Huzzah! After a 1-day delay, the new location of Kati Roll is officially open on E. 53rd Street. When I first got there, there were a few people waiting for food but there was barely a line to order. I got my food in about 20 minutes, but currently there is a line out the door, so expect at least a 25-30 minute wait from when you get there until you receive your food. Early adopters, feel free to post updates in the comments…

The Kati Roll Company, 229 E. 53rd St (btw 3+2nd)

Sometimes all I want for lunch … is breakfast. Surprisingly, finding a good breakfast sandwich in the afternoon can be challenging, because many places stop making eggs at 11am. It makes me nuts. So, in case you’re like me, and you need some standby egg-making lunch spots in your back pocket, here are some of my go-tos.

Eggs & cheddar on an everything bagel at Times Square Hot Bagel

If you want literal breakfast for lunch, this is a good egg and cheese sandwich. Why? The eggs. Unlike a lot of breakfast joints that ladle some eggbeaters (blech!) onto the flattop, here you get 2 real cracked and scrambled eggs, sandwiched by two slices of cheddar, sandwiched again by a toasted everything bagel. You’d think some salt or pepper would be necessary, but no: the “everything” on the everything bagel provides all the seasoning you need. Plus, at just $4, you can’t go wrong with the price at lunchtime.

Roasted mushroom frittata sandwich at ‘wichcraft

The roasted mushroom frittata sandwich ($6.88) comes with spinach, shallots and aged cheddar on a ciabatta roll. The veggies are savory and the aged cheddar adds a mild bite that regular cheddar can lack. I watched how they constructed the sandwich and was particularly impressed at the use of the salamander — that’s how they warmed up the frittata and melted the cheese on the roll. It’s worth the couple minutes extra, trust me. While I don’t enjoy their tomato soup ($4.59) on its own, it really does shine as something in which to dip the sandwich. Unfortunately, the soup pushes you over the ML limit, making this idea a splurge.

Pavia sandwich at City Sandwich

If you’re looking for a breakfast sandwich that feels almost good for you, head to City Sandwich for the Pavia ($8.25). Egg whites, spinach, melted brie (ok, maybe not that good for you), sauteed onions and tomatoes together create a well-constructed sandwich that tastes balanced and feels light, even though it’s a big sammie. I suggest splurging for some sauce, like the basil pesto yogurt sauce ($.75), which will add an extra herby tang without weighing you down with lots of oil. Of course, if you need something more serious than egg whites, City Sandwich offers plenty of other options that include different kinds of sausage.

Unda rolls at Kati Roll

I’ll admit it, I don’t immediately think of kati rolls when considering breakfast items, but actually, the Unda roll ($3.50 each, or 2 for $6) at Kati Roll is a perfect breakfast-for-lunch option. The freshly beaten egg with some red onions wrapped up in a warm paratha becomes a wonderful meal that is definitely reminiscent of breakfast. Need something a little more substantial? Order the Unda Aloo roll ($5.50 each, or 2 for $10), which includes spicy potatoes in the wrap as well. Or, snag one of each!

Got a favorite of your own that wasn’t included in this list?  Feel free to suggest it in the comments…

Times Square Hot Bagels, 200 W 44th St (btw. 7+8th), 212-997-7300
‘wichcraft, multiple locations
City Sandwich, 649 Ninth Ave (btw. 45+46th), 646-684-3916
Kati Roll, 49 W. 39th St. (btw. 5+6th), 212-730-4280

Last week, Rachel reported that Kati Roll is opening its second Midtown location on 53rd between 2nd and 3rd. While at the time, it didn’t seem like much progress had been made in the space, a look this morning shows that they’ve posted some signage! According to their Facebook page, they’re still slated to open this Wednesday and management confirms it’s going to happen. Fingers crossed they’re right on schedule!

Big news! Kati Roll has announced that they’re opening a new Midtown location on 53rd btw. 2+3rd, in the now shuttered Tadka space (although you wouldn’t know it from the outside so far!) The plan is to open on March 7th, but from the way things looked yesterday afternoon, when this photo was taken, it looks like they have a lot to do. We could not be more excited for the expansion of this Midtown Lunch favorite. You know who else must be stoked? Angelo Sosa. I guess that means the next time he collaborates on a new Kati Roll, all he’ll have to do is cross the street from Social Eatz.

Kati Roll, 229 E 53rd St (btw 2nd+3rd)

Don’t forget… today Kati Roll Co. is debuting Angelo Sosa’s new Shrimp Masala Roll, and the Top Chef will be there himself from Noon to 2pm. I happened to be by Kati Roll earlier this week for lunch with Blondie and  had a chance to sample their Chana Masala roll for the first time.

The roll was actually a late addition to my lunch. I had already ordered their Achari Paneer roll (Indian cheese marinated in spicy sauce), but after I sat down I glanced up and happened to notice the poster on the wall advertising this new (?) special roll.

I don’t think the chana masala roll is related to the shrimp masala roll that is debuting today.  I didn’t taste any coconut milk or any of the other spices that were in the shrimp roll description.  Instead the dominant flavors were chickpeas, red onions and plenty of cilantro sauce. It wasn’t particularly spicy and the chickpeas made this a little more filling than the average kati roll at Kati Roll,  (though you’ll still probably want to order 2 rolls to make a meal.)

I’ve been getting my kati rolls mainly from carts these days, so perhaps a Kati Roll regular could tell me if this has been available for a long time or if it’s a relatively new addition to the menu.

Kati Roll, 49 W. 39th St. (btw. 5+6th) 212-730-4280

Get a sneak peak at his creation, after the jump…

Photo by Daniel Kreiger (remember that guy!)

Kati Roll, 49 W. 39th St. (btw. 5+6th) 212-730-4280