Yadgar, City Road, Cardiff Afghan restaurant review

Whilst City Road gets a lot of bad press, it’s easily one of my favourite streets in Cardiff.

Where else in the city can you eat almost 20 different global cuisines within the space of a kilometre?

By my estimation you can eat Afghani, African, American, British, Bangladeshi, Chinese, Greek, Indian, Iranian, Irish, Italian, Japanese, Lebanese, Pakistani, Syrian, Thai, Turkish or Yemeni cooking. 

Out of the above, it’s Afghan cuisine which seems to be having a moment on City Road as not one, but two restaurants have opened in the last few months.

Yadgar is the latest addition to the street, having arrived just a few weeks ago.

They’ve done a nice job on the refurb of the former La Shish site with its bright and modern interior coupled with black and white pictures of Afghanistan.

Yadgar’s whopping two-sided menu is divided up into Afghan dishes, kebabs and Asian dishes such as paneer tikka, butter chicken and nihari. There’s a lot to get your head around, so we decided to focus on the Afghan dishes as they’re the house speciality.

On the drinks front, excellent mango lassis were ice cold with just the right hit of tropical fruit and creamy yoghurt.

A complimentary salad was the first dish to arrive, and it set the standard for the meal. An impeccably crisp and fresh mix of rocket, red cabbage, carrot and onion were zingily dressed and dusted with zesty sumac.

Next to arrive were complimentary bowls of thick and peppery chicken soup. Flecked with shreds of chicken and pieces of sweetcorn and carrot, it was reminiscent of the chicken and sweetcorn soup you get in Chinese restaurants but with a little extra spice. It was good but I’m never fully sold on the slightly gelatinous texture.

When we tried to order a starter of hummus, we were advised that it would also be complimentary and so we didn’t need to order it. What arrived was a combination of cucumber and mint flecked creamy yoghurt and thick tahini laced hummus.

Both the dips were delicious and served alongside freshly made naan with a pillowy soft crumb and crisped edges. Thankfully, the dips did end up appearing on the bill for £4 - otherwise I’d worry how Yadgar is going to make any money with all those freebies.

Onto the mains, and first up were the mantu (£13). Ten thick cased yet tender steamed dumplings were filled with a mix of minced lamb, onion and carrot. They were very tasty, if a little light on filling, and were elevated hugely by the addition of a spiced tomato and lentil sauce, tangy yoghurt and a mix of fragrant dried herbs.

Kabuli pilau (£13), Afghanistan’s national dish, was unquestionably the star of the meal. Hidden amongst a pile of fluffy, fragrant rice flecked with caramelised carrot were nudgingly tender pieces of slow-cooked bone-in lamb.

It’s certainly up there with the best lamb I’ve eaten in Cardiff. However, what really made the dish sing was the occasional pop of sweet and juicy sultanas.

A bowl of lubya, a spiced kidney bean and tomato stew that was served on the side, provided ideal saucing.

Our excellent value lunch at Yagar provided a delicious introduction to Afghani cooking. It’s one more national cuisine that helps make City Road such a special street to visit.

The Details:

Address - Yadgar, 17-19 City Road, Cardiff CF24 3BJ

Web - https://www.instagram.com/yadgar.restaurant

Telephone - 07851 669762

Chucho's, Byker, Newcastle Mexican restaurant review

Byker _____

If you’re of a particular age then it’s highly likely there's only one word you'd use to fill in the blank.

After nearly 20 years since it’s been on TV, Byker Grove and its motley crew of Spuggy, PJ, Duncan and Geoff, are still what this area of Newcastle is most famous for.

However, I'd argue that nowadays Byker should be just as well known for its tacos as its grove.

The reason being, it’s home to the excellent Chucho’s.

Jesus Tavizon Sosa (nickname Chucho) hails from Veracruz on the Gulf of Mexico but has lived in Newcastle for 15 years. In 2017, he opened Chucho’s on Shields Road in Byker, and ever since it’s earned a steady stream of glowing reviews. Even comedian James Acaster singled it out on Off Menu, naming it his favourite taqueria in the UK. 

On a grey and icy day, Chucho’s is a sunny spot with its colourful vinyl tablecloths, primary-coloured walls and sultrily posed Dia de los Muertos doll.

Chucho's menu is dominated by a selection of 15 types of taco, all of which are served on homemade corn tortillas. If you want something else, there are quesadillas, enfrijoladas and burritos.

On the booze front, a good margherita had plenty of citrus and a good whack of tequila. I've always been intrigued the Michaelada, a beer-based cocktail, and intriguing might be the best way to describe it too. Malty modelo lager, spiced tomato juice and a Tajin rim combined to make an unfamiliar yet enjoyable combination. 

A pair of salsas lurking on the table were a herald of things to come. Smoky scotch bonnet salsa roja had a nuclear chilli build whilst a more vibrant yet still hot green salsa was a soothing balm in comparison.

A plate of nachos (£8) had been constructed with the same care as a bouquet of flowers. Gorgeously crisp homemade tortillas were embedded in a pile of comforting refried black beans, thick guacamole, fresh pico de gallo, tangy feta and coriander.

A trio of tacos, made with impeccably fresh soft corn tortillas, were absolute monsters that were well worth their £13.50 for three price tag. 

Crisp battered white fish was paired with shredded red cabbage and a sweet and fruity mango salsa. Earthy spiced nuggets of homemade Mexican chorizo worked exceptionally well alongside a pile of pink pickled onions. Finally, crisp-edged shreds of pork carnitas with thick guacamole were very good too.

We saw a neighbouring diner nodding with approval after every mouthful of his enfrijoladas (£7). So, we decided it was probably a good idea to order a portion. A quartet of soft corn tortillas were stuffed with hearty refried beans and topped with tangy feta, onion and coriander. The clincher was the nuggets of crisp and smoky chorizo (£2 extra) that were scattered over the top.

Impressed so far, it would have been rude to turn down a portion of churros (£6.50) for dessert. Crisp and well-coated in cinnamon sugar, they were naughtily served on a generous pool of Nutella. 

We had an excellent lunch at Chucho’s and I’d concur with James Acaster that they’re some of the best tacos I’ve eaten in the UK. Despite the wealth of excellent restaurants in Newcastle, I’d be itching for a return to Byker for some tacos next time we’re in the area.

The Details:

Address - Chucho's, 279 Shields Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 1DQ
Web - https://www.chuchosmexican.co.uk/
Telephone - 0191 265 7458

Konak, Roath, Cardiff Turkish restaurant review

There’s a good reason why many people’s favourite curry house, Chinese restaurant or fish and chip shop is just a short walk from where they live.

It’s not necessarily because they serve the best food, have the friendliest service, or the best vibes.

Of course, they’re all very important. But, it’s convenience which is the factor that many people neglect to mention when naming their favourite places. 

I can certainly relate. At the end of a busy week, I’d rather go somewhere just a small shuffle from home instead of schlepping across town for a shashlik or shish.

Which brings me to Konak, a new Turkish-ish restaurant that’s opened a short walk from where we live and that also happens to be en route to two of my favourite watering holes, Pop n Hops and State of Love and Trust.

Located on the former site of the Juboraj by Roath Park, a konak is the Turkish word for a large stately home. Whilst the building that Cardiff’s Konak occupies isn’t exactly a stylish mansion, it’s great to see the venue back in action after its inauspicious end under previous owners. They’ve done a nice job on the refurb of the interior too, with its dark wood and moody lantern lighting.

Konak’s menu is dominated by a Turkish influenced selection of mezze, grills and casseroles as well as a few European sounding dishes, like creamy garlic mushrooms and seabass with turmeric beurre blanc. 

I always enjoy a beer with a kebab, and Konak serves the highly gluggable Efes (£6.50) on draught.

A basket of complimentary bread was warm and squishy with a good glossy crust. Sweet red pepper and garlic and mint yoghurt dips were lovely accompaniments.

Our sizeable hot starter platter for four delivered a bevy of treats and was well-priced at £25. Despite arriving in what seemed like a matter of minutes, it all tasted freshly cooked to order. 

There were crisp crumbed calamari and whitebait, golden crusted halloumi that was very good dipped in sweet chilli sauce, loose textured falafel flecked with whole chickpeas, slices of addictively savoury and spicy fried sucuk, and little filo pastry cigars filled with feta and mozzarella.

Four of us ordered the mixed grill and were all impressed. It’s worth noting though that at £23, it’s a good few quid more expensive than the mixed grill at Saray and Troy.

Loose-textured lamb adana kebab had a lovely waft of smoke and was flecked with plenty of herbs. Golden chicken shish and lamb shish were both commendably tender. However, I preferred the chicken over the lamb. Zesty red cabbage, grated carrot, perky leaves and charred peppers and onions were a cut above the usual kebab house salad whilst a mound of carbs combined a buttery mix of rice and orzo with a layer of nutty bulgur wheat.

We ordered a couple of bowls of fries (£4) because you can never have enough carbs. Whilst they were most likely bought in, they hit the mark when it came to crispness and seasoning.

Mrs G was the only person to order something other than a mixed grill and her chicken shish with yoghurt (£20) was every bit as impressive. Hunks of tender chicken were bathed in thick and creamy garlic-twanged greek yoghurt, a fruity tomato sauce, and capped off with a good drizzle of rich and caramel-twanged brown butter.

On the side was more of that excellent salad, rice and bulgur.

We had a lovely dinner at Konak and the witty waiter who delivered a steady stream of puns made the experience all the more enjoyable. I hope Konak is embraced by the local community on its doorstep who will be crucial to its success. The signs are promising as it was packed on the weekday evening we visited.

The details:

Address - Konak, 2 Lake Road West , Cardiff CF23 5PG
Web - https://konakwales.co.uk/
Telephone -  02920 488999

Five Guys, Oxford review - Guest post by PizzaFaves

In a break from my usual proceedings, this latest post is a guest review from PizzaFaves, the son of an old university friend. Remarkably, this budding young food writer seems to enjoy burgers even more than I do. He may still be in primary school, but I'm sure he's got a bright future in food criticism ahead of him: 

The first burger I ever tried was the regular Dave burger at Wendy’s – it was quite good. The first Burger King burger I tried - it was good, but I always felt like I was going to throw up. The cheese wasn’t melted, which was a big minus (disclaimer: specific Burger King burger could not be recalled). 

But Five Guys is by far my favourite burger place.

The restaurant was very clean. The colours of the restaurant mostly consisted of red and white tiles on the wall which were nice. The people serving us were all very nice. The food arrived very quickly.

I ordered a normal (adult) sized double cheeseburger with ketchup, plus fries. 

Let’s go through the different elements of the burger.

First, the bun. Most burger restaurants in my experience don’t toast the bun. Which doesn’t really change anything. But, in my opinion, it’s a good thing that Five Guys toast their burger buns. 

Second, the ketchup (Heinz). It’s pretty much the same as most ketchup, but it does taste good.

Third, the burger patties - probably the most important part. They are really tasty because they are freshly-made and hand-formed. They are so tasty, it’s really easy to eat two of them. 

Now the fries. Nicely salted, not too crispy, not too soft. They could be improved, but I don’t how.

Water was provided at a station that also gave out various other drinks, fizzy, and non-fizzy. 

Overall, one of the best burger restaurants I’ve ever experienced. I’d say 9.9/10 – it can definitely be improved, but for now - I don’t know how.

The Details:

Address – Five Guys, 13-15 Magdalen St, Oxford OX1 3AE
Web – https://restaurants.fiveguys.co.uk/south-east/13-15-magdalen-st 
Telephone - 01865 595563

Workhorse, Canton, Cardiff cycle cafe review

What is it about bike repair shops and coffee? 

You don’t pop to a cobbler for a cortado, a mechanic for a macchiato, or a horologist for a hot chocolate.

But, there are bike repair cafes up and down the UK. I guess it must be because there’s a big overlap between people who love cycling and snaffling artisanal coffee.

So, it makes perfect sense that Workhorse on Cardiff’s Cowbridge Road East grinds both coffee beans and cycle gears. The front of their building serves as a small café whilst the back operates as a cycle repair workshop. 

Workhorse has been open for two years but it’s only in the last few months that they’ve started serving freshly baked bagels. It certainly seems to be a winning formula, as they were down to their last few bagels when we visited between Christmas and New Year. 

On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, Workhorse sells a pleasingly compact menu of filled bagels alongside a few rotating seasonal specials. Mainstays include the BuLliTt with bacon, rocket, tomato and roast garlic mayo as well as the Cinelli Hash with sweet potato hash and chimichurri rojo. If you happen to visit on a Monday to Thursday and there are any bagels left, then they’re served toasted with more basic toppings.  

I’ve got a hell of a lot of time for a good homemade bagel but there are barely any available in Cardiff. The only other place I’ve had one is the Bagel Place in Cardiff University Student’s Union.

But first, coffee and our friendly barista of ten years backed himself when it came to making a belting flat white (£3.60). He didn’t let me down. Made with Hundred House Bon Bon blend, it was a corker of a coffee with plenty of fruity notes. Mrs G also really enjoyed her long black (£3.20). 

Onto the sandwiches and we ordered one classic and one more creative flavour combination. Weirdly the menu offers prices for full sandwiches (£8.50), open half sandwiches (£7.50) and open full sandwiches (£14.50). I can’t really see many people ordering an open full sandwich when a closed one costs six quid less.   

Crucially, I thought the bread component of both bagels was bang on, with a light chew and soft fresh crumb. Bagels are at their most disappointing when they’re simply a bread roll with a hole in the middle. 

A Bagel + Locks sandwich (£8.50) was crammed with plenty of smoked salmon alongside sweet tomatoes, caper-flecked cream cheese and red onion. It was a very well executed classic. 

A Paneer Roubaix (£8.50) was equally memorable. This whopper of a sandwich was packed with thin slices of creamy, caramelised paneer, a good drizzle of sweet and fiery hot honey, the zing of lime pickle, slices of tomato and a handful of peppery rocket. 

Based on the strength of the sandwiches, I decided to give a sweet treat a run for its money. From a choice between a salted caramel cookie and slice of birthday cake (£4), I was recommended the latter. 

Topped with addictively good coffee and vanilla buttercream icing and a menagerie of sprinkles, it was tasty but let down by a slightly dry sponge. 

We really enjoyed our lunch at Workhorse and they’ve definitely found a winning formula of bagels and coffee that sets them apart from other places in the city. I’m no cyclist but Workhorse most definitely deserve a “chapeau” for their efforts.

The Details:

Address - Workhorse, 364 Cowbridge Road East, Canton, Cardiff CF5 1HE
Web - https://www.workhorsebikes.co.uk/
Telephone - 029 2297 1173