Kolkata’s Iconic Kathi Roll Ranks Among the World’s Best Wraps in Global TasteAtlas List

Kolkata’s beloved Kathi Roll has once again brought glory to India on the global culinary map. The city’s street food classic has secured the sixth position in TasteAtlas’ latest ranking of the world’s best wraps, reaffirming its timeless appeal among food lovers around the world.

“Invented at Nizam’s Restaurant in Kolkata during the 1930s, the Kathi Roll has long been a staple of the city’s street food culture.” The now-famous dish was originally created as a convenient, on-the-go meal for busy customers, offering the rich flavours of Kolkata’s kebabs in a portable form.

TasteAtlas, an international food and travel guide known for documenting traditional cuisines, unveiled its latest list highlighting the most flavour-packed handheld meals globally. The ranking was topped by Greece’s Gyros, followed by South Korea’s Sangchu Ssam, Türkiye’s Tantuni, and Mexico’s Enchiladas Suizas, while India’s Kathi Roll proudly held the sixth spot.

“Originally made by wrapping grilled kebabs in a flaky paratha, the roll was designed as a quick, portable meal.” Over the decades, this humble street food evolved into a versatile dish enjoyed across the country and beyond.

The term “kathi,” meaning stick in Bengali, holds a special place in its history. “The term ‘kathi’ — meaning ‘stick’ in Bengali — refers to the bamboo skewers that replaced heavy iron rods once used to grill the meat.” This innovation not only simplified cooking but also gave the iconic roll its distinctive name.

Today, the Kathi Roll’s adaptability and wide range of fillings — from spiced chicken and mutton to paneer and egg — have made it one of India’s most recognizable street eats. “Today, the roll’s adaptability — with fillings ranging from spiced chicken to paneer — has made it one of Kolkata’s, as well as India’s, most iconic street eats.”

Adding to the celebration, “Interestingly, the Chicken Kathi Roll also received a separate mention in TasteAtlas’ extended Top 20 list.” This double recognition highlights the global admiration for the flavours and craftsmanship that originated from Kolkata’s bustling food scene.

The Top 10 wraps in the world, as listed by TasteAtlas, are:

Gyros (Greece) – Slices of pork or chicken cooked on a rotating spit, served in pita with tzatziki, onions, and tomatoes.

Sangchu Ssam (South Korea) – Lettuce wraps filled with rice, meat, and spicy condiments like gochujang.

Tantuni (Türkiye) – Thinly sliced beef or lamb sautéed with spices, onions, and tomatoes, served in lavash.

Enchiladas Suizas (Mexico) – Creamy cheese-topped tortillas inspired by Swiss influences on Mexican cuisine.

Carne Asada Burrito (USA) – Flour tortilla stuffed with grilled beef, guacamole, and pico de gallo.

Kathi Roll (India) – Roasted kebab meat wrapped in paratha, seasoned with spices and onions.

Burrito (Mexico) – Wheat tortilla filled with meat, beans, rice, and guacamole.

Enchiladas (Mexico) – Chile-soaked tortillas stuffed with cheese or meat.

Mulita (Mexico) – Grilled meat and cheese sandwiched between two crispy tortillas.

Enchiladas Mineras (Mexico) – A traditional Guanajuato version with rich sauces and fillings.

TasteAtlas’ recognition of the Kathi Roll reflects the global appeal of Indian street food, which continues to inspire food enthusiasts and chefs worldwide. The platform has also featured other Indian delicacies in its rankings — with Murgh Makhani (Butter Chicken) at rank 29 and Hyderabadi Biryani at 31 in its “Best Food in the World” list.

The achievement reinforces Kolkata’s reputation as a culinary capital, where street food isn’t just a meal — it’s a cultural experience. With its perfect blend of heritage, flavour, and innovation, the Kathi Roll stands as a delicious symbol of India’s evolving food story — one bite at a time.