Remember Glasgow? Remember Glasgow’s finest Curry House? It’s over two months since Hector’s last visit to Yadgar Kebab House (148 Calder St, Govanhill, Glasgow, G42 7QP), and even longer since the legendary kilo of Goshat Karahi (£30.00) was enjoyed here. A couple of Curryspondents have been in touch, we’ll get it sorted, but not yet.
Arriving before the 14.00 opening, the shutters were mostly down, but there was sign of activity. Shafiq raised the shutters at 13.55.
Hector surveyed all the ready-cooked Dishes on display. The customary lunch of Chapli Kebab, Fish Pakora and whatever Vegetable offering was available was the plan.
On spotting Kofta Anda (£6.50) that went – oot the windae. A rarity at Yadgar, Hector was not missing out here.
Kofta Anda, it would be accompanied by a portion of Aloo Gajar Mutter (£5.00), no Rice, no Bread. 
The solitary menu sitting on the table led me to take a window seat. Sometimes, Hector chooses to be window dressing. For once I can quote the prices of what I had ordered. Usually it is beyond a la carte.
I was pleased to see that the Karahi Gosht is being held at £30.00. Way pricier than a couple of years back but not the £44.95 that The Village currently charges.
As the staff entered so each acknowledged, one even saluted, in – Urdu? The reheat complete, Shafiq brought the Order.
No Salad, no Sauces? – he confirmed.
A Mango Rubicon (£1.00) was added. Where to start?
Kofta Anda
Four Chicken Meatballs and a hard Boiled Egg sat in the Shorva. Being a Soupy Curry, a spoon was called for. This was the first time I have eschewed both Rice and Bread, so no absorption, no splashing. This gave the Kofta Anda a different perspective, the Egg tempered the Spice in the Shorva which was full on earthiness. Eating the Meatballs with the Shorva was also a departure from the norm, have I been doing it wrong all these years?
Aloo Gajar Mutter
This was the antithesis, a superbly Dry Curry, with a minimal Masala Mash. The Spice Level took me by surprise, the Seasoning was certainly fit for a Hector. Total absorption, the Potatoes were full on, the Carrots were almost mushy-soft and gave off a slight sweetness. The Peas, well, it’s amazing how this legume can hold its own.
The combined Flavour of all three Vegetables rattled Hector’s memory banks. Was this something new to add? Or was it a combination of the two Dishes compounding on the palate? In time the classic – Yadgar Taste – was revealed from the Vegetable array and Mash. Then, once again, I inadvertently bit into a Black Cardamom, never a good moment.
Back and forth, the two Dishes were markedly different in Texture and Flavour. The Shorva did not have the same Spice intensity as the Masala Mash. Without the carbohydrates, there was no worry about getting full too soon. At one point I considered Fish Pakora (£6.00) as a Dessert. Calm.
Naveed knew I was coming today, a quick conversation before he went to his post. Naveed and Hector in Blighty at the same time? Not for long.
The Bill
£12.50 Naveed suggested I’d just had a snack. One does not usually haggle inversely at a restaurant. For once I knew exactly what I should be paying, and did so.
The Aftermath
Shafiq brought out the first addition to the – Daily Specials – Spicy Chicken Pasta. Naveed offered a sample, with Capsicum, no thanks!
