Pizza Hut and KFC sniffing around fast-food free Nepal

Nepal's unique status as one of the last countries in the world without international fast food chains may be coming to an end, ironically at a time when the Maoists are about to lead the government. Asia Pulse asked Nepali businessmen why multinational fast food wallahs have kept away from Nepal. It has a lot to do with low purchasing power here, suggests Binod Tuladhar, managing director of Bluebird Mall which has a popular food court. Although the demand for fast food is rising, the taste preference of Nepali consumers is inclined towards Chinese and Indian rather than western food. However, the success of the Bakery Cafe chain that serves sandwiches, fries and burgers shows that fast food may not just be a fad. Varun Beverages, bottlers of Pepsi in Nepal is hoping to open a Pizza Hut outlet this year and KFC is expected to follow soon after. R J Corp, the parent company, appears to be interested in setting up a franchise network starting next year. Publicity is not expected to be a problem since most young urban Nepalis are already exposed to the brand.