Curry-Heute

And then there were three, a Fishy Tale

To mark the occasion of the Fiftieth Blog Entry on Curry-Heute for Yadgar Kebab House (148 Calder St., Govanhill, G42 7QP), and the first venue to achieve this, there had to be a Special Curry.

This is also the perfect time to show appreciation for the excellent food and personal service that Mr Anwar Sr, Shkoor, Naveed, Ahmed and the Chefs – Mr Shah and Mr, Arshad, have served up in the three years I have been visiting these premises. 

Yadgar may have to close temporarily in the near future as the building is redeveloped.  Perhaps the interior may be further enhanced?

Communication Breakdown

Arriving a few minutes after the scheduled 18.00 booking, the first thing Hector had to do was apologise to Shkoor that we would only be three diners, food had been ordered for four.  The Phantom Fourth Diner was actually present. Eh?

Dr. Rick and Dr. Stan are now old hands at Being Fed at Yadgar. Hector had a cunning plan. It took a week to arrange but a Machi Karahi had never been considered. Perhaps this was brought on by the plethora of Lamb consumed in Tunisia in the last fortnight. Shkoor had assured Hector that he would personally oversee the sourcing of the Fish. We are used to the excellent Scottish Cod, served in foil that we have as a Starter, this would surely be something truly different. With Fish as The Main, we would need Meat to start. Hector has never had a Chapli Kebab at Yadgar, tonight would be the night.

Having taken our seats, Ahmed was straight over with a plate of ice. Ice? Yes, Dear Reader, it is that warm in Glasgow. The jug of water was dispatched and the Rubicon Mango further chilled. Shkoor took the remaining order himself. We would each have a Chapli, Hector would have the Vegetable Rice and the two Doctors would stick with the usual Chapattis.

The Complimentary Poppadoms, Spiced Onion and Dips were divvied up. Three Chapli Kebabs arrived in good time. This may be a Chicken-based Starter, however, the Herb content was sufficient to make a tasty overall experience.

Machi (Fish) Karahi

Three Chaps were aghast when Shkoor brought the largest karahi ever brought to a table. The photograph should surely capture the moment. A solo diner came over to witness The Event.  I bet he comes back.

There was a mass of Cod sitting in the classic Yadgar Masala. I took half of the Vegetable Rice and passed on the rest. The Chaps took some and then there was the Ritual Dip of The Chapatti whilst Hector wielded a Fork, here we go.

The taste of Fish in a Curry should always be powerful. The Masala matched it perfectly. This was a combination that Hector should have enquired about long ago. The Vegetable Rice also did its bit to add to the overall pleasure. The varied Textures of the Vegetables and their individual Flavours, especially the slight sweetness from the Carrots had the Hector going. Another First Class Curry Moment.

Shkoor threatened not to let us leave the building until we had finished. I boldly predicted we would manage. This quantity of Lamb would have beaten us, Fish is much lighter, but even Dr. Stan remarked on the fact he was filling up. Dr. Rick too was probably considering the asymptotes of his intake. His verdict went along the following – Swimming in a well mixed Masala accentuated by the Fresh Ginger, Onion and Coriander. The Tender Fish left you eating to get The Taste, ignoring the fact that your stomach wanted to stop ages ago.

Dr. Stan described his Cod Steaks Curry – Chunky bits of Cod in a Full, Rich, Spicy Sauce.

How is it?  – asked Shkoor on another visit to check on our progress.

Fit enough to mark The Occasion – was Hector’s reply.

Mr. Arshad, the Chef popped out from the kitchen. I caught his eye and verified that this Karahi was his creation. I invited him over to be photographed.

Shkoor had also suggested a Cake to mark the occasion. Who could have eaten it? The offer was appreciated but declined.

We come for The Curry!

The Bill

We had ordered for four, we paid for four. Regular Readers will know what we paid.

The Aftermath

Three beds would have been appreciated at this point. We gathered ourselves and gave our thanks as we left. And so to the City Centre with the Sun still blazing.

Glasgow is having a Summer.

 Behind the Scaffolding lies a Curry House – Yadgar!

Thankfully The Yadgar Kebab House (148 Calder St., Govanhill, G42 7QP) remains open for business despite the Redevelopment in the Tenement Block in which it is sited. Naveed suggested a Starter when I entered. This was declined. Despite not having eaten for some 28 Hours, somewhere over France at 30,000ft, Hector anticipated a Welcome Home Feast.

Mr. Anwar Sr. greeted me as I took my seat. Naveed brought out the customary Complementary Poppadoms, Salad and Dips. More Salad. I have seen a lot of Salad I the last two weeks, but not served with Pickles Chilli Peppers. The pre-ordered Karahi was no doubt in its final stages of preparation.

Officially, Goshat Karahi is sold by The Portion or The Kilo. The Hector Portion is evidently somewhere in between. With sufficient Masala to be considered Curry, the Large pieces of Lamb on-the-bone are always something to Savour, well worth the Photograph. The Vegetable Rice portion is also on the Large Side, but wait, what’s this?

Somehow, pieces of the Dreaded Green Mushy Vegetable had been mixed in to the Rice along with the Potato, Onion, Mushroom and Peas. At least they weren’t in the Karahi.

Chef #3

Mr Arshad was not on duty this afternoon. Another Chap was responsible for the Creativeness of the Goshat Karahi. Whilst still very much possessing the unique Character of the Yadgar Goshat Karahi it did not have the extra – Wow – Factor that was served up by The Maestro on the previous visit. When the Bar is set That High one cannot expect Curry of Olympic Gold Medal standards to be served every time. However, Yadgar Curry will always get a Medal Winning Place.

Capsicum

Shkoor entered whilst I was approaching the second half of The Massive Feed. A Brief account of the Tunisian Curry scene was described. He then noticed the presence of Capsicum on my plate.

What Have They Done?

This was put down to the fact that in recent times I have been ordering Chapattis as the Standard Accompaniment. However, when Vegetable Rice with this quantity of Vegetable is served, it cannot be ignored forever.

The Bill

£13.00. A Great Feed at a Great Price.

The Aftermath

Fish Karahi was discussed. Shkoor has assured me he will personally source some suitable Fish. Our Next Visit?

Our Next Visit

The Yadgar Kebab House will be the first Curry Venue to attain 50 Reviews on Curry-Heute!

I don’t know if I have mentioned it yet, but Hector is on Holiday!

In the midst of the Mahogany (Teachers’ New Year) Celebrations last evening, there was a realisation that Hector had not been fed since Lunchtime. This would have to be seriously addressed today – Curry-Heute! Dr. Stan was keen for a Lunchtime Curry, Steve would confirm by noon today. He is on Holiday too, I don’t know if I have mentioned this already… Howard and Tracey were late additions. There was only one place to go when one is seriously Hungry – Yadgar (148 Calder St., Govanhill, G42 7QP). I texted Shkoor last night to asking he could Feed Three at 14.00. He advised that this could only be achieved at 15.30 at the earliest. At Noon I texted again to enquire – if there were Five Fish left in The Sea?

Arriving first today I saw why. The place was Stowed, I have never seen Yadgar so busy. It was a Friday Afternoon, this must have something to do with it… I am not normally at Yadgar on a Friday Afternoon, but then I am on Holiday!

When we ask To Be Fed, no Food Order as such is given, but Shkoor had verified that we would all eat Lamb Karahi al la Hector. Curry prepared in the Yadgar style with a Hector Refinement, what more can one ask for?

We were all assembled punctually, the Poppadoms, Hot Dip, Raita and Spiced Onion were brought out along with the Drinks. No Sparkling Water, what sort of place is this? Munching away on the Poppadoms I was approached by a Young Chap – Hi Mr. ******, you were my Geography Teacher back in S2. I recognised the Face but had to ask for the name – Kassif! My second visit to Yadgar in six days and the second person I have met with a Helensburgh Connection.

Ahmed brought an Olive laden Salad to accompany the Starter. When he laid a plate with massive Slices of Cod in front of Steve he gasped – What’s this? I had advised Steve to eat nothing before coming today, he could now see why. One needs to have starved oneself for Twenty Four Hours do do – Being Fed, justice.

What type of Fish is this? – asked Howard. Scottish Cod, baked in Foil and covered in just enough Spice and Fresh Green Chilli to make it interesting. This is a Treat we keep for special Occasions…did I mention…? A Slab of Fish – was Tracey’s remark. I’m full already!– was her next.

Dr. Stan and Hector are now old hands at this, we know that this is the perfect warm-up for what is to come. Fortunately Ahmed was on-side when I suggested a break was necessary between courses. This was after Naveed had passed the table and assured us our Mains would be here soon.

The Pending Renovations

Mr. Anwar Sr. knows us all. He came out to chat, this was a good opportunity to ask about the works going on all around. His observations about the progress was quite amusing. What will not amuse is when the Contractors decide the fate of Yadgar’s Ceiling and Floor. Their fate has yet to be decided. I wonder if they do have to close for a lengthy period if the entire premises will get a makeover? Mr. Anwar discussed their consideration of Temporary Relocation but concluded this would be impractical. I suggested a Portacabin located outside. I was being serious.

Killed By Death

The Vegetable Rice arrived first. Two Portions between five, more than adequate. As is written, this is a meal in itself. Peas, Cauliflower and Potato to the fore. Sufficient Interesting Vegetables. One Large Karahi of Goshat Karahi on-the-bone (a la Hector) was placed at the far end of the table from Hector. Three looked on, I knew another was coming. Three Chapattis on a Basket accompanied the next Karahi, set between Dr. Stan and Hector. They know the score. Steve and Howard would demolish one Karahi, Tracey would assist. Meanwhile when Dr. Stan and Hector felt the Elegant Sufficiency was looming, we could offer any Surplus onwards. And so it was time – To Eat.

With a modest amount of Vegetable Rice spooned on to the plate and a Chapatti set aside I let Dr. Stan take the first portion. The Comfort begins before the eating. When one sees what remains and one knows the quality of what one is about to embark on … this is Curry, this is Pleasure.

Tracey remarked that only at Yadgar would she look at a Red-ish Curry with this level of anticipation. My conclusion is that Mr. Arshad must Blend some of the Onions to create the Thick Masala that Shrouds the Lamb. The Lamb of course was Perfect. Tender, but with sufficient Resistance. The Leg Bones invited Sucking, I did. It is well recorded that the Marrow from the bones adds significantly to the overall Flavour. Not everyone fancies Bones, they can be stripped and discarded. If you haven’t had Lamb on-the-bone, then reconsider.

The Masala is what makes the Dish – a Curry. The Oil content looked a bit more than the Yadgar Norm, the Salt content was Sheer Perfection. No Salt = Bland Curry. That’s the way I like it, baby, I don’t want to live forever.

I remarked on the Seasoning to Dr. Stan who shares my Palate, I received a – Mmmm – he concurred. It became apparent very quickly that Splendid as Yadgar Goshat Karahi is, this was something Special. I can still recall my first Yadgar Curry and the Flavours that won me over instantly. This was another such moment, how can one improve on perfection? This Curry is as good as it has ever been – was my declaration.

Tracey somehow found another appetite. Steve sampled some of the Karahi which Hector and Dr. Stan had hitherto shared, just to ensure they were the same. Howard was dipping his Chapatti into the base of the Karahi knowing that in the Ghee is the source of another Magical Taste Experience. A Fourth Chapatti had been supplied just to ensure everyone was well taken care of.

Shkoor entered Yadgar and gave us his customary greeting. We were nearing the End Game, we were very quiet. I offered Euan’s great quote – The Silence of The Lamb. There was one piece of Bone with an appreciable piece of Lamb attached, nobody would commit. We had been Fed.

Shkoor suggested that he should buy the Flats above Yadgar and let out Beds for people to recover. We could all have done with a Wee Lie Down.

The Bill

£75.00. £15 a Head was the expected Fee, this is what Shkoor announced. Tips are something I do not tend to report, but just in case anyone wonders, there is always a Tip.

The Aftermath

The Allison Arms was mentioned. A Bottle of Deutsche Bier to wash down the Curry. This also gave me the opportunity to get precise comments on the Food Served.

Dr. Stan is usually a Man of Few Words, today he was positively verbose – Brilliant Curry, one of the best I have had. Tracey was equally direct – Excellent as we have come to expect. Steve remarked – It’s a same I had no more room in my stomach, it was very more-ish. Howard was giving dictation – Stunning, probably the best Yadgar Curry I have ever had! What stood out was the Spice content, it was significant without being overwhelming. The Length of the Flavour Lasted, a Real length of Spice, it kept on going.

Eh?

Dear Reader, it is fair to say that today’s Curry-Heute must be regarded as a Lambmark (sic) Moment. There is no reason why Joe Public cannot phone in and ask for this. Simply ask to be Fed, Hector-style. Archie, name the day and I shall join you.

The next Curry-Heute will be interesting. How many Curry Houses are there in Tunisia?

Thursday, 18:31 

Dear Chap, Hector needs a Goshat Karahi with Bones, Saturday 15:00 would be ideal. What are your thoughts?

Thursday, 18: 36 

1. You are long overdue a visit to Yadgar.

2. I am humbled that you still consider Yadgar as your favourite feed.

3. You are always welcome at my abode, announced or otherwise.

One can walk in off the street and order a very fine Curry at Yadgar (148 Calder St., Govanhill, G42 7QP), or as Hector was invited to do during his second ever visit, order in advance and save the forty five minute preparation that the Goshat Karahi requires. The Goshat Karahi is IMHO still the Bestest Curry served in the City of Glasgow. Fortunately there are close Competitors else the Glasgow Curry Scene would not justify the many words that are written in these pages.

Approaching Yadgar, the Scaffolding on the Tenement Block in which this Restaurant/Takeaway is housed had visibly expanded since my last visit in April. More on this later. It was exactly 15:00 when Hector entered the premises. Naveed as ever was there to greet. Chapattis have become my standard Accompaniment, however the Vegetable Rice here is outstanding. No Chapattis?– asked Naveed. No Sparkling Water? – asked Hector. I wonder who drank it all. Clearly there is no demand for Sparkling Water.

Mr Arshad, The Chef, sat at the smallest table where The Staff tend to eat adjacent to my Lone Diner Table. I have cooked you a Karahi – he assured me. I wondered if there was another message contained in this simple statement. As much as dining in company is enjoyable, I know that when I come to Yadgar alone, I am spoiled, at times to a level of embarrassment. Today would be such a day.

Poppadoms, Spiced Onion and a Hot and Spicy Sauce were brought out. Two Poppadoms? I was little way through the second when Naveed brought a Large Karahi to the table. This Receptacle is usually reserved for the Full Kilo, this was not a Normal Portion. There were large pieces of Bone visible, however, there was no need to worry about the Lamb to Bone Ratio, there was as much here as any mortal could eat.

The Plate of Vegetable Rice could easily have served two, I know because Neil and Hector shared a portion last time. Yadgar serve a Supreme Vegetable Curry comprising of Potato, Cauliflower, Carrots and Peas. The same Vegetables were mixed through the Basmati. I recently wrote that I have only ever ordered one Biryani in all my years of ordering Curry. Maybe one day I could be tempted to do so again, here. This was a Meal in itself. Morally I couldn’t leave any Meat, I knew I would be defeated by the total quantity, some Rice would be left, but hopefully not too much.

The Goshat Karahi had seemingly limitless Lamb, and not all on-the-bone. The Lamb was seriously Tender but not to the level where it feels it had been Brewing in a Pot for days. Sheer Perfection. The Masala is what makes a Curry. There was a visible layer of Ghee collecting at the base of the Karahi, this is where the Phenomenal Flavours tend to assemble. Best kept for later. The Masala Shrouded the Lamb, to achieve this Texture without Daal is remarkable. The Flavours were so familiar – Yadgar – I could pick this out from any Curry served in Glasgow. The Kick was exactly enough to assure the Diner that this was indeed Curry. Round One was over, I spent some time enjoying the Vegetables and Rice before spooning on the Base. Time for another Knock-out Experience.

Hector was here to eat. Hector was being spoiled, once again.

As I approached the end Mr Arshad asked if I could perhaps eat one Portion more? Naveed asked if I needed anything else.

The Other Chap

I recognise all of The Faces at Yadgar but don’t know all the names. Mr. Anwar Sr. had passed though whilst I was Dining.

The Other Chap emerged from The Kitchen with a Bowl of my Favourite Punjabi Dessert. Served Hot, this is better than how I served it to Marg when I brought it back from Bradford. Coconut based, it is Sweet, but not excessively so. Where was the room to eat this? Some say there is always room for Dessert. I was considering my plight when a Couple with three young children walked in to the dining area.

So, Mr. Ali, you have come for some Outstanding Curry? I remarked.

It was Shuel from The Akash (as was) Helensburgh. Son of the Erstwhile Owner, and a former Pupil of Hector’s to boot, I had not seen Shuel since the hand-over to the New-co. He had to ask if I had been back. They are trying hard – was my verdict. I was intrigued as to what he had ordered. We eat Curry at home – was his justification for ordering Kebabs. I suppose people tend not to have a Tandoor in their homes. Shuel said he was a regular at Yadgar, he also brought up Akbar’s. He found it hard to believe the Two-Tier Menu System operated there. The Nan Breads impressed him with their size and the manner of their serving. Shuel has not been to The Alishan.

The Bill

£13.00. Now Naveed knew and I knew that this was an Arbitrary Figure.

The Aftermath

I asked about the works going around the premises. There was a threat that they could be shut down for months, apparently this will be a matter of weeks later in the year.

Naveed then mentioned – My Missus. Now this must be a quaint Punjabi term I didn’t recognise. He was keen to tell me that she runs an outfit locally called Stylish Mehndi. For those who require it, this Artistic Service can be found on a well known Social Media Site.