Glasgow – Yadgar Kebab House – The Power of Advertising

Last night, on spotting a social medium ad for Aloo Gobi at Yadgar Kebab House (148 Calder St, Govanhill, Glasgow, G42 7QP), Hector’s Lust for Curry was triggered. Not that it takes much to do so. A quick check confirmed the 14.00 opening time and not 15.00 as currently shown on Google Maps.

This afternoon, Hector was outside waiting for the shutters to go up, which they did at precisely 14.00. Two chaps came in at my back and took the booth style table on the far wall. I sat facing the counter.

When the screen flashed up – Fish Pakora – Hector was hooked.

The young guy who was manning front of house took the Order. A Chapatti felt like a sensible accompaniment. Three more diners would occupy a further two tables during my stay, not bad for opening time on a Monday. Chips?  Who orders Chips with Curry? This is not the 1960s. Does nobody have work to go to?

Naveed arrived! I hadn’t seen him for ages. After the briefest of catching up he took his normal spot this enabling his colleague to deal with the diners. The Takeaway business was also booming. Thinking back to the day when I walked out of three establishments on a Monday afternoon, it is clear I should have just come over to Calder St. / Allison St. where it’s all happening.

A rather complex Salad and two Dips were presented along with the Fish Pakora.

Fish Pakora

Seven large pieces of Haddock (?) shrouded in a Spicy Batter. With some of the Red Sauce, sadly served cold today, this was an unexpected treat. The full on Flavour of Fish is something I never take for granted. This was it, Yadgar’s Fish Pakora, there is none better.

The Salad had Olives, I hope to see many more of these in the coming weeks. The Pickled Chillies, I love, and if that wasn’t enough, Spiced Onions had found their way on to the plate also.

With the Fish Pakora, more than enough to be getting on with, however, the Aloo Gobi had now been reheated.

Aloo Gobi

All this way for Vegetables? The indulgences over the past few days have not included many – greens – so here was the the key to a balanced diet. Maybe not, Potatoes and Cauliflower are both – white. Last night on TV, I saw people serving fried Cauliflower Leaves, whatever next, Potato Skins?

I have written oft of the intensity of Flavours which Yadgar achieve in their (hopefully now) famous Vegetable Curry. Ironically, this was also available today and I ignored it in favour of my primary purpose.

The Texture of both Vegetables was as it should be: firmness on the Cauliflower, suitably soft Potatoes. The Potatoes still had their skins on which puzzled initially. There was still plenty of surface area to absorb the Flavours of the Masala which appeared to be composed of micro-florets of Cauliflower.

The Yadgar Taste – was there, and why Hector was here. A little blast of Clove surprised, maybe it has always been part of that which makes Yadgar Curry so special. Not Carrots then.

The Chapatti almost felt redundant, I could have enjoyed my lunch as much without it. No Lamb today, proof that it’s possible for Hector to appreciate Curry without.

The Bill

£12.50     This may have included some Aloo Gobi to Takeaway.

The Aftermath

Naveed’s recent venture was discussed. He at least has been abroad this year. Soon, Hector, soon!

The opening time discrepancy was explained. 15.00 is when the online ordering system becomes active. Now we know.

Nothing beats being here.