The Monday Club has become well established, Curry afore is still in the development phase. Last week’s most enjoyable mini feast at Yadgar Kebab House (148 Calder St, Govanhill, Glasgow, G42 7QP) went down very well, so why not return? That Marg decided she was coming too was an unexpected bonus.
Arriving moments after the 14.00 opening time, the window shutters were up, the door’s partially so. We were invited in and guided through the ready dishes. Chicken Keema Mutter Aloo would suit Marg, I knew Howard had bought Aloo Gosht Yesterday, but what was the dark, rich mysterious Lamb Curry right in front of me? Karela Gosht! It had to be. In the early years of Curry-Heute, Hector could not have enough Karela, the Bitter Gourd.
We took our seats, the new serving chap came to take the Order. A Chapatti was added along with two Mango Rubicon. Sparkling Water appears to be no more. Having seen it ordered in recent visits, I enquired about Vegetable Rice – Biryani. No problem here. Again, it has been quite some time since I last ordered this king of Rice experiences.
Starters were declined. Complimentary Poppadoms and Spiced Onions were brought in the interim. Naveed, who had ghosted in, came to the table with a plate of Starters: The Boss says you must have this.
A Chapli Kebab, cut into wedges, Vegetable Pakora and the legendary Fish Pakora were presented. One assumes that Yadgar make their own Pakora and have not succumbed to ordering from the – The Great Cumbernauld Pakora Factory – cue Shkoor to confirm this before the ink is dry. The Chicken Chapli became a stalwart part of Takeaway during Lockdowns 1-3. The Texture and Spice of this Chicken Patty surpass all expectations, the blast of Coriander makes this way better than any Frikadelle. This must be the – go to – Herb Burger.
The Salad must not be overlooked. Anything that has Green Olives and Pickled Chillies has to be worthwhile. The Salad almost convinces the writer that this was the healthy option.
Of the three pieces of Fish Pakora, I took the one nearest, then the smaller. The – little fingers – thought otherwise. I still ended up with two. Marg spontaneously remarked on the impact of the Yadgar Fish Pakora. This is White Fish in a Spicy Batter, served like nowhere else. Those who order Chicken Pakora are wasting their time, a comparable combination, the outcome is poles apart. One could sit and munch on this for hours. A thought, take some to the nearby Koelschip Yard one day.
Our Mains were ready. We hadn’t finished our Starters. Tactically, it was clear that we should abandon the remnants. The car was parked around the corner. Leftovers, a treat for later.
Vegetable Biryani
There was no denying that this was a course in itself. I hoped Marg would help out here, her Chapatti was more than enough to accompany the Keema. Potato, Cauliflower, Mushroom, Peas, Carrots and – believe it or not – slivers of Green Pepper. The latter was easily set aide. I recall the day when Shkoor walked in surveyed the scene and said – What have they done? – on seeing the inclusion of the dreaded ballast. There was so much going on here, being picky did not matter. This Vegetable Rice has a Flavour of its own, inevitably drowned by the Curry, but one could consider having this with Starters. It is years since I last had this delight. The equivalent served at The Village once competed, no more. Somehow, I’ll have to include this once again when ordering Goshat Karahi.
The – little fingers – were in action once more. Marg relocated Hector’s Curry to the middle of the table. Unbeknown to Marg, the plate was – super-hot. Like the hottest of cakes, the plate was dropped, the possibly surplus Oil splattered in every direction. What a mess. I shall say no more.
Karela Gosht
Why does this look – evil? The – onion-like – slices of Karela, sitting atop the classic Yadgar Lamb Curry were going to add a new dimension.
Expletive deleted.
Hector’s reaction to the first mouthful made one wonder why it had been so long. The Yadgar Taste was there, then the bitterness kicked in. The peripheral Oil and the Thick Masala were one source of Flavour, the Karela added a distortion on the palate. The Meat was – fall-off-the-bone. Superbly Tender gave way to some chewy pieces. Chewy? One should have witnessed Hector’s Roast Beef dinner yesterday. What was that about? What has happened to Beef this year?
Meat, Masala, Karela, and a wonderful array of Vegetables, there was so much going on here. This was Diversity-cubed. Normally, on visiting Yadgar with friends, the meal is pre-ordered. I can see my – drop in – visits becoming regular. Pre – The Monday Club?
I have wondered often-times if Yadgar has a secret entrance. Mr. Anwar Sr. was suddenly before us, on his way out. When did he arrive? The boss says – was finally understood. It has been a long time since he saw us dine at Yadgar. One appreciates that he was marking the day. Our conversation was primarily about retirement. He told of his parents, farm workers, for whom this was never an option. All the more reason to enjoy – The Monday Club.
Keema Aloo Mutter
Just look at the Potatoes! Marg felt she had so much on her plate, some of the Potatoes were added to the Vegetable Biryani. Chicken Mince, long dismissed by Hector, but no more. Last weekend’s visit to Darbar Grill around the corner has made The Hector aware. Marg offered a few words:
A good sized Chapatti to complement my Chicken Keema with Peas and Potato. Plenty flavour and a salty kick. After some complimentary starters, I was unable to finish my Chapatti. The Chicken was a lovely change, but I still prefer the Lamb version.
Salty kick? I’ll have to use that one in future posts.
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I took the remnants of the Starters and half of the Vegetable Biryani to the counter. Naveed needed no instruction.
The Bill
£18.00 I recited all we had. Who was going to argue?
The Aftermath
I don’t think I’ve mentioned – The Monday Club?
Hector’s next Curry will not be in Glasgow, watch this space.