The evolution of Paratha Rolls in Pakistan

Living in Karachi has its pros and cons, with food adding weight to the pros section. When one talks about food in Karachi, the first thing that comes to mind is the Paratha Roll—the unofficial symbol of Karachi.

The origins of the dish are unclear, but the Shawarma-variant became part of Karachi’s food culture during the fast-food boom. In the 1970s and ’80s, Paratha Roll makers worked to establish the dish as a must-have food, whereas, since the 1990s, it has become the go-to dish for Karachi’s on-the-go eaters!

How did this supreme combination of crispy paratha and succulent fillings become part of the culinary scene in the city? How did Karachi become the Paradise for Paratha Roll lovers? Let’s take a trip down memory lane and find out how Karachi's beloved Paratha Roll has evolved over the decades.

Silver Spoon Snacks - 1970s

For the better part of two decades, Silver Spoon Snacks in Tariq Road was to Karachi what Boat Basin, Burns Road, and other food streets are to the city today. Although Adib’s Silver Spoon and Mujeeb’s Silver Spoon are no longer active, Silver Spoon remains an iconic name for Paratha Rolls in Karachi.

They might not have pioneered the dish but they popularized it in such a way that the name Silver Spoon came to mind when talking about Paratha Rolls. Back in the 70s and the 80s when Club Sandwiches and Burgers were becoming famous, Silver Spoon was there to curb the Bar B Q craving of Karachites.

Lack of innovation in their menu caused their downfall, but remember, Silver Spoon was the first to innovate with a Paratha Roll – I still remember the Anday Wala Kabab Roll I had at Adib’s Silver Spoon before it closed down.

A-One Snacks - 1990s

In late 1991, the phenomenon of Paratha Rolls crossed the proverbial bridge and made its way into the Defence/Clifton area through A-One Snacks and hasn’t left the area since. The Defence and Clifton residents soon became accustomed to Chicken Roll and Beef Roll thanks to first A-One Snacks and later Eaton Snacks in Defence A Market.

Even after 30 years, the two continue to compete with each other and improve their standards despite the rise of other Paratha Roll points in the city. A One Snacks now has multiple branches in the city to cater to a wider audience. They keep adding new variations of Paratha Rolls to their menu but the traditional rolls that made them become number one in the business remain their most sellable product.

Red Apple - 1990s

Red Apple rose to prominence in the mid-90s as a small fast-food outlet in Khadda Market but has now evolved into a franchise that sells the best Paratha Rolls in the city. With branches all over the city, Red Apple has surpassed A-One Snacks in reach.

However, they bettered A-One Snacks’ deal format which is why their Triple Roll Deal is considered a safe bet for food lovers. Their Beef Roasted and Chicken Roasted rolls raise the bar for other restaurants and the same goes for Pizza Roll which is more of a Pizza than a Roll, if you ask me. It’s worth a try—you might even love it.

Hot N Spicy - 1990s

Their Paratha Roll range might not be as huge as the competition but one can’t rule out the ‘role’ Hot N Spicy played in making Paratha Rolls popular among the younger crowd. In the 1990s, Paratha Roll was considered more of a dish for the adults but Hot N Spicy made it so cool that youngsters made it their favorite dish.

The variations others came up with in the 2000s began with Hot N Spicy in the late 90s when they introduced deals that were fair-priced and mouthwatering. It soon became the go-to place for NRPs (Non-Resident Pakistanis) who added the place to their Must Visit list when in Pakistan. Their Malai Roll remains a best-seller, consistent in taste across all branches.

New Twists and Variations:

Paratha Roll continues to evolve in Karachi with more and more restaurants coming up with their variations. Some add variations to their menu, and some think a little harder and present their food differently. Let’s take a look at some of these innovators who are lending a hand to add to the Paratha Roll phenomenon.

Rizwan Kabab House - 2000s

Situated in the Phase II extension in Karachi’s Defence area, Rizwan Kabab House sells the most authentic Paratha Rolls where the Paratha is a Puri. Yes, the thin variation of a Paratha is served fresh after Maghrib, a variation that makes it an ideal spot to take your friends, family members, or both.

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Limited parking and seating are drawbacks, but the food makes up for it. Just imagine a Paratha Roll in a Puri, with a mixture of either Beef or Chicken with sliced onions and a chutney to die for. The image that comes to your mind is served at the Rizwan Kabab House, so you better hurry and visit the place to experience it.

Warsi Dhaga Roll - 2010s

Ever heard of a Paratha Roll cooked, with a string around it? That’s the kind of stuff Karachites can come up with when they are bored. Warsi Dhaga Roll is one of the few restaurants behind such an innovation where the Paratha Roll is wrapped with string and cooked BBQ-style on an Angeethi.

If you can’t understand the procedure, you should visit the restaurant to experience it because it is a sight to watch. The stuff inside may not be different from the Paratha Rolls served in the city but the outdoor dressing and the extra time on the Bar B Q grill do make it stand out.

Jumbo Roll - 2020s

Just when you thought that Paratha Rolls might become a thing of the past, Jumbo Rolls came into being which are in simple words, two Paratha Rolls rolled into one. Be it the king-sized Jumbo Roll at Mr. Shezi in Garden Area or Kashif Foods’ innovation in Gulshan e Iqbal, the Jumbo Roll is here to stay.

One look at Mr. Shezi’s Jumbo Roll and you will realize that there might be a limit to your love for Paratha Rolls because it is gigantic. It has more stuff inside than two Paratha Rolls combined, making it ideal for someone who never eats just one roll. The Roll is sold as Shapatar Rolls in some areas, while many term it simply Jumbo Roll, but this innovation has brought new life to the Paratha Roll trend.

KFC Zingeratha - 2020s

There was only one way global giant KFC could have withstood the Paratha Roll onslaught and that was by joining the onslaught. They introduced Zingeratha as soon the world was rid of COVID-19 which is a fusion of KFC’s Zinger and a Paratha.

Zingeratha may have helped KFC enter the battle of Paratha Rolls but it isn’t a Paratha Roll, if you ask me. The price is higher than traditional Paratha Rolls, whereas the amount of stuffed boneless Zinger with vegetables is less. To succeed, the Zingeratha needs more filling to live up to its name, otherwise, it will go down as a failed variation.

McDonald's Wraps - 2020s

Even American Fast Food chain McDonald's succumbed to the Paratha Roll fever in Pakistan; their Wraps are a testament to that. Think of it as a Paratha Roll variant, with a McDonald's twist—crispy chicken and signature sauces wrapped in thin bread.

This Wrap is ideal for those who are usually on the road or can be enjoyed with friends, in the comfort of their homes. It is available in multiple flavors and is priced similarly to the KFC Zingeratha.