Indeed there is not any occasion where a paratha roll is not the balm to all your troubles. First introduced by Hafiz Habib ur Rehman in 1971 at the iconic Silver Spoon restaurant, the paratha roll is Karachi’s greatest contribution to its vibrant and diverse food scene. In her essay ‘Spicy Things, Crunchy Things’, Saba Imitiaz traces the history of the paratha roll and how it was the start of Karachi’s love for fast food. In his video essay on the story of the Karachi Roll, Irfan Junejo speaks to comedian Akbar Chaudhry who says “Roll ek ehsaas hai, roll ek mohabbat hai.” My memories of the Karachi roll are of fond trips to Mashallah Foods in Bahadurabad after school when my mom would treat us to a roll and a Pepsi. I can still remember the tang of the imli chutney and the yogurt spice marinade of the chicken with the delightful crunch of raw onions.

To this day I think the chicken chutney roll is the best roll because in a menu listing chicken malai boti roll, beef boti roll, Zinger roll, and many others, you cannot go wrong with the original and the classic. I went vegetarian four years ago and dearly missed the paratha roll, until my friend introduced me to a vegetarian version of that too – The Paneer Tikka Roll at Tandoori Hut.

For anyone who has ever been to the curve of road lined with restaurants that is known as Boat Basin, then you are surely familiar with the green and white sign of Tandoori Hut that is prominent on Boat Basin and boasts a menu with 500 items. Many people have asked me if it is hard to be a vegetarian in Karachi but I have never felt it was hard at all because all your favorite foods are available with a few tweaks and the paratha roll is no exception.

Like Hafiz Habib ur Rehman’s invention which came as a flash of inspiration after he saw a street vendor near his house place a shami kabab into a paratha, the paneer tikka roll was my friend Aiman’s invention. She asked the waiters at Tandoori Hut to take their Paneer Tikka Platter and just wrap it up in the paratha. She tells me that at first they were reluctant but they eventually acquiesced. Aiman’s contribution to the Paratha Roll Scene of Karachi has been a boon to vegetarians (namely just me and another friend)

Whether it is the classic chicken chutney roll or the more “bougie” option like KFC’s Zingeratha, the paratha roll flows through the veins of Karachi’s streets and is as much a part of its history as the sea that borders it.

For any first timer who has never had the pleasure to taste this Pakistani invention, here are a few solid places that serve the best rolls in the city!

1. Silver spoon (The OG deserves a place on the top)

2. Das Numberi (The Chicken Malai Boti Roll is simply yummm!)

3. Hot n Spicy (Let their Chicken Chutney Roll sweep you off your feet!)

4. Angheeti (I don’t like their rolls, said no one ever!)

5. Crescent Roll Corn er (Check out their special Chicken Malai Tikka Roll)