It is said that the kathi roll was the result of some quick thinking on a busy day. Apparently, on that particular day, the number of people asking for kebab and parathas far outstripped the number of plates available, or the pace at which the plates could be washed and recycled. It was decided to wrap the kebab in parathas, and in the process, reduce the number of plates required by half.

The basic kathi roll begins with paratha toasted on a tava. Whipped egg is poured in the tava's center and carefully topped with the bread. Fried vegetables are roasted in butter and stuffed inside. To finish, spices, including red onion slivers and lime, are sprinkled on top. Spicy potatoes, paneer, chicken tikka or lamb can also be ingredients stuffed inside. At certain outlets, the kathi comes wrapped around a non-greasy rumali roti.