Monday afternoon, it was time for something different, Starters at Yadgar Kebab House (148 Calder St, Govanhill, Glasgow, G42 7QP) were calling.
Entering at 14.15, fifteen minutes after the opening time, the chairs were all upturned on the table tops. Shkoor was behind the counter serving Takeaway customers, no sign of Naveed.
Mr. Anwar, may I take a seat?
As you see it’s Ramadan – was the reply which explained all.
As it happened, Hector would not be the only sit-in customer, my first fellow diner took the opperchancity to have his Takeaway in situ. The second would tear in as though food had not been seen for yonks, a shift-worker possibly. Having enquired about today’s Vegetable Curry, I placed my Order at the counter: one Chapli (£1.75), Fish Pakora (£6.00) and a portion of Aloo Gajar Matar (£5.00).
No Bread, it’s a British thing – I proffered. The chap standing beside me gave me – the stare. As the other staff member put the chairs in the proper place, so Shkoor brought a can of the traditional Mango Rubicon (£1.00).
Crossing the rubicon, I could go on, all shall be revealed soon.
Shkoor and Hector caught, up, it has been a couple of months.
A pot of heated Chilli Sauce kicked things off. Being served hot always enhances the experience.
Chapli
In the past I have gone for the full portion of two Chapli Kebab then struggled with what followed, especially when Bread was involved. Hector has learned his lesson, one Chapli, no Bread.
Chicken Chapli, the thinness makes it, one of the few times the Hector will order – Chicken. With a bit of Spice from the Chilli Sauce, a great combo.
Aloo Gajar Matar
The Potato, Carrots and Peas Curry arrived before I had finished the Chapli. Better to have it before it cooled. Oh, the Carrots, the oh so distinctive – Yadgar Taste. The Peas and Potato were almost incidental, a blast of Coriander hit next. Shkoor has always denied that – Carrot – lies at the root for what makes their Curry stand out. It’s what the Carrot has absorbed.
This is ridiculous – I declared, and not for the first time.
I assure you there are no artificial flavours or meat stock.
The Yadgar Secret, I put it to Shkoor that I had been through their rubbish and had seen the jars. As if.
Fish Pakora
I was still ensconced when this arrived, cooling did have a negative effect. On the days I have timed Fish Pakora straight from the kitchen it is truly spectacular. As the second photo reveals, this was a reheat. The superb Haddock remained unaffected, the batter may have lost its punch. Still, with the remaining Hot Sauce, a pleasure of course.
With the three plates cleared apart from some lettuce. Mr. Anwar Sr. came over to engage. He wished me well. Watch this space.
The Bill
£10.00 – after some inverse haggling.
The Aftermath
With everyone else down in that London, the normal Monday ritual did not follow. The Hector will get there soon.