If one had to pick two words to sum up food in Kolkata, they would be kathi rolls and biryani. Kathi roll is the quintessential city snack, where as biryani is more like the lavish one-dish meal. If you are in the city, here are some of the best places to try these delicacies.

　　Biryani

　　Shiraz-The Golden Restaurant

　　This restaurant at Mullikbazaar crossing, Park Street, has been serving one of the best Kolkata-style biryani in town for decades. Subtlety is the keyword here. The spices always compliment the fragrance of rice and pieces of meat can be taken off the bone with just the touch of a finger. Thankfully, the potato, which is an integral part of the Kolkata biryani experience, is equally tasty here. The double mutton biryani paired with the mutton pasinda is a combination worth trying.

　　Address: 135, Park St, behind Neuro Science Hospital, Park Circus, Beniapukur, Kolkata, West Bengal 700014

　　Royal Indian Restaurant

　　If Shiraz is all about subtlety, this restaurant is all about finding the right balance of spices. Until a few weeks ago they restricted themselves from adding potatoes in their biryani, such is the confidence level here. The biryani here is slightly spiced with ginger juice and maybe black pepper. Their mutton chaap and shahi tukra has found a cult status among foodies.

　　Address: 24 A, Syed Amir Ali Ave, Lower Range, Park Circus, Ballygunge, Kolkata, West Bengal 700017

　　India Restaurant

　　They do offer an excellent Kolkata-styled biryani, but what makes them stand out, is their Kacchi Biryani and Daryabadi Biryani. The Daryabadi Biryani, slightly sweet in flavor is sprinkled with plenty of dry fruits whereas the Kacchi biryani is a superbly balanced dish.

　　Address: 34, Karl Marx Sarani Rd, Khidirpur, Kolkata, West Bengal 700023

　　Kathi Rolls

　　Nizam's

　　Nizam's is the inventor of the kathi roll. The quality is strictly maintained till date. What one gets here, is few pieces of slightly chewy (and that&rsquos the beauty) pieces of meat wrapped in a flaky parantha, with slices of onion and green chillies seasoned with lemon juice. The original taste of meat remains intact. A double mutton roll from this place is definitely one of the best treatments for sad souls.

　　Address: 23 & 24, Hogg St, near Axis Bank Atm, New Market Area, Dharmatala, Taltala, Kolkata, West Bengal 700087

　　Kusum Rolls

　　If Nizams gave birth to the kathi roll, Kusum Rolls took it up a notch. It&rsquos basically a small kiosk tucked in the driveway of Kankaria estate, Park Street. The Egg Mutton Liver Roll, among others, is something that you should not miss here.

　　Address: 21, Park St, Taltala, Kolkata, West Bengal 700016

　　Jabbarr Afgani, Salt Lake

　　When it comes to food, size does matter and this kiosk takes that saying seriously. What they prepare and love to call the Jabbarr of Jabbarr roll is a monster. A double portion of mutton boti is wrapped with an ample amount of grate cheese. The outcome Pure pleasure.

　　Address: DC - 22, 2nd Cross Rd, Sector 1, Bidhannagar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700064