Korean Fast Food Giant Lotteria to Make Singapore Debut in 2026: What to Expect

Lotteria’s Arrival: A New Chapter for Singapore’s Fast Food Scene

Singapore’s vibrant food landscape is set for a major shake-up as South Korean fast food powerhouse Lotteria prepares to open its first outlet in the city-state by February 2026. The highly anticipated launch marks a significant milestone for both the brand and local food lovers, promising a fresh wave of Korean-inspired burgers, fried chicken, and innovative menu items. The move comes at a time when Singapore’s food and beverage (F&B) sector is undergoing rapid transformation, with international brands vying for a slice of the market and consumer tastes evolving toward global flavors.

Lotteria’s entry is the result of a strategic partnership between Singapore-based Katrina Group and South Korea’s Lotte GRS. The two companies formalized their franchise and development agreements in August 2025, setting the stage for a multi-outlet rollout across Singapore in the coming years. While the exact location of the first outlet remains under wraps, industry watchers and fans alike are eagerly awaiting further announcements as the opening date approaches.

Who Is Lotteria? Understanding the Brand’s Global Appeal

Founded in 1979 in Seoul, Lotteria quickly became a household name in South Korea, renowned for its unique take on fast food that blends Western staples with distinctly Korean flavors. Today, the brand operates more than 1,600 outlets across seven countries, including Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, Japan, Indonesia, Laos, and the United States. Its international expansion has been marked by a willingness to adapt menus to local tastes while retaining its core identity—Korean-style burgers, fried chicken, and creative seasonal specials.

Lotteria’s menu is a testament to its innovative spirit. Signature items like the bulgogi burger (featuring marinated beef in a sweet-savory sauce), kimchi burger, shrimp burger, and bibim rice burger have won fans across Asia. The chain is also known for its fried chicken, mozzarella cheese sticks, and periodic collaborations with pop culture icons. For example, a recent campaign with K-pop sensation TXT introduced a kimchi and bulgogi burger, while a partnership with Netflix’s “Culinary Class Wars” winner Napoli Matfia resulted in a limited-edition mozzarella burger.

Beyond its food, Lotteria’s success is rooted in its ability to localize offerings and create menu items that resonate with the cultural preferences of each market. In Vietnam, for instance, the chain offers a ‘rice & spaghetti’ section, including fried chicken rice and beef spaghetti—dishes tailored to local palates.

Why Singapore, and Why Now?

Lotteria’s decision to enter Singapore comes at a pivotal moment for the city’s F&B industry. The market has seen a wave of high-profile closures among high-end restaurants, with government data showing that over 3,000 food businesses shut down in 2024 alone—the highest number in nearly two decades. Rising operational costs, shifting consumer spending, and increased competition have all contributed to this challenging environment.

Yet, even as fine dining faces headwinds, the fast food and casual dining segments are thriving. Singaporeans have shown a growing appetite for international brands and novel culinary experiences. Recent years have seen the arrival of global names like Shake Shack, Five Guys, and the announcement of Chick-fil-A’s upcoming debut. Lotteria’s entry is poised to tap into this demand, offering something distinct from the American-centric fast food giants that currently dominate the scene.

Alan Goh, CEO and founder of Katrina Group, emphasized the significance of the partnership, stating,

“The official signing marks a major milestone in our journey to introduce a dynamic and globally respected brand to the Singapore market. We are confident that Lotteria’s unique Korean-style offerings will resonate with Singaporeans and elevate our F&B portfolio.”

Cha Woo-chul, CEO of Lotte GRS, echoed this sentiment, expressing excitement about delivering an authentic Korean fast food experience to local consumers.

What Can Diners Expect? Menu Highlights and Local Adaptations

While the full menu for Lotteria Singapore has yet to be revealed, fans and food industry insiders are already speculating about what will be on offer. Based on the brand’s international playbook and statements from Katrina Group, Singaporeans can look forward to a mix of Lotteria’s signature items and new creations tailored for local tastes.

Signature Korean-Style Burgers

Lotteria’s burgers are the heart of its menu. The bulgogi burger, featuring marinated beef, lettuce, and a sweet-salty sauce, is a perennial favorite. Other likely contenders include the kimchi burger, which incorporates Korea’s iconic fermented cabbage, and the shrimp burger, a seafood twist that has proven popular in several Asian markets.

Fried Chicken and Sides

Fried chicken is another Lotteria staple, often served with a variety of sauces and sides. Mozzarella cheese sticks, crispy chicken fillets, and seasoned fries are expected to make an appearance. In Korea, the T-Rex chicken burger with pepper sauce and fried mozzarella cheese sticks are crowd-pleasers that could find a following in Singapore.

Seasonal Specials and Collaborations

Lotteria is known for its creative seasonal specials and high-profile collaborations. Past partnerships have included limited-edition menu items inspired by K-pop stars and celebrity chefs. Singapore’s dynamic food scene may inspire exclusive offerings or collaborations with local personalities, adding an extra layer of excitement to the launch.

Local Adaptations and Halal Considerations

Given Singapore’s multicultural demographic and dietary preferences, there is speculation that Lotteria may introduce Singapore-exclusive menu items or adapt existing recipes to cater to local tastes. However, it is important to note that Lotteria is not a halal-certified eatery, which may influence its appeal among certain segments of the population.

The Business Strategy: Katrina Group’s Role and Expansion Plans

Katrina Group, the Singapore-based F&B and hospitality company behind the Lotteria franchise, is no stranger to bringing international brands to local shores. The group currently operates eight F&B brands in Singapore, including Bali Thai, Streats, So Pho, Daily Chicken, and Daily Beer. Its experience in managing both casual and mid-range dining concepts positions it well to oversee Lotteria’s rollout and operations.

The franchise agreement with Lotte GRS is not limited to a single outlet. Katrina Group has signaled its intention to open multiple Lotteria locations across Singapore, with the first store serving as a launchpad for broader expansion. This approach mirrors Lotteria’s strategy in other markets, such as Malaysia, where the brand plans to open 30 outlets over five years in partnership with Serai Group.

Industry analysts view the move as a calculated bet on the resilience and adaptability of Singapore’s fast food sector. By leveraging Lotteria’s strong brand recognition and Katrina Group’s local expertise, the partnership aims to carve out a niche in a crowded but lucrative market.

Lotteria’s Expansion in the Region: A Broader Trend

Lotteria’s Singapore debut is part of a larger regional push. The brand is also set to open its first Malaysian outlet in late 2025, with ambitious plans for rapid expansion there. This regional growth reflects a broader trend of Asian fast food chains seeking to establish a presence in Southeast Asia’s dynamic urban centers, where rising incomes and cosmopolitan tastes are fueling demand for diverse dining options.

For Lotteria, Singapore represents both a strategic gateway and a testbed for further innovation. The city’s reputation as a food capital, coupled with its diverse population and openness to new culinary experiences, makes it an ideal market for piloting new concepts and menu items.

Challenges and Opportunities: Navigating a Competitive Market

Despite the excitement surrounding Lotteria’s arrival, the brand faces several challenges. Singapore’s fast food market is intensely competitive, with established players like McDonald’s, KFC, Burger King, and Jollibee commanding strong customer loyalty. New entrants must differentiate themselves through unique offerings, quality, and value.

Moreover, the ongoing volatility in the F&B sector—marked by high operating costs, labor shortages, and shifting consumer preferences—adds another layer of complexity. The recent wave of restaurant closures, particularly among high-end establishments, underscores the need for adaptability and innovation.

However, Lotteria’s track record of localizing its menu and embracing creative marketing strategies could give it an edge. The brand’s ability to tap into the Korean Wave (Hallyu)—the global popularity of Korean culture, music, and food—may also help attract a younger, trend-conscious demographic.

Public Reaction and Anticipation

The announcement of Lotteria’s Singapore launch has generated significant buzz on social media and food forums. Many Singaporeans, especially fans of Korean cuisine and culture, have expressed excitement about the prospect of trying Lotteria’s signature burgers and fried chicken. Food bloggers and influencers are already speculating about potential menu items and exclusive Singapore offerings.

Some have drawn parallels to the successful launches of other international fast food brands in Singapore, noting that the city’s food lovers are always eager to embrace new flavors and dining experiences. Others have raised questions about pricing, halal certification, and how Lotteria will differentiate itself from existing competitors.

In Summary

• South Korean fast food giant Lotteria will open its first Singapore outlet by February 2026, partnering with local F&B leader Katrina Group.
• The brand is known for its Korean-style burgers, fried chicken, and creative seasonal specials, with a strong track record of adapting menus to local tastes.
• Lotteria’s entry comes amid a challenging period for Singapore’s F&B sector, with high-end restaurant closures but strong demand for fast food and international brands.
• The menu for Singapore has yet to be announced, but fans can expect signature items like the bulgogi burger, kimchi burger, and possibly Singapore-exclusive creations.
• Katrina Group plans to open multiple Lotteria outlets across the island, leveraging its experience with other international F&B brands.
• Lotteria’s regional expansion includes upcoming launches in Malaysia, reflecting a broader trend of Asian fast food chains targeting Southeast Asia’s urban markets.
• Public anticipation is high, with food lovers eager to see how Lotteria will shape Singapore’s fast food landscape in the years to come.