Step-by-Step Guide to Start Bubble Tea Business in India
The bubble tea business has become one of the hottest opportunities in India’s food and beverage sector. While many brands are experimenting in this category, one name stands out – Kongsi Tea Bar, India’s first and only multi award-winning Thai bubble tea franchise.
Born in Phuket Old Town, Thailand, Kongsi has grown into a household name with 120+ outlets and has now expanded into India with strong success. This guide will show you how to start a bubble tea business in India while introducing why Kongsi is the #1 choice for entrepreneurs.
For franchise enquiries, please reach out to us at franchise@kongsiteabar.in. You can also contact us directly at +91 6366225256 for more details or visit our franchise page – kongsiteabar.in/franchise
Also read – Why Kongsi Tea Bar Is #1 Café Franchise in India Today?
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Why is Bubble Tea Booming in India?
India’s youth-driven café culture is creating the perfect environment for the bubble tea business. Bubble tea offers something different from coffee chains: chewy tapioca pearls, authentic tea bases, and Instagram-worthy looks.
At ₹150–₹300 per cup, it is positioned as an affordable luxury for students, professionals, and families alike. With this growing demand, choosing a trusted franchise like Kongsi Tea Bar ensures you enter the market with authenticity and credibility.
Also read – Why Kongsi Tea Bar’s Korean Noodle Bowls Are Winning Hearts?
Table of Contents
Market Growth and Kongsi’s Entry
The Indian bubble tea market is projected to reach $725-930 million by 2030, making it one of the fastest-growing beverage categories. Global players are entering, but most rely on premixes and artificial ingredients that dilute authenticity.
In contrast, Kongsi Tea Bar sources its teas, tapioca pearls, and premium ingredients directly from Thailand and beyond, ensuring every cup reflects true Thai tradition. This commitment to quality is one reason Kongsi has been awarded Café Chain of the Year – South (ET Hospitality World, 2024) and Tea Café of the Year (Restaurant Awards 2024).
Also read – The Only Viral Bubble Tea Recipe You’ll Ever Need
Understanding the Bubble Tea Business Model
A successful bubble tea business in India can be run as a kiosk, café, or cloud kitchen. Each model has unique investment levels, but the common thread is strong consumer demand and repeat purchases.
While standalone ventures struggle with supply chains and branding, franchises like Kongsi Tea Bar offer end-to-end solutions from setup to operations. For first-time entrepreneurs, this makes the business easier to manage and quicker to scale.
Step 1 – Market Research with an Authentic Edge
Every bubble tea business must start with consumer insights, but authenticity is where differentiation happens. Indian customers are becoming more discerning, preferring brands that use real tea leaves over flavored powders.
Kongsi’s promise of never using premixes or synthetics creates a strong advantage in a market flooded with imitations. Backed by Thai heritage, Kongsi instantly positions franchise partners ahead of competitors.
Step 2 – Building a Business Plan with Kongsi
A bubble tea business plan should define investment, location, menu, and branding. Independent cafés must figure this out on their own, but with Kongsi, franchisees receive a proven blueprint.
The brand already has a menu of 65+ authentic beverages, backed by a supply chain directly linked to Thailand. This reduces uncertainty and helps entrepreneurs focus on operations and customer service.
Step 3 – Investment & ROI with Kongsi
Launching a bubble tea business in India typically costs ₹20–₹40 lakhs, but many factors influence ROI. Kongsi Tea Bar’s franchise model requires around ₹25–30 lakhs, with interiors, equipment, and training included.
The brand also charges an 8.5% royalty but ensures most partners recover their investment within 15–18 months. By providing design, marketing, and operational support, Kongsi makes the investment more transparent and reliable.
Step 4 – Choosing the Right Location
Location is everything in the bubble tea business. High-traffic zones like malls, IT parks, and university hubs generate consistent walk-ins.
Kongsi assists franchisees in location selection, ensuring outlets are placed where youth and professionals converge. This guidance increases the chances of early success and long-term profitability.
Step 5 – Equipment and Training
Running a bubble tea café requires specialized bubble tea business equipment such as shakers, sealers, ice machines, and pearl cookers. For independent owners, sourcing high-quality machines can be confusing.
Kongsi provides standardized, tried-and-tested equipment along with comprehensive staff training to guarantee consistency. This ensures every cup meets the brand’s award-winning quality standards.
Step 6 – Licenses and Compliance Made Easy
Every bubble tea business in India requires FSSAI licensing, GST registration, and fire safety clearance. For newcomers, navigating these processes can be overwhelming.
Kongsi streamlines this by guiding franchisees through compliance, ensuring a smooth launch. This professional support reduces delays and builds trust with customers from day one.
Step 7 – Profitability of Bubble Tea Business
Profitability is a major attraction for the bubble tea business. With gross margins of 60–70% and net margins of 20–25%, bubble tea outperforms many café formats.
Kongsi’s premium branding and authentic ingredients also allow partners to price higher than generic competitors without losing customers. This makes it one of the most sustainable and profitable F&B opportunities in India.
Also read – Why Bubble Tea Is Set to Dominate Franchise Business in Bangalore?
Kongsi Tea Bar – Why It’s India’s #1 Thai Bubble Tea Franchise?
Kongsi Tea Bar is not just another café, it’s a movement bringing Thai tea culture to India. Founded in 2021 in Phuket, it now has 120+ outlets in Thailand and a fast-growing footprint in India.
Recognized with prestigious awards like Best Emerging Café Chain (Food Connoisseurs India Awards), Kongsi is the only multi award-winning bubble tea brand in India. Its success is rooted in authentic Thai recipes, premium imported ingredients, and a menu that caters to diverse lifestyles including vegan and low-sugar options.
For franchise enquiries, please reach out to us at franchise@kongsiteabar.in. You can also contact us directly at +91 6366225256 for more details or visit our franchise page – kongsiteabar.in/franchise
Also read – Taro Milk Tea – How This Purple Drink Took Over Social Media?
Challenges in Bubble Tea Business and Kongsi’s Advantage
Independent ventures often face challenges such as inconsistent ingredients, lack of customer awareness, and poor staff training. Kongsi eliminates these hurdles with in-house supply chains, standardized training, and strong digital marketing campaigns.
The brand also invests in influencer tie-ups and loyalty programs that drive footfall across outlets. By choosing Kongsi, franchise partners gain not just a café but an ecosystem for growth.
Another common hurdle in the bubble tea business is building consumer trust in a crowded market. Many smaller players cut costs with premixes or low-quality ingredients, which can harm customer perception.
Kongsi’s commitment to brewing real tea leaves and importing premium ingredients from Thailand and beyond ensures unmatched authenticity. This consistency builds long-term loyalty and distinguishes Kongsi from generic competitors.
Operational efficiency is another challenge that independent owners often underestimate. Managing procurement, staff training, marketing, and customer service simultaneously can quickly become overwhelming.
Kongsi simplifies this through its proven franchise model, where entrepreneurs benefit from ready-to-use systems, national brand recognition, and continuous support. This allows partners to focus on growth while Kongsi takes care of the backend essentials.
Also read – Why Is Everyone Obsessed with Iced Matcha Latte?
The Future of Bubble Tea in India
Bubble tea in India is moving from metro exclusivity to nationwide popularity. As Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities embrace global café culture, demand will surge beyond traditional hubs.
Kongsi is well-positioned to lead this expansion, with plans to scale to 100+ outlets in India within the next financial year. Entrepreneurs who partner with Kongsi now will be part of India’s fastest-growing authentic Thai bubble tea brand.
The future of the bubble tea business in India lies in customization and inclusivity. Consumers are increasingly seeking vegan-friendly options, plant-based milk, and sugar-free alternatives, making bubble tea adaptable to health-conscious lifestyles.
Seasonal specials, fruit-based infusions, and matcha lattes will continue to drive repeat customers. Brands like Kongsi that innovate while staying authentic will dominate this evolving segment.
Another major trend shaping the bubble tea business is the rise of digital ordering and delivery platforms. With Swiggy, Zomato, and quick-commerce apps, bubble tea is no longer limited to walk-ins – it has become a delivery-friendly product with high margins.
Kongsi’s authentic Thai roots, multi award-winning reputation, and strong digital branding create a community-driven café culture. By aligning with Kongsi, entrepreneurs don’t just open a café – they become part of a brand movement leading the future of bubble tea in India.
Also read – Why Is Thai Bubble Tea More Than Just a Drink?
Conclusion
The bubble tea business in India is not just a passing trend – it represents the future of affordable luxury in beverages. As consumer demand for innovative, Instagram-worthy drinks grows, bubble tea continues to capture the hearts of Gen Z, millennials, and even families across metros and emerging cities.
Kongsi Tea Bar, India’s #1 Thai bubble tea franchise, delivers on every front that matters – authenticity, scalability, and consumer appeal. Born in Phuket, Thailand, and now a multi award-winning bubble tea brand, Kongsi has successfully brought real Thai flavors to India with unmatched quality.
From freshly brewed tea leaves and premium Thai-sourced ingredients to over 65+ diverse menu options, Kongsi sets the standard for bubble tea done the right way. Entrepreneurs who join the Kongsi network instantly tap into brand recognition, operational support, and strong customer loyalty.
If you are serious about entering the café business, Kongsi offers a franchise model with transparency, training, and quick ROI. Most partners recover investments within 15–18 months thanks to repeat demand and robust brand-driven marketing.
Ready to bring authentic Thai bubble tea to your city? Apply today at Kongsi Tea Bar Franchise and take the first step toward owning a café business backed by the #1 Thai bubble tea franchise in India.
