From Bombay Streets to Broadway: How Roti Roll Became a Columbia Staple
Beloved for its bold flavors and street food soul, Roti Roll has been fueling Columbia students and Morningside Heights locals since 2005. Owner Ivan opens up about how a simple craving for fast, satisfying Indian food turned into a neighborhood essential.
Born From a Craving, Built for the Block
Long before Amsterdam Avenue became the go-to stretch for late-night eats, Ivan and two friends spotted a gap in the neighborhood: nowhere to grab fast, flavorful Indian food without sitting down for a full meal. So they rolled up their sleeves, their frankies, and opened Roti Roll right near Columbia.
“There was no fast food, takeout Indian place that is really like what Roti Roll is,” Ivan says. They transformed a former hair salon into a cozy spot built for quick service and maximum flavor. Students came for the speed. They stayed for the spices.
“It picked up because people love the food and the concept,” he says. “It was fast food. It was healthy.”
What to Order: Ivan’s Must-Have Frankies
If you’re new to Roti Roll, start with the Chicken Makhani Frankie. Tender, juicy chicken gets wrapped up in a soft roti with rich, buttery tomato sauce that’s just sweet enough to keep you coming back. “Chicken Makhani is very popular,” Ivan says. “It’s for the non-vegetarians, but then we also have Palak Paneer and Channa Masala for the vegetarians.”
The Palak Paneer hits just right: creamy spinach folded with soft Indian cottage cheese, all hugged by warm bread and layered with spice.
Over the years, the menu’s grown to include crowd-pleasers like Tofu Mushroom, keeping things interesting for regulars. But everything is carefully curated. “We have to cater to everybody, just not the Indian students,” Ivan says. “Columbia has people from small towns, and they’re not all familiar with Indian food. So we keep it balanced.”
Flavors That Stick, Prices That Don’t Spike
New Yorkers know how quickly a neighborhood can change, but Roti Roll has stayed grounded. While rents have risen and food costs have soared, Ivan’s kept prices steady, making sure students and locals alike can still grab a hearty, flavorful meal without breaking the bank.
Even the spices are dialed to your preference. Can’t handle heat? Go for the mild-but-packed Chicken Makhani. Want a little kick? The Chicken Malai Frankie brings the fire, but still leaves room for flavor. “It’s all about giving people options while staying true to what we do,” Ivan says.
Still Rolling, Still Rooted
Two decades later, Ivan isn’t chasing expansion or flash. His eyes are on the street, and the people who make it home. “I want it for everybody,” he says. “I want it for the students. I want it for the neighborhood.”
The goal? Keep it real, keep it affordable, and keep feeding the block the food it’s come to love.