My choice of venue for the first Glasgow Curry of 2018 cannot be a surprise, however, the choice of Curry-Heute may be. When Hector visits Yadgar Kebab House (148 Calder St, Govanhill, Glasgow, G42 7QP) it is usually to over-indulge on mountains of Goshat Karahi or similar. Today, I thought I would make a sneaky, solo and unannounced visit, and take my chances on – The Daily Specials.
Arriving at 14.40, Shahbaz was manning the ship, he talked me through my options. One always hopes that the Yadgar Vegetable Curry will make an appearance, not today. Having dismissed Chicken, various, and Saag/Palak, the Chana Gosht was my best option. I have a tacit indifference regarding Chickpeas, I can eat them and occasionally enjoy them, it’s all about the Masala. At Yadgar expectations are high. Here also was the Opperchancity to enjoy the Legendary Yadgar Vegetable Rice, essentially a Biryani without the Meat. Rice is not practical when we order Lamb by the Kilo, even our Chapatti order is kept to a minimum.
A Can of Mango Rubicon was brought by Shahabaz. I was wondering if the Sugar content of this would soon be reduced given that the maker of this Fizzy Drink is the same as Irn Bru. I had just opened it when Naveed walked in, I have not seen him for months, he travelled more miles than Hector last year. We spoke at length about his travels to Canada and Pakistan. I was very interested to hear his account of dining in Pakistan. Naveed had encountered new eating experiences, will we see any of these ideas appear in future at Yadgar? He was keen to inform me that Donner Meat does not exist in Pakistan. I bet they don’t put Capsicum in everything also.
Shahbaz placed the Chana Gosht and Vegetable Rice on the table.
Vegetable Rice with extra green peppers – he announced.
I did the double take. He had me, proof Shahbaz is getting to know me.
The Vegetable Rice was piled high on the plate. Peas, Cauliflower and Mushrooms featured in this Melange. Tasty in its own right, I reckoned I would manage this, just.
I made space in the centre of the Rice and started decanting the Lamb and Chickpeas. Sliced Green Chillies were also in the Shorva, this was a significantly different Curry for Hector at Yadgar. Hector orders Shorva in Glasgow?
This was closer to a Northern Quarter (Manchester) Curry than my norm. Classic Desi Cuisine, the Kick was instantaneous. The Seasoning was spot on, Cinnamon was the first Flavour to hit the palate, this gave way to Cloves. I had anticipated Lamb on-the-bone, perhaps I had not looked closely enough at the tray under the counter. Ten of the most Tender pieces of Meat were devoured, Excellent.
The Chickpeas were even more numerous than first realised, I had to accept that Part 2 was Chickpea on Vegetable Rice, I had no problems with this, – Large Lentils – is what they looked like. Was I actually having a Daal Gosht variant? I had come in the hope of finding Something Different, mission accomplished.
The Shorva had long been absorbed by the Vegetable Rice, for the endgame I was engaging in effect with a Moist Biryani, Very Pleasant, I knew I would finish this perfect combination, then Naveed sneaked up behind me…
They’re making some fresh Fish Pakora – given the Quality of the Salad, this was clearly not an impulsive presentation. Thank you, Naveed.
Here I go again, eating to my limit at Yadgar. I had to make a decision, force down the remaining – Biryani – and let the Pakora cool, or abandon the Rice and enjoy the Fish Pakora at its very best. A no brainer, Hector got stuck into the Fish.
Five pieces, each of which had to be halved or more. Compare this to the Fisch Pakora served to Marg at Lahori Hajweri (München) last week. Two Soupçons of Dips were brought from the front of the House, a Pincer Movement? Crucially, one of these was the Hot (temperature) Chilli Sauce, the Perfect Accompaniment. Haddock I presume, in a Spicy Batter, as Fresh as Naveed had stated. Piping Hot, a joy to eat. Complimentary of course, but as the Curryspondents will realise, this Yadgar Review #98. Hector is known here.
The Bill
£8.00. I know not from where this number came, I was hardly about to question it.
The Aftermath
Naveed tried to tempt me with Tea, Coffee, Rice Pudding. Enough, already.
Yadgar #100 should be upon us soon, I happen to know that #99 is planned for next week.