Hampden Park, the home of Scottish Football, I doubt if I have set foot in that ancient arena this century. Last week, a Muriel (sic) was unveiled on the gable end of an adjacent tenement featuring Scott McTominay’s, now world famous, overhead kick, which set Scotland on the path to victory over Danmark in November last year. Consequently, Scottish fans now have to suffer the ignominy of watching the inevitable this summer, and in the middle of the night, to boot. Today, Marg drove us south to capture the above image. There is no truth in the rumour that they painted over Derek Johnstone’s glorious header against Wales, Archie Gemmill assist, at the same ground in 1978.
As we drove along Cathcart Road, it became evident that possible places for lunch were closed until this evening. Ramadan, sunset is presently around 17.45, no customers expected. Yadgar Kebab House (148 Calder St, Govanhill, Glasgow, G42 7QP), always reliable, should be open. This is one venue which uses social media to announce any short-term closures.
At 14.30, the dining room at Yadgar was unsurprisingly empty, however, three chaps were ordering Takeaway, no questions asked. We studied the available fayre.
Aloo Gajar Peas (£6.00) was prominent, Marg claimed this. Having studied all, the Hector was not for passing on Aloo Gobi (£6.00). A single Naan (£1.80) would do us, with the customary cans of Mango Rubicon (£1.80) – oh and two Chapli!
How could Hector forget the Chapli Kebabs?
Settled mid-room, a Salad was presented with two Dips, no Black Olives today. The Chapli soon arrived, our entrée.
Chapli Kebab
Chicken pancakes minced with onions, peppers and chillies – the menu tells us. Yes, one ingredient may well be an anathema in Curry-Heute, and the Hector only ever has Chicken as a Starter, but this combination is sensational. Dipped in the Chilli Sauce, ever better. When this Sauce has been heated, better still. As I write every time I have these, proper Chicken Burgers.
The remainder of our Order was assembled as we ate. Mr. Anwar Sr. had spotted us moments before, and came over to join us. He and Marg chatted for much of the duration of our visit, Hector interjecting as and when. The joy of Marg’s presence, they chatted, the Hector ate. Shkoor, Mein Host, did the double take when he entered the premises and saw us, engrossed. Yet again, Vegetable Curry to the fore. A departure from the many kilos of Lamb devoured here over the past sixteen years.
You look puzzled – I put to Shkoor.
It was the Dessert on the table. A batch of Gajrela (£4.00) had just been made, and in keeping with the Yadgar way, a plateful had been brought to the table.
The Naan was huge, served whole, there was but a hint of Wholemeal Flour in there. With an air pocket, a la Pitta, not a risen, or puffy Naan.
It’s Naan, Shkoor, but not as we know it.
Between us, we managed all but a titbit.
Aloo Gobi
Not even a threat of Oil, as Dry as a Curry as can be created, the healthy option. Both Cauliflower and Potato had enough firmness, both packed so much Flavour. Beneath, a Minimal Masala Mash, even more Flavour.
How do you do it? – I asked Mr Anwar.
He was not for giving anything away. The secrets of Yadgar maintain.
For once, I had judged, and been given, the exact amount of food I could eat. Marg ended up leaving some, but hers would have been stone cold at the end.
*
Aloo Gajar Mutter
Possibly a larger portion, the standout here was the Oil. This was a markedly different creation. The Carrots tend to dominate in this Vegetable Curry, their comparative Sweetness, to the fore. Never before have I been able to compare the two Vegetable Dishes. Having sampled a Soupçon of the remnants, I was struck by the intensity of Flavour here, Cinnamon, a stand out. Potato may be common to both Dishes, there the similarity ends.
Marg – I happily chose a vegetable dish, but a Chapli Kebab arrived with a salad and sauces. The Chapli tastes good with lettuce, onion, cabbage, tomato and cucumber and sauce. When the Aloo Gajar arrived it was full of carrots, peas, potatoes in a rich onion based sauce. It had a great kick and was a little too spicy for me.
However, the potatoes were full of flavour and I was able to use the Naan bread to eat the other vegetables in the rich sauce.
Note, the full array of Vegetables that Marg has listed. Last time, we were here, it was before the greengrocer delivery. Today, a box was being disassembled before us. Cue one of Hector’s favourite wind-ups at Yadgar.
Shkoor, you forgot to order the tubs of Curry Sauce…
We did have a more sensible discussion about how Ramadan affects business and those who partake. It is not that long since Ramadan was in June, when the sun does not set in Glasgow until around 22.00, eighteen hours of daylight, a long time to go without food. The coming years should be less of a test. Makkah is in The Tropics, essentially twelve hours of daylight/darkness throughout the year, OK for some.
Time to share the Desi Dessert. Marg, who does not remember encountering this treat previously, now knows all abut this Carrot-based creation.
Gajrela / Gajar ka Halwa
Marg – We were given a plate of Gajrela for dessert. It was grated carrot, caramelised with sugar and sultanas with curded milk for texture. Thoroughly enjoyed this sweet dish with cardamom.
Marg likes to end on a sweet note.
The Bill
£18.00 An honourable sum.
The Aftermath
The tray of Gajrela, less one portion, and the full tray of Tandoori Chicken Legs (£4.00) had to be photographed. No doubt, in three hours, Yadgar would be queued out the door, and many seats inside occupied.