Tamarind and Nami Sushi on Holland America

Panang Red Curry at Tamarind

Tamarind

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Tamarind is the Asian-Fusion specialty restaurant on Holland America Pinnacle-class ships. We have dined at Tamarind on Eurodam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Koningsdam and now, Nieuw Statendam. As on other Pinnacle-class ships, Tamarind is located on Deck 10 aft. However, the Silk Road Bar is gone on Nieuw Statendam, I assume to make room for Nami Sushi, which occupies the same space as Tamarind. However, there is a smaller Tamarind Bar where you can still enjoy a cocktail as you wait for your table.

Tamarind is a dimly lit, intimate and romantic restaurant. Personally, I think it is one of the nicest restaurants onboard the Pinnacle-class ships. Dining in Tamarind costs $30 per person.

As soon as I was seated, a waitress arrives with the menu and a small plate with what appeared to be a large tablet. Could this be a breath mint? Already? Then, as the waitress pours hot water from a little pitcher onto the tablet, it magically grows into a hot towel! Very cool.

The first dish to arrive was a basket of fish crackers, or chips that can be used to scoop up any of the three accompanying sauces. The sauces range from sweet to spicy (right to left). On the right, you will find the Thai sweet chili sauce, one of my favorites. In the middle is a somewhat spicier sauce, but not that hot at all, and a chili paste on the far left which is the spiciest.

I knew that I wanted to try two of the appetizers and skip dessert. So, I ordered the Chicken Lollipops and the Satay Sampler.

Chicken Lollipops

The Chicken Lollipops consisted of three chicken wings where the meat has been pulled to the end of the bone, giving it a handle, like a lollipop. Then, the wing is battered and deep fried before the sauce is applied. The sauce is a mixture of honey, sesame and tamarind making them sweet and sticky. The wings were a little too chewy, almost like they had been overcooked.

A better choice was the Satay Sampler with five different skewers: grilled shrimp, pork, beef, chicken and lamb. A delicious peanut dipping sauce did not last long on my table. Without question, this is the ‘go-to’ appetizer in my opinion. Who doesn’t love meat on a stick? It’s easy to eat, and delicious.

Satay Sampler

After the Satay Sampler, it was time for the soup course. I ordered the Tom Kha Kai, chicken soup with coconut milk and chili oil. It is sweet and spicy and Tamarind does a nice job of presentation by pouring the broth over the chicken and vegetables at the table. The soup was very good.

Tom Kha Kai Soup

For my main course, I ordered the Panang Red Curry Coconut Chicken. My waitress asked if I wanted spicy or mild and I told her “Thai spicy”, which translated to nuclear hot. She asked me if I was sure, and I nodded and said “bring the heat”. When the bowl of beautiful red curry arrived, I could see that the chef took me seriously.

Panang Red Curry Coconut Chicken

As a disclaimer, I eat Red Curry each week at my local Thai restaurant in Dallas, so I am a bit of a snob when it comes to Thai food. I have also been fortunate enough to eat Panang Curry at one of the highest-rated (TripAdvisor) Thai restaurants in Bangkok. Thai food is one of my passions. So, when I say the Red Curry Chicken at Tamarind is good, it comes with a little experience on the subject. And, the Panang Red Chicken Curry at Tamarind is good…very good. The chef inflicted just enough pain to have me dabbing my brow with the napkin. Perfect.

I told the waitress I was skipping dessert this evening, since I had the extra appetizer.

Note: You can also order from the Nami Sushi a la carte menu.

Nami Sushi

Nami Sushi is the newest concept specialty restaurant to come to Holland America since our last HAL cruise. Nami Sushi occupies the same space as Tamarind on Deck 10 aft. Unlike Tamarind, Nami Sushi has an a la carte menu. The meal begins with the same “growing hand towel” presentation as in Tamarind.

I ordered one of the specialty cocktails, a Cucumber Mojito ($10) which was delicious, but a little small for a $10 cocktail. More please.

Cucumber Mojito

The first dish to arrive was a Spicy Tuna Roll ($5.50) with six large pieces with tuna inside the roll and thinly-sliced fresh tuna on top. It was delicious and a real bargain at only $5.50.

Spicy Tuna Roll

My next dish was an order of the Roasted Shishito Peppers ($3.50), which are the Japanese version of the Spanish Pimiento de Padrón peppers. Shishitos are typically larger than Padrón peppers, and a little milder. These were very large, almost the size of an okra spear. They were mild, but nicely seasoned. However, they would have been better with a little flake sea salt sprinkled on top. Nevertheless, I would order these again for sure.

Roasted Shishito Peppers

My main course was an order of the Roasted Pork Belly Char Siu ($14). This dish was a little disappointing, not because of a lack of flavor, because the spices and sauce were amazing. The problem was with the pork belly itself. Several of the pieces I was served were almost entirely fat. Of course, this could have just been the luck of the draw. The flavor was so good, I would probably order this again and just hope for a leaner cut.

Overall, I was very impressed with Nami Sushi. The sushi and rolls are the best value here. I could see dining here just for the sushi by itself. Definitely worth a visit.