Glasgow – Yadgar – All Our Pleasures at Once

Hector’s early appearance this afternoon at Yadgar Kebab House (148 Calder St, Govanhill, Glasgow, G42 7QP) was predictable. One tries to maintain parity with the number of visits to Yadgar and Karahi Palace.   As shall be outlined below, there is also a new player in the Desi Curry game. Who knows, it may be an ace, not a joker?

Marg and Hector arrived at Yadgar for the 14.00 opening. The shutters were still down, but two ladies were already inside waiting for Shafiq to take their Order. We would be the first four customers of the shift, occupying the warm tables at the window. Despite the thermometer displaying 3°C, it was seriously cold outside this afternoon. Today, München Flughafen claimed it was 20°C, I checked, only 18°C in that city. I’ll just leave this here. In time, the shutters were raised, Takeaway customers arrived, seemingly in droves, and eventually a large group to dine in. It was all happening here.

On the drive over, Marg considered her options, to Chapli or not to Chapli. In the end, whatever Keema Curry was available would become her choice: Aloo Keema Mutter with one Chapatti – it was. For Hector, the tried and tested: Chapli, Fish Pakora, and the Vegetable Curry of the day: Aloo Gajar Mutter.

Various Dishes were already on display which makes me wonder what time the door actually opened. However, the piles of Samosas, Chapli & Shami Kebabs, plus the tray of Fish Pakora suggested that this had to be left from the weekend.

Marg approached the counter and added Kashmiri Tea, to be served when ready. As it happens, this came first followed quickly afterwards by the reheated Fish Pakora and two Dips.

Sweet tea with milk, not for Hector, Marg loves it.

Fish Pakora

Served not as hot as I like it, the Fish itself was still fresh, the batter Spicy. Ten pieces, a veritable plateful. Marg would help out, as she did with the quartered Chapli.

Chapli Kebab

I took a nibble, this was light years ahead of my attempt at home last Friday. Chicken, not Lamb, easier to cook. Next time at House of Sher, I’ll look for a Chicken Chapli mix. Spice and Seasoning, the key elements which define – tasty food – were to the fore. The young waiter, who had arrived moments after us, was playing catch up. The two ladies were presented with Aloo Gajar Mutter and Aloo Keema Mutter.

They’re having the same as us – I remarked to Marg.

The ladies look puzzled, not their Order. The penny dropped.

Aloo Keema Mutter

Chicken Mince with Potato and Peas in a minimal Masala, perfection, unless one prefers Lamb Keema. The accompanying Chapatti seemed huge, Marg would manage but a sliver. Hector has abandoned Bread when having the now well established lunch at Yadgar. Marg, inevitably, was finished first:

A full meal with meat, potato and veg. A good spice, chicken was an enjoyable change.

Hector had a dilemma, with three Dishes on the table simultaneously, and the ambient temperature still not what it might be, how to avoid everything being cold? Cut up the remaining Chapli and add it to the Vegetable Curry!

Aloo Gajar Mutter

Marg had Mince, Potatoes and Peas, for Hector – Potatoes Peas and Carrots. I have celebrated this creation oft, particularly in the post-Lockdown era. The Carrots give the most taste via their inherent Sweetness. Add to this the Yadgar Taste from the minimal Masala, and we have a winner. By adding the Chapli, Diversity was enhanced. Was the Hector now having a Chicken Curry?

The mouth was registering way more Spice than envisaged at the outset, synergy? This was a worthy creation, don’t be surprised if it appears again.

In the midst of this eating frenzy, Shkoor Mein Host, had arrived. After the usual exchange of pleasantries, he informed me that two of our former pupils had visited Yadgar. Unfortunately, no names were recalled. Next time, have Shkoor message me there and then. It is promising that the next generation are following in Hector’s footsteps.

The Bill

£15.00 … as managed by Naveed.

A more realistic sum – I proffered.

The Aftermath

On Cathcart Road, I spotted Shahi Mahal in the premises which have caught my eye for many years. This was formerly a Mediterranean food outlet, now we have a proper establishment. Marg let me out to investigate.

Mein Host was sitting, awaiting custom. We recognised each other immediately. I took a menu and promised to return soonest, then I shall confirm from whence he came.

A half kilo of Lamb Karahi (£16.00) should reveal lots. Then there’s the Korma range, is the Kashmiri Korma (£8.50) what I hope it is? Watch this space.  Meanwhile, I note Lahori Chaska,  up the road, has gone.