Enticing combination of Indian, Thai and Vietnamese cuisines served at Wanchai harbourfront location
February 9th, 2013
Tamarind is a new restaurant (September 2012) located on the Hong Kong harbour front serving a sumptuous cosmopolitan Asian menu representing the authentic cuisines of India, Thailand and Vietnam. Occupying the premises that previously housed the Italian-Indian restaurant Duetto- the owners have refreshed the space and re-launched under the Tamarind concept- offering a true Pan-Asian fine dining experience. The restaurant space takes advantage of its superb position at the edge of the harbour, in heart of the busy Wanchai office district, with a spacious, contemporary interior dining room, plus an expansive outdoor terrace that wraps around the glass paneled facade of the restaurant. Tamarind serves lunch and dinner daily, with the outdoor terrace, in particular, a popular destination to partake in evening drinks in a relaxed and comfortable environment whilst absorbing the wonderful harbour and skyline views.
The concept of Pan-Asian restaurants is currently one of the more fashionable culinary trends in sophisticated dining cities ranging from London to New York. Taking guests on a culinary voyage of the most popular south Asian cuisines, the menu at Tamarind offers a wide selection of authentic traditional dishes, served with a contemporary flair for plating and presentation. Maintaining the authenticity of the separate cuisines, the kitchen at Tamarind is separated into two distinct sections- the Indian kitchen headed by Chef Ravilal Bhandari; and the Thai-Vietnamese kitchen headed by Thai Chef Amoo. Both chefs bring more than 15 years individual experience cooking in leading international and Hong Kong restaurants, and have a deep knowledge and passion for their respective native cuisines, combining to produce a comprehensive menu with over 130 individual dishes to select from. The reasonably priced menu offers selections from each kitchen of Appetizers; Salads and Soups; Seafood, Meat and Poultry; Thai and Vietnamese curries and vegetables; Indian vegetables; Noodles and Rice & Biryani; plus freshly baked breads from the tandoor oven. Certainly Tamarind would be an excellent dining option for a diverse group of people with different taste preferences.
At the Indian kitchen, standout dishes from Chef Bhandari include the Pani Poori Trio- which are crispy puffs stuffed with tangy potatoes and a selection of three spiced waters (Tamarind, Mint & Beetroot) that are poured into the puffs before eating whole; Lamb Dum Biryani- Basmati rice and boneless lamb braised with spices and Saffron cooked in a sealed pot; and from the Tandoori oven- Tandoori Mix Grill King Prawn, Fish, Chicken & Lamb Kebab.
Notable dishes from the Thai & Vietnamese kitchen of Chef Amoo- Thai Pomelo Salad with Grilled Prawn; Royal Thai Massaman Curry of chicken and baby potatoes; and Pho Bo- Hanoi Raw Beef Sticky Rice Noodles Soup.
The bar at Tamarind serves a full range of alcoholic beverages including wines, champagnes, beers and premium spirits. A good selection of non-alcoholic mocktails, and traditional Indian beverages such as the strawberry and mango lassi (yogurt-based fruit beverages)- offer healthy refreshment.
Main Dining Room
Dining room entrance with the kitchen on left side, and bar in the background.
Dining booths set across the window front with views over Victoria Harbour.
The dining room features a contemporary, uncluttered decor with muted natural tones. The restaurant is a popular venue for corporate events, private parties and weddings.
Outdoor Terrace
The large timber decked outdoor terrace extends across the front, and down one side, in L shape.
Looking across the front terrace section towards Causeway Bay and the Wanchai harbourfront.
Side section of the timber terrace – with both lounge and dining table settings
Selections from the Drinks Menu
Thai Refreshment – Iced mocktail, mixed with soda, mint leaves and lime
Tamarind Punch- A sweet-and-sour mocktail made with tamarind and soda water
Rose Lassi- Traditional Indian drink, yoghurt mixed with rose water. Other options- strawberry lassi or mango lassi
Highlights from the Food Menu
Pani Poori Trio- Popular Indian street-food savoury. Crispy Puffs stuffed with Spiced Potatoes with 3 flavours of spiced beverage (Tamarind, Mint & Beetroot). From the Indian kitchen.
Rice Paper Roll with prawn- traditional Vietnamese style, with grilled prawns. From the Thai / Vietnamese kitchen
Tamarind Fish- Black Cod Roasted in tamarind served with Garlic Rice. Signature dish From the Thai / Vietnamese kitchen
Char Grilled Pork Neck with Spicy Tamarind Sauce. From the Thai / Vietnamese kitchen
Vietnamese coffee- Hot Vietnamese coffee served in dripping style.
Tamarind- Pan-Asian Restaurant & Bar- Hong Kong
Address: 2/Floor, Sun Hung Kai Centre, 30 Harbour Road, Wanchai. Hong Kong
MTR: Wanchai station – Exit A1 or A2- 10 minutes walk.
Enquiries: +852. 2827 7777
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/tamarindhk
Opening hours: Daily 11:00 am ~ 12:00 am
