Dough is kneaded into a soft splodge. Pieces broken from it, balls made, then rolled out evenly by a rolling pin. Oil added to a hot tawa, the roll fried into a paratha. And then pieces of tandoori chicken, potato, vegetables, mushroom or paneer, with chopped onions, green chillies and sauces, as per preference, filled into them. All this happens in minutes to make the humble roll a tasty, fulsome snack.
With incessant rain beating down Bengaluru, indulging in hot rolls is tempting. We trace the top roll joints in the city, and discover what sets them apart.
Fanoos
Set up in the 1970s, Fanoos in Johnson Market primarily serves Iranian cuisine, but is much sought after for their rolls. The sheek kebabs are cooked over a tandoor, and wrapped in roomali roti. Their shawarmas and non-vegetarian rolls are very popular. For vegetarians, the paneer chilli and gobi chilli rolls are the most popular. Freddy, a customer, says, “I used to come here regularly as a college student. I wouldn’t go to any other place for rolls. It is reasonable and my favourite is the beef sheek kebab rolls.”
Chakum Chukum
Set up in 2009 in Indiranagar with an an outlet in ITC Infotech, Frazer Town, Chakum Chukum is well-known for their mutton shammi, chicken tikka and babycorn chilli paneer. They even have customised rolls named after customers! And their mid-week and weekend specials are quite a hit. Arpita Sinha and her husband Sujoy set up Chakum Chukum. “Our mutton shammi has been recommended by Chef Manu Chandra and Ricky Kej liked our chicken shammi roll,” says Arpita. “For the health conscious, there are wheat rolls and egg white with no oil.”
Khan Saheb
With six outlets across the city, this roll joint has got some rave reviews. Their Koramangala and Indiranagar outlets are popular. The chicken tikka roll is particularly delicious. The aloo paneer roll is a favourite among vegetarians. What makes them special? They dont use sauce, but chutneys: mint and tamarind, which add an extra zing to the rolls.
Lazeez
Another go-to place for roll lovers, Lazeez has five outlets in the city. They stay true to the Calcutta style of putting no sauce or chutney in the rolls — unless otherwise specified by the customer — only pepper, lime and chopped green chillis. The most popular rolls are the Lazeez chicken tandoor kebab and the Lazeez cheese special in non-vegetarian and the mixed vegetable and paneer roll for vegetarians. Anu, a fan of Lazeez rolls, says: “The egg roll is my favourite. It is tasty and reasonable.”
Kaati Zone
Among the quick meals Kaati Zone offers are rolls such as bhuna chicken, chicken shammi kebab, hara bhara kebab roll, vegetarian, paneer roll, mixed vegetarian roll. Though a bit expensive, the advantage of Kaati Zone is you can sit comfortably and indulge in rolls.
From smaller stalls such as Pathaan Sir, Pathaan Saheb, Rolls on Wheels, among others, to roadside stalls dotting the city that offer quick bites such as double chicken roll, chicken egg roll, aloo roll, paneer roll, oozing with tangy and sharp sauces, rolls will always be among the most sought after street food.
