Regular subscribers to this Humble and Reliable Website will do a double take when The Hector reports from the Yadgar Cafe (71 Thomas St., Manchester, M4 1LQ, England). The name – Yadgar – is Legendary in Curry-Heute, the Finest of Glasgow Curry. Curry in Manchester’s Northern Quarter is far removed from this, a series of Curry Cafes selling Simple Curry in the most informal of settings, the epitome of – Cheap’n’Cheerful.
The Rice with 3 was first experienced in Hector’s inaugural Manchester Trip, This & That on Soap St. has not enticed The Hector back since. Al Faisal and latterly Kabana is where the Hector Curry Pound has been invested. Yadgar Cafe has often been closed when I have been here, however, with midweek freedom now the norm, the decision to visit was made two days ago as I left Kabana.
Entering around 12.30 four of the eleven tables were occupied. What shocked was the Queue, a Dozen Curry Enthusiasts stood before me, fortunately some were ordering Takeaways. It did take longer to serve these customers, the foil trays being carefully filled first with Rice then their choice of Curry. This gave Hector time to survey the seen. A Lamb Curry was spotted, success. The Chicken Curry was adjacent, to be avoided, my preference. In Interesting Mixed Vegetable Curry was the choice of many. What would be my Third? I asked – what else is there? Kofta Anda was the Surprise addition. Yum.
The Bill
£5.99. This was for a massive plateful.
The table nearest the counter was free, one of the tables with three chairs. In all, Yadgar Cafe can sit thirty two Diners.
Rice with 3 – The Eating
The Lamb Shorva was tackled first. The Lamb instantly gave off a Peppery Kick. It is commendable when the Meat gives off its own Distinct Flavour rather than sit on the plate hoping to absorb from the Masala in what ever short period of time they have been in each other’s company. Six Pieces of Tender Lamb were in the Portion, enough to impress and not distract from the diversity of this Rice with 3.
The Mixed Vegetable Curry included Carrots, Potatoes, Peas, Green Beans and one piece of the dreaded Capsicum. The Carrots gave off their distinctive Sweetness. OK – was the verdict, this did not have the impact of my last Vegetable Curry Experience at Aynams Grill Station and well short of the benchmark set by Glasgow’s Yadgar.
The Kofta Anda was sadly one Meatball and a piece of Hard Boiled Egg. This was still enough to confirm the veracity of the what was served. I would recommend this as a stand alone Dish. With one visit only, one does not know if Kofta is always available at Yadgar Cafe. If so, a definite recommendation. It also makes me want to visit the Sheerin Palace in my home town again soon.
The Masala from both the Vegetable Curry and Lamb Curry disappeared into the ample portion of Rice. This made the entire experience quite a Wet one. In terms of Flavour, the Seasoning was below par, straight forward Pepper was dominant. One is used to a greater Depth of Flavour.
Still, Hector cannot live by Karahi alone.
With nearly every table occupied and people still coming in, the Calling Card was left without comment. There was a Chap who was constantly out clearing and cleaning the tables. Hopefully he passed it on to anyone who might be interested.