Kolkata’s iconic Kathi Roll among world’s top 10 wraps: TasteAtlas

A wrap, typically made with flatbread rolled around a filling of meat, vegetables, and sauces, is celebrated worldwide for its versatility and street-food charm.

This year’s number one spot went to Gyros from Greece, a classic dish made of thinly sliced meat tucked into pita bread with tzatziki sauce, tomatoes, onions, lettuce, and cucumbers.

Representing India, the Kathi Roll from Kolkata continues to capture global attention as a timeless symbol of the country’s vibrant street food culture.

The flaky, golden paratha wrapped around succulent kebab meat is believed to have originated at Nizam’s restaurant in Kolkata.

According to local lore, cooks at Nizam’s came up with the idea of wrapping kebabs in parathas after British officers expressed reluctance to eat the skewered meat with their hands, giving birth to one of India’s most enduring culinary exports.

Top 10 wraps in the World- TasteAtlas 2025 Rankings

• Gyros (Greece): Sliced meat wrapped in pita bread with tzatziki, tomatoes, onions, lettuce, and cucumbers.
• Sangchu Ssam (South Korea): Lettuce leaves filled with rice, sliced meat, and condiments like gochujang or ssamjang.
• Tantuni (Mersin, Türkiye): Spiced beef or lamb cooked with onions and tomatoes, wrapped in lavash with lemon and sumac.
• Enchiladas Suizas (Mexico): Enchiladas topped with a creamy, milk-based sauce.
• Carne Asada Burrito (San Diego, USA): Flour tortilla packed with carne asada, pico de gallo, and guacamole.
• Kathi Roll (Kolkata, India): Roasted kebab meat wrapped in flaky paratha, a perfect mix of flavour, spice, and convenience.
• Burrito (Mexico): Tortilla stuffed with meat, beans, rice, guacamole, and cheese.
• Enchiladas (Mexico): Tortillas dipped in chili sauce, filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables.
• Mulita (Mexico): Crispy tortillas layered with grilled meat, cheese, and salsa.
• Enchiladas Mineras (Mexico): A traditional variant from Guanajuato, filled with potatoes, carrots, and cheese.

The list showcases a delicious global journey, from the Mediterranean to Mexico, highlighting how diverse cultures have reimagined the concept of food wrapped in bread.

For India, the inclusion of the Kathi Roll reaffirms Kolkata’s status as a culinary capital and a cradle of iconic street eats.