An alternative favourite meal at Yadgar Kebab House (148 Calder St, Govanhill, Glasgow, G42 7QP) has evolved. This features two Starters and one Curry, the latter being Vegetables. In September, Hector went – a Chapli too far. Sold at £3.50 for a pair, today, one would suffice, on the assumption that Fish Pakora (£5.00) was available.
Arriving at 15.00, Naveed was behind the counter.
Fish Pakora? This was confirmed.
One Chapli, something Vegetable.
Potatoes, Carrots and Peas (£5.00), just made.
One Chapatti?
No Chapatti (£0.70).
Such is the diversity of this Order, Bread is not required, though it has taken time to establish that. I took a seat at the smallest table, other diners were in situ. Today, the heated window seats were initially unoccupied, it’s warm for February.
Shkoor, Mein Host, arrived, always welcoming, and surprised when I have not made contact in advance to order kilos(s) of Goshat Karahi (£30.00). It is some time since Hector had the full Yadgar experience. I assured Shkoor that the chaps from Paisley are keen to come for a feast (and fill the coffers). For the record, Chapatti John was here last week and had a kilo of boneless Karahi, sneaky.
A Complimentary Salad, featuring sliced, Pickled Chillies and copious Onions was presented along with the customary two Dips. Today, the Chilli Sauce was not heated, too warm outside? I accepted the can of Mango Rubicon (£1.00) which Naveed brought out. All was set.
*
Fish Pakora
A plateful of Fish in Spicy Batter, Haddock is the norm at Yadgar. Freshly made, always a treat. I asked Naveed if this is always available. For years it was brought on a Complimentary basis, but sporadically. Apparently it’s always available, but only after the Oil has been heated. So not immediately after opening time then.
Five large pieces of Fish, plus a tiddler, the largest portion of Fish served to Hector in some time. Why do restaurants not give this much in a Fish Curry? Best eaten straight from the kitchen, I have had this as a Takeaway, the impact is then lost. I decided to eat the Fish Pakora in two sessions. Firstly with the Chapli Kebab, then as the – meat – accompaniment for the Vegetable Curry. The overall quantity should have been manageable, especially without Bread, or so I thought.
Chapli Kebab
I’ve tried making these, but why bother when Yadgar do them so well? Chicken Mince is the base, yes, Hector does order Chicken at Yadgar. Spicy, tasty, I could eat them until the cows, or Chickens, come home. Limiting the Order to one showed self-restraint, I was determined to finish all I had ordered. Well, not the green bits in the Salad. Hector is a self-respecting – Weegie – after all.
There was a welcomed gap before the Aloo Gajar Mutter was brought, this meant the food on the table could be eaten whilst hot, apart from the Salad. It was delivery time. Having observed the – Pearl – Cooking Oil being brought into Karahi Palace on Saturday, today I can confirm that Yadgar use – KTC – as do Ambala. KTC is available in domestic quantities in supermarkets. I am not on commission.
Aloo Gajar Mutter
Potatoes, skins on, Carrots and Peas, topped with Ginger and Coriander, sat in a mushy Masala; this is a meal in itself, and a rewarding one. It never fails to amaze me that – The Yadgar Taste – associated with their Karahi, can be present here. As is written oft, I have speculated as to how this is achieved. Carrots – has been denied, well they would.
I took around half of the Vegetable Curry and set the remainder aside. I knew already that a – doggy bag – would be required.
The next time Naveed passed, the other half was taken back to the kitchen.
The remaining Fish complemented the Potatoes, Peas and Carrots. The Potatoes had absorbed Flavour from the Minimal Masala, the slight Sweetness from the Carrots added another dimension. The Peas played their part, and not just as – Ballast. This is a favourite combination of Vegetables, but certainly not in European cooking. The Spice brings out so much more from these humble Vegetables.
Reminiscent of a scene from – Are You Being Served? – Mr. Anwar Sr. entered. He too stopped to greet. I had to ask how his kitchen maintains such consistency and high quality. Keeping things – fresh and simple – was the reply. I admitted that some of the (jars of) Spices in my cupboard are – old – in fact, I’ve forgotten what some of them are. He insisted that Dry Spices should not lose their Flavour. However, such is the turnover at Yadgar, they are hardly going to have – Old Spice!
I ate on, happy that I had sent half of the Aloo Gajar Mutter back for packing. I mopped up the Oily residue with the last morsels of Fish Pakora. I could have this meal every week, but as unfolds below, morally, I cannot. Anyway, as it’s the start of a new year, I’ll have to get back to the other delightful venues on Allison Street.
The Bill
Shkoor held up the card machine – £5.00.
I’m not paying that, add another three.
It should have been appreciably more, but Hector has long admitted to receiving special treatment, well I do promote Yadgar, often. That I only had – Vegetables – was again the justification. The card machine was presented once more:
£7.50
This is not how haggling is meant to work – I informed Shkoor.
(Though Marg thinks it does.)
The Aftermath
I told Shkoor where the – doggy bag – was bound and outlined – The Monday Club.
Retirement? I recommend it.