Kati roll

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Kati roll is a street-available fast food popular in Kolkata, India. In Kolkata, it was introduced by Nizam's, a restaurant in the city noted for its Mughlai food^{[citation needed]}. In Mumbai, it is similar to a frankie.

It is said that the kati roll was the result of some quick thinking on a busy day. Apparently, on that particular day, the number of people asking for kebab and parathas far outstripped the number of plates available, or the pace at which the plates could be washed and recycled. It was decided to wrap the kebab in parathas, and in the process, reduce the number of plates required by half.

The basic kati roll begins with paratha toasted on a tava. Whipped egg is poured in the tava's center and carefully topped with the bread. Fried vegetables are roasted in butter and stuffed inside. To finish, spices, including red onion slivers and lime, are sprinkled on top. Spicy potatoes, paneer, chicken tikka or lamb can also be ingredients stuffed inside. At certain outlets, the kati comes wrapped around a non-greasy rumali roti.

Other famous establishments that serve kati rolls in Kolkata include Badshah with the original branch near New Market, Bedouin with its original branch at Gariahat and Dhaba at Ballygunge Phari. It is now available throughout most of West Bengal at roadside kiosks and restaurants.

The kati roll has become acclaimed around the world. The Kati Roll Company in New York City located on 99 MacDougal Street in the West Village and 49 West 39th Street in Midtown are proof of their popularity.

The kati roll cannot be found as easily in Los Angeles, but a chicken variation can be found at Akbar Cuisine of India in Pasadena. A website for a San Francisco kati roll restaurant says that they are opening soon - http://kasaindian.com.

In Bangalore, kati rolls have have been popularized by KaatiZone, a chain of fast-food restaurants.