Korean Chain Mom’s Touch to Open First Restaurant in Uzbekistan

South Korean fast-food franchise Mom’s Touch is set to open its first restaurant in Uzbekistan, marking the start of its expansion drive across Central Asia and the Middle East, the company announced on September 1.

The agreement was formalised last August 29 when Mom’s Touch CEO Kim Dong Jung signed a franchise contract with Zafar Khodjaev, CEO of One Food, granting the Uzbek company rights to operate the brand in Tashkent. One Food, a food and beverage subsidiary created by Uzbek logistics firm UHL, will be responsible for rolling out the chain in the country. The signing took place at the headquarters of Mom’s Touch and Company in Seoul’s Jung district.

Expansion Plans in Uzbekistan

Under the deal, One Food will launch the first Mom’s Touch outlet in Tashkent later this year, with a long-term target of opening up to 60 restaurants nationwide.

Known primarily for its fried chicken but also offering burgers and pizzas, Mom’s Touch views the Uzbek market as promising, citing the country’s predominantly Muslim population — 88% of whom avoid pork — as an opportunity for its halal-friendly menu.

The company added that this deal marks the first time a South Korean fast-food brand has entered a Central Asian country through a master franchise rather than direct ownership.

The chain, which operates 1,460 restaurants in Korea, already has an international presence in Thailand, Mongolia, Japan and Laos. Its new agreement positions Uzbekistan as a springboard for further growth in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and halal markets across the Middle East.

Kursiv also reports that Russia is increasing exports of products that meet halal standards to Uzbekistan.