Startup Story Team
Bengaluru’s F&B Scene Heats Up with a Bold Bet from Zerodha’s Co-founder:
India’s bustling startup capital has a new battleground – and this time, it’s not in tech. Bengaluru’s homegrown food and beverage (F&B) space just witnessed a major power move. Zerodha co-founder and billionaire investor Nikhil Kamath has backed Cafe Amudham, a fast-growing South Indian vegetarian food chain that’s been turning heads and taste buds.
The move is seen as a strategic play, especially with Cafe Amudham’s rising popularity positioning it as a formidable competitor to the iconic Rameshwaram Cafe.
What Makes Cafe Amudham Stand Out?
Founded in 2021, Cafe Amudham is known for its authentic South Indian tiffins, generous portion sizes, and affordable pricing. While it began as a humble operation, the brand has quickly gained cult status among locals for its consistent quality and quick service model.
Its outlets typically serve traditional dishes like idli, dosa, vada, and filter coffee, all served hot, fresh, and fast – an experience that’s resonated with both college students and corporate crowds alike.
Kamath’s Bet: More Than Just Capital
Nikhil Kamath’s involvement isn’t just about money. Known for his keen eye for consumer behavior and disruptive businesses, his strategic investment hints at plans to scale Cafe Amudham rapidly – both within and potentially beyond Bengaluru.
In his own words (as per reports), Kamath believes Cafe Amudham’s model offers “a strong foundation with the potential to grow into a nationally recognized brand.”
With increasing demand for quick, affordable, and hygienic vegetarian food, this could be a high-potential category in India’s booming QSR (quick service restaurant) segment.
The Rameshwaram Cafe Comparison: Friendly Rivalry or Market War?
Though still relatively smaller in scale, Cafe Amudham is often dubbed the “next Rameshwaram Cafe” – a title that carries weight in Bengaluru’s food ecosystem. While Rameshwaram Cafe has built a brand around crowd management, premium feel, and cult following, Amudham is carving its space by focusing on speed, scale, and authenticity.
Customers have started noticing – long queues at Amudham outlets are now a common sight, a trend once dominated solely by Rameshwaram.
What’s Next for Cafe Amudham?
With a strong product-market fit, rising consumer love, and now backing from one of India’s smartest investors, Cafe Amudham seems poised for rapid growth. Industry insiders speculate that the brand may soon explore multi-city expansion, franchise models, or tech-enabled ordering systems to optimize operations.
If all goes well, Namma Bengaluru might just give India its next big homegrown F&B giant.
