Menu Favorites from the Tamarind Restaurant on the Koningsdam

by Janis on August 18, 2016

Since the Asian-inspired Tamarind Restaurant has been one of our favorite dining destinations at sea, we couldn’t wait to try it during our July cruise on Holland America Line’s ms Koningsdam.

In addition to a new location on the ms Koningsdam, the Tamarind Restaurant featured some new menu items as well as the prior favorites. I loved the new crispy soft-shell crab appetizer, which was perfectly prepared.

We also enjoyed a sushi roll appetizer, with samples of three different rolls. If you choose sushi in the Tamarind, you can opt for Sashimi (slices of raw fish), Nigiri sushi (slices of raw fish with wasabi wrapped around rice), or a variety of rolls. Choose six of your favorites for an appetizer or 12 pieces from the list for a main course.

One of our long-time favorite entrees is still featured on the Koningsdam’s Tamarind menu. It’s Penang Red Curry Coconut Chicken, which includes chicken and an assortment of fresh vegetables simmered in a spicy red curry and coconut milk sauce. (You can request the level of spicy heat that you prefer.)

The still-popular Thai Basil Szechuan Shrimp entree is packed with fresh vegetables and is sauteed with a chili pepper glaze.

A new dish for us: the Barramundi in Banana Leaf, which is presented in its wrapped form.

Once the server unwraps the banana leaf, you get to enjoy a beautiful and tasty piece of fish covered with shiitake mushrooms and a delightful mix of Asian spices and flavors.

The signature Tamarind chocolate remains a popular dessert. A shell of bittersweet chocolate is filled with Tamarind-flavored chocolate and ginger mousse, with a little surprise kick of heat, offset by the fresh berries that surround it

For a lighter dessert, we tried the Mango Cloud, a fluffy egg-white soufflé accompanied by mango sorbet. One does feel like they are eating a cloud; a very tasty cloud covered with fresh mango sauce.

We also enjoyed the new location of the Tamarind Restaurant on the ms Koningsdam; it’s located at the aft end of Deck 10, overlooking the Sea View Pool.

During one of our two visits to the Tamarind, we were seated with this glorious view watching the ship sail out of the Netherlands into the North Sea. Along with the view, the restaurant features warm and gracious service, directed by Panca, the manager

In addition to these items we enjoyed on our recent cruise, the Tamarind menu still features most of the favorites from our prior visits, which you can view in this detailed post: A Look at the Tamarind Restaurant Menu on Holland America’s Nieuw Amsterdam.

The complimentary Dim Sum lunch, we also enjoyed, has been unfortunately eliminated. Instead you can order room service Bento Boxes (for a charge.) Personally, we can’t imagine wanting to eat Dim Sum in our cabin, but it much appeal to some cruisers.

Dining at the Tamarind

You will find the Tamarind Restaurant on three Holland America ships: the ms Eurodam, ms Nieuw Amsterdam and ms Koningsdam. Dinner at the specialty restaurant costs $25.00 per person per visit, although 4 and 5 star Mariners receive a 50 percent discount, while 3 star Mariners receive a 25 percent discount.

Dining at the Tamarind is popular, so it is important to book your dinner reservations in advance, either through Holland America’s website, or by calling Ship Services at 1-800-541-1576.

Have you dined at the Tamarind on a Holland America ship? What was your favorite menu item?

To learn more about the Koningsdam cruise ship, check out these photo tour posts:

Follow us on Twitter or interact with us on Facebook

Or, check out our boards on Pinterest and/or our photos on Instagram.