Food: Roll up your sleeves for this!

The eternal debate over “what makes a good biryani” is an endless one. However, it’s a good thing that Bangalore has space for all kinds. From street food to tight-upper-lipped gourmet presentations, this city is loved for its capacity to eat out.

Why else would Koramangala have more than 100 places to eat? And one of the little places that attracts a packed house almost all the time in Lazeez — the eatery that promises Kolkata-style kathi rolls and biryani. There’s definitely some truth in that statement. Whether you’re fighting off hunger pangs after a long day at work, or entertaining friends at the last minute at home — Lazeez will come to the rescue.

The ambience isn’t to die for — in fact, if you’re obsessed with cleanliness, it might do you good to order takeaway. The seating is bare and the décor minimal, but once the food comes to your table, you might be willing to forgive the environment.

Comprising a typically Mughlai menu, Lazeez has vegetarian, chicken and mutton biryanis — they also have the special biryani, which just means a little more meat to satisfy the carnivore in you.

The kebab platter is a good bargain — it doesn’t come in a very large portion but makes for a good appetiser along with your drinks.

If you need something to go with your biryani, try the chicken or mutton rezala — it is slightly greasy, but that’s only because of the curd that it’s cooked in.

Of all their dishes, the kathi rolls are the most popular at Lazeez — you can take your pick from single or double rolls with or without eggs. One double egg mutton or chicken roll with keep you going for a few good hours.

Lazeez also has an outlet on Commercial Street, which is smaller than the Koramangala branch, but the food is pretty much the same and affordable too. A meal for two shouldn’t cost more than Rs400 and makes good sense if you’re treating more than four people.