It is all about the bowl of noodles we eat as we speak to one of the leading restaurant groups in Hong Kong today. 

Bingo if you’ve guessed Tam Jai International, the company behind the TamJai Yunnan Mixian, Tam Jai SamGor Mixian and Japanese udon brand Marugame Seimen. 

Listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited since October 2021, Tam Jai International has rapidly expanded its global reach and has a footprint of over 200 stores across markets such as Hong Kong, Mainland China, Singapore and Japan. 

In Singapore, the firm has 11 stores under the brand name TamJai SamGor. But how far is this done through a franchise model? 

Which is the most important geographical market for the firm for TamJai International?  Also – how far has the export of other brands such as LuckIn Coffee and Mixue helped improve the reception of products like Mixian in markets outside of the Greater China region? 

Speaking of expansion, the firm recently entered into a joint venture agreement with ST Group Food Industries Holdings to expand into Australia, marking the Group’s first foray into a Western market and through a franchise model. 

The Group also announced a potential franchise partnership with a subsidiary of Philippine conglomerate Suyen Corporation on its proposed entry into the Philippine market. 

But what can we expect on this front and how far will a franchise model reshape Tam Jai International’s growth trajectory?

On Under the Radar, The Evening Runway’s finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Daren Lau, Chairman, Executive Director and CEO, Tam Jai International.