala Anchors Itself at Home Before Looking Abroad
The latest opening in Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, marks a symbolic return to Bikanervala’s origins. The outlet features a Quick-Service Restaurant (QSR) setup, catering to modern dining preferences while preserving the authenticity of Indian snacks, sweets, and multi-cuisine offerings.
This domestic expansion underscores Bikanervala’s dual strategy: strengthen regional visibility while preparing to scale globally. As part of its positioning, the brand blends traditional flavors with a contemporary experience, ensuring relevance for both older patrons and a younger, fast-paced generation.
Global Expansion Begins with Strategic UK Launch
To spearhead its international growth, Bikanervala is collaborating with The Montana Group, a prominent name in retail and hospitality with a track record of successful global ventures.
The UK launch represents a calculated step into one of the most cosmopolitan food markets in the world. This move is aligned with Bikanervala’s vision to make Indian cuisine a staple on the global culinary map, much like Western fast-food giants have localized their offerings in India.
According to the company, the new outlets will retain Bikanervala's classic offerings while tailoring certain menu items to suit global consumer preferences without compromising authenticity.
The 'Reverse Food Drainage' Vision: Sharing India’s Flavors Globally
Manoj Madhukar, Founder of The Montana Group, described the international push as a "Reverse Food Drainage" initiative—a reversal of the decades-long trend where global food chains enter India. Instead, the goal is to export Indian culinary culture, making it accessible and celebrated abroad.
"We want Indian flavors to become a regular fixture in kitchens around the world," Madhukar stated. He emphasized that Indian food offers a unique blend of tradition, health, and diversity, making it ripe for global mainstream appeal.
Engaging the Global Youth with Cultural Storytelling
Monty Singh, Co-founder of The Montana Group, elaborated on the strategy of engaging younger consumers globally. He drew a parallel between how global brands like McDonald’s and KFC adapted to Indian tastes, and how Bikanervala plans to take authentic Indian flavors to the world.
"We want to introduce Indian food as more than just cuisine—it’s a cultural journey," Singh said. This approach aims to position Indian cuisine not only as an exotic indulgence but also as an everyday, healthy, and flavorful choice.
Expansion Blueprint: 25 New Outlets by 2026
The Montana Group has set a target of over 25 new outlets between 2025 and 2026, with a mix of domestic and international locations. The expansion will focus on high footfall urban centers in both emerging and established markets.
This aggressive rollout is backed by extensive market research, consumer trend analysis, and a scalable operational model that allows for localization while maintaining brand integrity.
The venture aims to transform Bikanervala from a beloved Indian chain into a globally recognized brand synonymous with quality Indian cuisine.
Over a Century of Legacy: Bikanervala’s Global Footprint
Established in 1905, Bikanervala has built a legacy of excellence in Indian sweets and savories. With over 225 outlets spanning India and key global markets—including the United States, Canada, UAE, Qatar, New Zealand, Singapore, and Nepal—the brand already enjoys an international footprint.
The collaboration with The Montana Group is a natural progression for a brand that has successfully retained its traditional roots while embracing modernization.
"This partnership is a celebration of India’s rich culinary tradition and our commitment to sharing it with the world," said Suresh Goel, CEO of Bikanervala Foods Pvt Ltd.
India’s Culinary Soft Power on the Global Stage
As Indian cuisine gains growing recognition on the world stage, brands like Bikanervala are stepping up to lead this transformation. By combining a century-old legacy with forward-thinking partnerships and a clear global vision, the brand is poised to redefine how Indian food is perceived and consumed internationally.
Through its partnership with The Montana Group and its upcoming UK launch, Bikanervala is not just expanding its presence—it is exporting a piece of India’s cultural identity to the world.
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