A butter roll in NYC is a chewy, round, white Kaiser roll, which is sliced open and then generously slathered with butter and sometimes margarine and wrapped in wax paper.
Butter rolls in NYC also known as Kaiser rolls are also sold cheaply at delis, bodegas and coffee carts as a quick and inexpensive staple often paired with coffee.
The NYC butter rolls are also known for being basic, fast and reliable and a distinct regional treat and offers a salty sweet, dry moist contrast to a bagel.
The key characteristics of a butter roll is that the butter roll is a hard, white flour roll, which is usually a Kaiser roll, with a slightly chewy crust.
The butter roll is packed with butter and sometimes more ideal, creating a greasy and satisfying center.
The butter roll is also wrapped in plain white wax paper and sold for quick eating.
Butter rolls are also often always eaten with a regular coffee or coffee with milk and sugar from a cart for a classic NYC morning combo.
In NYC butter rolls are a no frills and affordable everyday food that is part of NYC city's fabric, unlike fancier food options.
Other regions also have bread and butter, but the NYC butter roll is a specific cultural touchstone, which is a quick food for busy New Yorker's that's cheap, ubiquitous and deeply ingrained in local routines.
A Kaiser roll is a round, crusty bread roll with a distinctive star or crown-like pattern on top, originating from Austria, also known as a Vienna roll.
Kaiser rolls are made from enriched wheat flour, often with a chewy interior and a crisp exterior, and is commonly topped with poppy or sesame seeds, making it a popular choice for sandwiches and burgers.