It is the End of May Bank Holiday Monday, as opposed to the Mayday Bank Holiday which was rarely a Holiday in the World of Hector. What is significant, today is Hector’s last ever Holiday from work. Twenty three more working days to go then the R-word… How should Hector mark the day?
Marg and Hector set out for the South Side early afternoon, there had to be a Curry-Heute, and the Curry had to be at the Restaurant (to use the term loosely) where Hector has enjoyed more Curry Experiences than any other Venue since the birth of this Website – Yadgar (148 Calder St, Govanhill, Glasgow, G42 7QP). Naveed was in his usual place behind the counter, manning the show. He was not expecting us, normally the order for Lamb Karahi – Hector-style – has been placed directly with The Management. Today I decided to see what was on offer, at worst I could have a Starter then wait the required Forty Five minutes for a Karahi to be prepared.
Before Naveed talked me through the prepared Dishes he pointed towards the Dining Area which was in some disarray. Boards covered the floor, one toilet door said – Out of order – the other had been blocked over. Chairs were stacked at the window, some tables were away from the wall. Ah, paint, mosaic too! Curryspondents, the much promised renovation of the interior of Yadgar is now underway! And not before time.
On offer today were various Chicken Dishes, Liver too. Two Lamb Dishes stood out from these, Aloo Gosht and Karela Gosht. The latter was on-the-bone. Karela I have grown fond of, but have not consumed much of, in recent times. The Bitter Vegetable. Since I was not having a Karahi, this was the perfect opperchancity to re-visit the Wonderful Yadgar Vegetable Rice. Marg had previously decided a Starter would do. Mushroom Pakora was on display, Marg asked for Mixed Pakora.
The customary cans of Rubicon Mango were brought by the relatively new still Nameless Waiter, then the Complimentary Poppadoms (Four!) and Dips. Marg remarked on the Quality of the Spiced Onions. Chunky too. Naveed brought the Glasses and the Yadgar Salad. The Salad has evolved over the years from Modest to Substantial. With Black Olives and two types of Pickled Green Chillies this is quite a Feast in itself. We both knew what was about to happen.
Mr Anwar Sr. entered the premises. Having removed his coat, he was straight across. The Renovations were very much the discussion point, for once Curry was not mentioned. Having witnessed The Workers at Work during the exterior renovations he was clearly not putting any exact time on the completion of this project. The floor had in fact been finished, new tiles were just about visible. A single toilet door will give access to the separate Ladies and Gents. Hopefully both of these will be totally gutted and brought into the Twenty First Century. The work is being done from 07.00 until 13.00 so that they can carry on with their business of serving the Best Curry in Glasgow.
The work could be completed by the end of this week. I am tempted to return on Saturday.
We know the Review of the Karela Gosht is going to be Wonderful, so lets begin with the Mixed Pakora. Look at the Size of it! For Marg, this had Defeat written all over it. Yadgar is also a Takeaway, so no worries, Hector was already looking forward to sampling the Leftovers at a later time.
The Fish Pakora was plentiful. Fish in Batter – was how Marg described it. Methinks it be far more than this. The tell-tale Coriander Leaves gave away that there was Subtle Spicing in there too. Fish at Yadgar is always a Treat, check any Review where The Friends of Hector have – been fed -, the Scottish Haddock. I have never seen the point of Chicken Pakora, the Meat adds nothing. Surely Chicken Chaat or Tikka is a much better Starter? Still, Marg enjoyed this too, well she ordered it. Mushroom Pakora can be Rubbery, these were not. The Vegetable Pakora was Fairly Standard. All was Fresh and Tasty.
Marg ate more than she anticipated, she had to keep herself amused whilst Hector did his thing. When it came time to Bag the Plate, Naveed admitted to Marg that she had only been given so much because of who she was sitting opposite.
Let’s take time to consider the venues which give Four or Five Pieces of Pakora as a Serving, AND charge approaching half the price of a Main Course too.
Karela Gosht
It has been a while indeed. The Curry looked very similar to the Karahi which is normally consumed. The Masala was identical, Thick and Minimal and Shrouds the Meat like no other Masala I have encountered. One can tell the Masala belongs to the Meat, they are as one, not Sauce poured over Meat and – how do you do? The Lamb was on-the-bone, believe me, this is important, so much more Flavour. The distinctive Yadgar Taste was there, not as intense as in the Karahi, the Karela may have tempered this by adding its Natural Bitterness. The Karela was visible but not over-present. An abundance would have sent us down the – let’s cover the Curry in Onion and Capsicum route.
Seeking a Quality Vegetable Rice has bubbled up once more in Hector’s priorities. With Karahi it has to be Bread, study the Splendour of what was presented here, then Cringe! Mr. Arshad was nowhere to be seen today, he would know. The #3 Chef remains unknown to Hector – still – in went the Capsicum, Hector sat and picked out every offending piece before smothering it. The Potato content was to the fore, the Mushrooms and Peas brought up the rear. This made for a Very Filling Meal, and Hector had only ordered a Portion, not the usual Half Kilo.
I was nearing the End-Game when Shkoor entered. He was upon us immediately knowing full well that I had not pre-arranged this meal.
Oh, what have they done?! – he remarked on seeing the Pile of Offending Green Mush.
The Bill
£12.50. A Mountain of Food.
The Aftermath
There was a lengthy discussion with Shkoor about the Curry, and of course the Renovations. The new colour of the wall may be an undercoat.
Update
New Curryspondent Stanley has provided the following information:
The long awaited renovations are underway, wall tiles in the eating area and the toilets look first class. I am told that all the equipment in the carryout counter area and the kitchen is being replaced. I hope it does not affect the flavours of Glasgows best curry house.
Regards
Stanley
Two staff acknowledged me as I entered, some familiar staff members were conspicuous by their absence this evening. The place was stowed, what looked like a large party was nearing its conclusion in the main dining area. We were taken to a high table beside the pool table on the far side, not ideal, but we were in.
Maggie’s Crispy Bhindi became a distraction briefly. The Okra had been sliced longways and was dipped in a Spicy Coating. How the Chef managed to keep the Okra this Dry was impressive. 
The Dish looked like Fish Bait as served in Greece. The Palate expected a Salty Blast, this was quite a subtle dish. We all sampled the Crispy Bhindi and were impressed. Meanwhile the Lamb Chops required our attention.
Lamb Chops, mmmm. Maggie forced down half a Lamb Chop too.
Of all the Dishes on the table, Maggie’s Chicken Saagwala looked the most enticing. A Lamb version must be investigated in the future. Whilst she enjoyed her Curry, her frustration became more visible. Chaps at the adjacent table were backing into her and causing discomfort. She was not amused. We were here – To Dine!
Hector’s Spicy Aloo Gosht Karahi had visibly more Dry Methi on Top, Marg had yet to experience this recent Variation.
The First Dip of the Paratha was into the gathering Oil, what a way to start. This combination of Paratha, Potato and Lamb was Excellent, as Wonderful a Curry as can be served at the 
Who was enjoying the Experience more, Hector or Marg? The Methi Topping is the icing on the cake.
Marg must have a White Coffee at the 
We had perused the Desi Menu on the train on the journey into town. Steve was already interested in the Lamb Rarra, A Lamb Dish with Lamb Mince in the Masala. A Garlic and Coriander Naan would accompany. Hector was in the mood for a Dish which dates back to the days of 
We ate the lot, clean plates all round. We didn’t like it – I said to Akhtar as he cleared away the crockery. He could tell.
Plates were assembled on the counter, Mein Host was the aerial conveyor, first to be set down was a single Chicken Seekh Kebab. He wanted me to sample it, and so I did, and as is befitting those who wish to feed the Hector, it is reviewed. What might be considered a half portion of Aloo Gosht followed and a fair-sized portion of Chicken Mince and Potatoes (Aloo Murgh Keema) was placed last.
One Dish would cool whilst the other was consumed, or tackle both at once?
And so Hector had another Chicken experience. Chicken Tikka Masala looms. The Oil content was so minimal there was next to no residue on the plate at the end. More Seasoning required, this did not have – The Wow – I have experienced from the Lamb Mince version. Still, the kick was there, Dry as Curry can be served, no Masala to speak of. With the fresh Tomatoes on top, the much sought after Diversity of Texture; how many boxes ticked? As the second Chapatti was tackled the realisation had long since hit home, no way should I have ordered this one. Still, we are not in Aberdoom where Two Chapattis cost as much as a Glasgow Curry.
The Monthly Trip to 
e so enjoyed two weeks ago – Chicken Karahi. He was offered Palak but stuck to his guns and had the Chicken version of the Hector Lamb Karahi with Dry Methi sprinkled on top.
The Aloo Gosht had seriously large pieces of Potato. I must try this Dish. However, the Masala is in the Shorva-style, not the Dry-Thick Masala Hector prefers.
With Bones, the Half-kilo is easily manageable. Superbly Tender Lamb in a Minimal Masala Mush, a Curry Fantasy. A Fantastic Curry. There is only one 
Poppadoms and Dips were brought, enough for Five. Jamie and Iain arrived moments later. By this time Irfan had confirmed that – The Dish – would be Lamb on-the-bone and there would be enough for Three. That was Dr. Stan Steve and Hector sorted, the joy of being punctual.
The Mixed Combo is One Seekh Kebab, Two Pieces of Chicken Tikka and Two Pieces of Lamb Tikka. The Spiciness from the Seekh Kebab Titillates The Palate. The Succulence of the Chicken Tikka complements this. The Intensity of Flavour from the Lamb Tikka brings this Starter to a Wonderful Conclusion. Jamie demolished the Lamb Tikka, without the build up it’s not the same.
Steve was given Four Good-sized Lamb Chops. Two had Big Bones, two Small. Tasty! Next time. We were on the £15.00 eat a la Carte Deal despite it being a Friday. Cheers, Rashid!
This must be Hector Special #4. Dry Masala, Thick with Methi. Rashid is a Regular Reader of Curry-Heute, he knows.
The Seasoning was less intense than has been served previously, Steve was glad. The Spice Level was at a Killer Level. The Tenderest of Lamb had minimal Bones in the Hector Portion, some in Steve’s, Dr. Stan took the brunt. This was Excellent Curry but still a bit short of – Wow! The Good People of Glasgow’s 
Hector finds himself at The Ashoka Ashton Lane (9 Ashton Lane, Glasgow, G12 8SJ) mid afternoon. Completing the visits to all Harlequin Curry Houses north of the River Clyde, Hector is delighted that it is possible to eat here all day from noon. Not enough venues are open in Glasgow after lunchtime.
No sooner had I poured the Water into the Glass when a Chap came through the adjacent door with the Chaat. Two Little Chicken Pieces. 
The Lamb was spot on in terms of needing chewing but not being so soft it didn’t. There was no Flavour emanating from the Lamb itself. As in a previous visit to an 
I couldn’t possibly be here and not have the Tandoori Lamb Chops. Normally I have to share some of the Portion of Six, not tonight. I informed Clive that we were having a Portion Each. Yvonne and Craig would share One Portion. I was set to go up to the Bar to order when a familiar Young Waiter produced a pad, we would be served at the table. This also means one is not paying in advance. The system is evolving.
The Lamb Chops are that Magnificent. Spicy, Succulent, almost OTT. If Craig can eat these, he can eat a Curry at any strength. There are two ways to eat Lamb Chops – as Nature Intended, or the Posh Edinburgh Public School way.
Both Craig and Yvonne were using their knife and fork. Que? In the end, Yvonne gave up, Her Weegieness disproved a long held myth – Yvonne would do that…
Meanwhile elsewhere, Craig was swearing at The Hector. He was thoroughly enjoying his Methi-Melange but he too was finding the Spice Level to be nearing Ten. If Craig survived the Lamb Chops, he will be fine with this.
A familiar face from the days of 
The Familiar Waiter, Akhtar, came and sat at the adjacent table. He knew my face, knew of Hector, but had not matched the two. He even has my phone number. There was a lengthy discussion about the Menu. That which is written above was relayed. The Desi List impresses, but where is the Fish equivalent? As I whipped out the Trusty Samsung to show the Fish Chettinad served at