The kilo of Goshat Karahi, on-the-bone of course, as served at Yadgar Kebab House (148 Calder St, Govanhill, Glasgow, G42 7QP) is one of Glasgow’s finest examples of Punjabi Cuisine. A Curry so rich, it feels that morally, one should only ever eat it occasionally. In my previous six visits to Yadgar, I have shown restraint and been more than satisfied with the Daily Specials, usually supplemented by Complimentary Starters. Not since July has Hector entered the gladiatorial arena and faced up to the – Full Monty.
On Thursday, today’s feast was mooted with Michael as fellow diner. We shared a mini-kilo at nearby Lahori Chaska earlier in the month, perhaps the priciest kilo in the city. Michael had not experienced the Goshat Karahi since Yadgar #100. Shkoor, Mein Host, accepted the Order, – kilo – chops – natural or add ons – had to be clarified. It was surely time to go right back to basics, no added Methi, not Chops, not Achari (Pickles), not Zaytoun (Olives), there are so many permutations.
Hector and Michael reached the door of Yadgar simultaneously at 14.30, but from opposite directions. Naveed greeted from behind the counter, he confirmed we were expected. Chef Arshad appeared too:
You are cooking for us today! – a comment made to mark the passing of the six months since he last prepared this bespoke Curry. Chef was visibly pleased to be able to let his talents shine.
Naveed mentioned Starters, I am certain these were declined, however, this is Yadgar, the food just comes.
Here is a list of the Starters which therefore could not possibly have appeared on the table:
Poppadoms
Spiced Onions
Salad
One Chapli Kebab
Four pieces of Vegetable Pakora
Four pieces of Fish Pakora
Three Dips
Other Curry Bloggers have come and gone, dining with Hector has its privileges.
The Salad was way above the basic, Michael appreciated the Black Olives with stones in, Green Olives too, plus Pickled Chillies. Yum. I ate my share of the Vegetable Pakora first, the least exciting of the cooked snacks. The Fish Pakora was up to its usual spectacular standard, especially with the hot, red, Chilli Dip. Michael took special note of these as he ate. In the reverse of recent visits, I left the Chapli to the end. The Spiciest of the offerings, the Seasoning was also pronounced, even after the Fish.
Spectacular, indulgent, all appreciated. I asked Naveed for a fifteen minute break before the arrival of the Main Event. In this period, we were joined by Mr. Anwar Sr. The fifth day of the Russian invasion of Ukraine led him to recall a poem he read at school about food chains, or The Law of The Jungle as was quoted on TV by Joseph Borrell – EE Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. Ironically, the second news item throughout today has been on Climate Change, or global warming, as those who do not understand insist on referencing. Putin? The beginning of the end, of something.
Goshat Karahi
Here it is, once more, nowhere else serves a Karahi with this Flavour. For more than a decade I have tried to fathom what makes it unique. There’s certainly more Yoghurt than other pretenders employ. No wholes Spices, so no giveaways there. The Tomato Seeds confirm a Tomato-based Masala. The richness and depth of Flavour defies comprehension. What is in the Yadgar – spice cupboard?
I suggested to Michael that he take – a portion – then we would see what we were faced with. Having done so, we were still looking another generous portion. Thank goodness for dem bones, the quantity would otherwise be unmanageable – by two. Oh, the Sucky Bones. Two large Chapattis were the accompaniment.
In addition to the – Yadgar Taste – the Masala gave off an impressive level of Spice. It is a Curry after all. Michael offered a few words:
Very enjoyable, bursting with flavour, a high spice level without burning your mouth.
Suitably masked, one of the young chaps behind the counter came out to ask if there was anything else we would like. Another opperchancity for Hector to use the – a second stomach – line. Chef himself came to inspect the proceedings. He smiled on seeing the karahi wiped clean. That says enough.
The Bill
£30.00 Of course it should have been more.
The Aftermath
Whilst we sat and let the food digest, so we were finally joined by fellow diners. They may have observed the debris, but not the source. Perhaps someone at Yadgar should post a large poster, featuring this Dish, in the window? I remain frustrated that so few of Glasgow’s self-declared Curry Lovers have never made the trip to Yadgar to experience it for themselves.