Kolkata’s Iconic Ka Roll Finds A Home In Jersey City

India-West News Desk

JERSEY CITY, NJ – For years, New Jersey residents craving an authentic Kolkata ka roll made the trip into New York City. Beginning July 1, they can find one much closer to home.

The Ka Roll Company, the Indian fast casual brand that introduced many New Yorkers to Kolkata’s iconic street food more than two decades ago, is opening its first New Jersey location in Jersey City. The expansion marks the company’s latest chapter after building a loyal following across New York City, London, and Dallas.

Founded by Payal Saha in 2002, the restaurant began with a simple idea: recreate the flavors of the ka rolls she grew up eating in Kolkata. At a time when Indian cuisine in the United States was largely associated with curries and buffet restaurants, The Ka Roll Company focused on one of eastern India’s most beloved street foods.

A ka roll is a handheld meal of grilled fillings wrapped in a flaky paratha or roti, making it both portable and satisfying. The concept has remained largely unchanged over the past 24 years, even as the brand has expanded.

The menu showcases recipes refined by Saha and Executive Chef Anil Bathwal over two decades. Rather than relying on prepared ingredients, the kitchen marinates its meats and vegetables daily, grinds spices in house, and prepares sauces from scratch.

Among the signature offerings is the Achari Paneer Roll, featuring cubes of Indian cottage cheese marinated in tangy pickling spices. The Unda Chicken Tikka Roll combines yogurt marinated chicken with freshly cooked egg wrapped inside a warm paratha, while the Shami Kabab Roll features minced lamb and lentil croquettes seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices.

The restaurant also serves rice and salad bowls, including steak tikka over biryani rice, spiced chickpeas, and grilled paneer, accompanied by cilantro lime dressing, green chutney, raita, spicy mashed potatoes, and caramelized onions.

To round out the meal, diners can order house made Alphonso mango lassis prepared with organic yogurt or freshly cooked spicy potato chips.

Saha said the Jersey City opening is a response to years of demand from customers who regularly traveled across the Hudson River for the restaurant.

“I started this because I missed the ka rolls I grew up eating in Kolkata,” she said. “New Jersey customers have been crossing the river to find us for years. It felt right to finally come to them.”

Each restaurant also reflects its neighborhood through a custom mural created for the local community. The company plans to open additional locations in New Jersey and Long Island before the end of the year, bringing one of Kolkata’s best known street foods to an even wider audience without changing the recipes that built its reputation.