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Global fast-food chains expand menus with Indian-inspired flavors
Brands introduce butter chicken, tikka and tandoori dishes across international markets.
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Staff Reporter - Thu, 23, Jul 2026
- 06:09 EDT
- 22
Indian-inspired menu items are appearing at major fast-food chains across global markets. / Unsplash
Indian-inspired flavors are increasingly finding their way onto the menus of major fast-food chains around the world, reflecting growing consumer demand for Indian cuisine beyond traditional restaurants.
In a statement, Maine-based Rupee Beer, a company that markets Indian lager in the United States, highlighted a growing trend of international restaurant brands introducing menu items inspired by Indian flavors in markets including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland and India.
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The company said the shift comes after years of increasing mainstream interest in Indian cuisine and cited recent launches by several global brands.
KFC recently introduced its Indian street food-inspired Crispy Naan lineup in the United Kingdom and Ireland, featuring Spicy Tandoori Zinger Crispy Naan and Original Crispy Naan.
Taco Bell brought its Butter Chicken Taco to the U.S. after customers voted it onto the menu through a fan poll. According to the company, the item received 65 percent of votes, defeating Thailand's Kickin' Chicken Taco.
Dunkin' launched Diwali-inspired doughnuts for the Indian market, including Kesar Badam, Milk Cake, Soan Papdi, and Guava & Chili flavors.
McDonald's introduced its Chicken Tikka Wrap in the United Kingdom and Ireland, while Panera Bread added Chicken Tikka Masala Soup made with coconut milk, butternut squash, black lentils and tamarind.
Pizza Hut continues to offer Butter Chicken Pizza in Canada, while its India menu includes items such as Makhani Paneer Melts, Tandoori Chicken Flatbreads and Paneer Soya Supreme.
Subway has introduced Indian-inspired offerings across several markets, including the Big Bombay Sub in the United Kingdom and Ireland, Tandoori Chicken in Trinidad and Tobago, and a limited "Taste of India" menu in Northern California featuring Chicken Vindaloo, Cilantro Chutney and Chicken Mango Curry.
Burger King has offered a Crispy Butter Chicken Sandwich and Butter Chicken Poutine in Canada before expanding similar menu items to Fiji.
Domino's Canadian locations feature Butter Chicken Pizza, Chicken Tikka Pizza, Paneer Makhani and Tandoori Paneer Tikka, while Tim Hortons has expanded its menu with Chicken Tikka Croissants and Paneer Tikka Wraps.
Rupee Beer said the expansion of Indian-inspired menu offerings reflects broader recognition of Indian cuisine by mainstream food brands and growing consumer interest in Indian flavors across international markets.
The company, founded by brothers Van and Sumit Sharma, has positioned its beer as a pairing for Indian food and has advocated for greater visibility of Indian cuisine in the United States.
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