
Dive into the bold tastes of Indian roadside eats with our homemade paneer kathi roll. Soft chunks of seasoned paneer tucked inside a fluffy wheat roti, paired with crisp veggies and tangy green chutney make a delightful mix of crunch and smoothness. This portable delight brings Calcutta's busy food stalls straight to your home kitchen.
I stumbled upon kathi rolls while checking out Indian food, and I couldn't believe how such everyday ingredients created such amazing flavors. Now, this mix of soaked paneer, herb bundles, and snappy veggies has become my favorite way to get friends excited about cooking Indian dishes.
Key Ingredients for Genuine Taste
- Fresh Paneer: Sturdy yet soft, this cheese can be bought or made at home and soaks up all the good stuff while keeping its shape.
- Greek Yogurt: Rich and sour, it makes a wonderful base that softens and adds depth to your dish.
- Whole Wheat Flour: The secret to authentic, slightly sweet rotis with just the right amount of bite.
- Fresh Mint and Coriander: Lively and green, these bring a cool twist against the warm, bold flavors.
- Ginger-Garlic Paste: A must-have in Indian dishes, it adds warmth and deep, earthy notes.
- Top-notch Spices: From cumin to garam masala, each one plays its part in creating a well-rounded flavor profile.
- Fresh Vegetables: Bright and crunchy, they bring texture, goodness, and natural sweetness that works well with strong spices.
Whipping Up Your Roadside Delicacy
- The Tasty Marinade:
- Start by mixing thick Greek yogurt with fragrant spices. Throw in ginger-garlic paste, warm spices like cumin and coriander, and tangy bits like amchur powder. Gently toss your paneer chunks in this flavorful bath, letting them soak up the goodness for at least half an hour.
- The Bright Chutney:
- Whiz fresh coriander and mint leaves till they smell amazing. Toss in green chilies for some kick, based on how spicy you like things. Add ginger, garlic, and zesty spices like toasted cumin and dry mango powder. Blend until smooth, adding a bit of yogurt to get it just right.
- The Crunchy Filling:
- Cut your veggies with care for the best texture. Slice cabbage super thin, cut carrots into matchsticks, and make onions paper-thin. Mix them up with chaat masala and a squeeze of fresh lemon, letting them mingle while you work on other parts.
- Rolling Perfect Rotis:
- Combine whole wheat flour with a touch of salt and oil. Slowly add water while working the dough until soft and stretchy. Let it sit to get the texture just right. Roll each piece into thin rounds, cooking on a hot pan until you see golden spots.
- Putting It All Together:
- Heat your roti on the pan. Spread plenty of green chutney, leaving room at the edges. Line up your golden paneer pieces down the middle. Top with your seasoned veggie mix, sprinkling extra chaat masala for that true street food feel.

While wandering through India, I noticed the top kathi roll sellers care about every little detail. The right mix of spices, perfectly cooked paneer, and fresh, snappy veggies all come together to make that unforgettable street food moment.
Tasty Pairings
Enjoy right away while everything's still warm. Put extra green chutney on the side for dipping. Try it with cool mint buttermilk or masala chai to round out your meal like they do in India.
Fun Twists
Try swapping paneer with tofu or chickpeas if you want a plant-based option. Add a thin layer of scrambled eggs for a Mumbai-style Frankie. Throw in some pickled onions or spicy mango pickle for extra zip and heat.
Keeping It Fresh
Make all parts separately and keep them in sealed containers. You can prepare rotis ahead and warm them up later. Chutney stays good in the fridge for two days max. For best results, put your rolls together just before eating.

After many tries to get this dish just right, I've learned that what makes a truly great kathi roll is how everything plays together. When hot, spicy paneer meets cool, crunchy veggies and zingy chutney, all wrapped in a fresh, soft roti, it creates a street food moment that's way more special than its simple parts would suggest.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
- You can get the parts ready early - soak the paneer, mix up the sauce, and make the dough. Just put everything together right before you eat for the best taste.
- → What can I substitute for paneer?
- Firm tofu works well, but feels different in your mouth. If you're not vegetarian, chicken tastes great with the same spice mix.
- → Why use hung curd in the marinade?
- Hung curd (yogurt with water strained out) is thicker and sticks to the paneer better, so you'll get more flavor in every bite.
- → Can I use store-bought flatbread?
- Sure, but homemade wheat rotis taste way better. Store flatbreads or tortillas will do if you're in a rush.
- → How do I keep the rolls from getting soggy?
- When packing for later, don't add the sauce and veggies until you're ready to eat. Wrapping in foil also helps keep everything fresh.