The debate over Roshogolla’s heredity and origin is over. And as expected Kolkata won the battle. Yes, Roshogollas originated in Kolkata. But there are many more foods that took birth in Kolkata and are making Kolkatans proud all over the world. How? Because the world savours these delicacies. One such snack that the world loves is Kolkata Kathi Rolls.

Kolkata Kathi Rolls are a popular snack loved across the world. Kathi rolls are oil-soaked Parathas stuffed with skewer roasted Kebabs. Although it has emerged into many variants now. Wraps made with roti and any filling is a Kathi roll. But Kolkata Kathi Rolls has an interesting history to boast of.

Kathi Rolls Was the Nizam’s Innovation

Nizam’s was one of the most popular eateries in Kolkata since 1932. They ran a monopoly of serving Kebabs in rolls for decades. Two stories surround the discovery of rolls by Nizams. But in any case, someone someday decided to roll things up.

In those times, Nizam’s used iron skewers to barbecue kebabs. Because Iron skewers lasted for years without heavy maintenance. As Nizam’s popularity grew, iron skewers became outdated and were not enough to handle the demand. Thus, in 1964, Nizam began using bamboo skewers, which were easy to handle and lightweight. Thus, Kebabs roasted on bamboo skewers came into existence as Kathi Kebabs. Because Bengalis call these sticks ‘Kathi.

In those times, even British Babus loved Nizam’s Kathi kebabs. But they were reluctant and uneasy eating them by hand. To please the British Babus and make it easier for them to enjoy the Kathi Kebabs, Nizam’s rolled them up in a Paratha. That’s how one day Kathi Rolls were born.

Could Be the Other Way Round

Another story about the invention of Kathi Rolls is simple. To make delicious kebabs easy to carry and eat for busy office goers, the chef rolled them up in a paratha.

The World Loves Kolkata Kathi Rolls

Not only Indians love the Kathi Rolls. It is a popular snack even in the US, Seattle, New York, and many more places. Payal Saha founded the first Kathi Roll company in New York and ever since Kolkata Kathi Rolls has kept tummies full and souls happy all around the world.