Dr. Stan and Hector are The Hosts this afternoon at Yadgar (148 Calder St., Govanhill, Glasgow, G42 7QP). Bill is our Guest, a thank you for the Hospitality we enjoyed in Strathaven’s Curry Haven back in September. Bill was keen to try the famous Yadgar Goshat Karahi and also sample the wonderful Spiced Haddock Starter.
As ever Shkoor, Mein Host, was contacted in adance to arrange the Fayre. When Dr. Stan joined Hector just before the 16.00 rendezvous, Omar started to bring the Poppadoms, Dips, Spiced Onion and Salad.
Bill took his seat, the Scottish Haddock was presented soon thereafter – Four Pieces! Panic! We have a Kilo and a Half of Goshat Karahi to follow… As ever, The Friends of Hector were having The Full Bhuna. The Baked Haddock is much lighter than the Battered – Fish Pakora counterpart, this aided digestion considerably. The Hot Red Dip adds even more Kick to the Spice-Encrusted Fish.
The Black Olives and Pickled Green Chillies are also excellent complements. Bill remarked on the Flavour from the Skin, sadly most of this was stuck hard to the foil. One could easily depart on completion of The Starters, but, we were here – To Dine, at Yadgar that means – To Feast.
Both Shkoor and his Father were on the premises this afternoon but for once were unable to join us, Yadgar was that busy. There was a Family dining, one of whom I thought was an old school acquaintance, alas not. A striking resemblance nevertheless. 1973, a lifetime ago.
As with last Friday, the Kilo and a Half of Goshat Karahi on-the-bone was brought in separate Karahi. One was placed in front of Hector, the other between Bill and Dr. Stan. What lay before me looked manageable, perhaps the quantities were imbalanced, explaining how Stewart managed his Karahi so easily last visit.
The Goshat Karahi was up to the usual Yadgar standard. Tender Lamb shrouded in a Thick, Minimal but Rich Masala. Bill’s opening remark was to state that this is how he has it at home. Who does the cooking? The accompanying Chapattis arrived in two batches. Hector was surprised when a second Chapatti was started, this has not been managed in ages. Bill was keen to enquire as to how this compared to Bradford Curry, even Manchester. They are all different. Once again Bill encouraged Hector to visit Southall, the Wolf Lounge in particular.
Today, the Mass of Meat did not feel in any way extreme. When the second visit was made by each of the Diners, there was little left. Dr. Stan and Hector polished this off. Two empty Karahi. Three sated Diners.
The Bill
£45.00. The Standard Price for three.
As we vacated the larger of the two tables at the window, a Group of Chaps many in suits, arrived. They would fill the entire window area. Yadgar going upmarket? – maybe not It is excellent to see that all types are wiling to sample the wonderful food that is served at this modest establishment. Who needs a tablecloth?
The Aftermath
Bill reckons he has sussed what is is about the Masala in the Goshat Karahi that makes it unique. Hector will test the theory at the first opperchancity, poor Marg.
The Namkeen Karahi on the new Menu was mentioned, Bill immediately translated this as – Salt, then added – Flavour. This will have to be sampled soonest.
We shall hopefully see Bill again, soon, the current branding of what was the Modern Punjabi is due to be investigated.