Tamarind

Another outstanding restaurant aboard Holland America Line’s Nieuw Amsterdam is Tamarind. Two memorable meals were experienced in this refined specialty dining venue at sea.
Here in a sophisticated upscale setting, we dined on Shrimp Crackers and then Jewels of the Sea, shrimp-​filled won tons with sliced Baby Bok Choy in a fragrant Lemongrass & Sesame Broth. Crispy Vegetable Spring Rolls with green lettuce, noodles, carrots, mint, and cilantro dunked in a Vietnamese-​style dipping sauce tasted great. And a Spicy Tuna Roll was fresh and fine, as was meaty Shrimp Tempura.
For my entrée I enjoyed fine Soy Crusted Beef Tenderloin served with four dipping sauces, including Sweet Chili Sauce with Garlic, and Soy Sauce. The meal was washed down with stomach-​warming Jasmine Tea. Tamarind Chocolate Ganache with Bittersweet Chocolate Ganache and Bittersweet Chocolate Mousse rounded out my first dinner, while Diane finished with Fried Banana Ginger Bread Pudding.
On the second go around here I had Tamarind Chicken and Rice Soup with scallions, celery, lime juice, cilantro, roasted garlic, and Chili Oil, along with Tuna, Salmon, and Squid Sashimi plus a California Roll sporting crab, avocado, and cucumber. My Wok Seared Lobster Tail with ginger and garlic was delicious served over crisp fried noodles, sliced Green Onion, red Thai chili, and Soy-​Ginger Broth.
The all-​female cast of servers here seemed to have been selected for their pulchritude and amiable communication skills. But they were also very professional, responsive to special requests, and efficient.