The Tamarind Tree

Dining dilemma: Your husband loves hole-in the wall Asian restaurants but you prefer stylish bistros with a Belltown buzz. Where can you go to celebrate your anniversary?

Seattle.Net Solution: Tamarind Tree


Quick and Easy
Why go? Inexpensive upscale Vietnamese with great ambiance
Highlights: Salad roll, anything with noodles, roasted coconut ice cream
Service: Casual but professional
Forewarning: Reservations strongly recommended on weekends

Hidden in the corner of a non-descript strip mall in Seattle's International District, Tamarind Tree's deceptive storefront exterior gives no clue to its elegantly exotic ambiance or exquisitely prepared Vietnamese cuisine.  Featuring moody, romantic lighting and luscious mango-colored walls, Tamarind Tree is stylish yet unpretentious. Fresh flowers, cloth napkins and delicate ceramic dinnerware add an elegant touch. Incredibly reasonable prices explain why Tamarind Tree is often referred to as a "hidden gem."

Once you get though the crowded foyer (reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekends), the restaurant opens into one of the most tranquil and chic dining spaces in the city. Seating options include nicely spaced tables in the dining room, stone tables next to an indoor open fireplace or a heated outside patio with a tranquil waterfall and lush greenery.

Tamarind Tree's attention to detail extends to the extremely fresh, artistically presented and well-prepared dishes. You might not expect exotic cocktails at a Vietnamese restaurant, but Tamarind Tree offers an impressive martini selection, including lemon grass, mango and, of course, tamarind (a sweet-sour pod-like fruit).  Sip one of these as you peruse the elegantly designed 25+-page menu filled with an extensive selection of both familiar and exotic dishes.
For appetizers, start with the Tamarind Tree's attractively presented salad roll, a crunchy fresh combination of herbs, fried tofu, fresh coconut, jicama and carrots served with a vinegary soy dipping sauce. Skewers of tender lemon grass beef satay  are served with peanut sauce and pickled carrots. 

Where to begun with main dishes?  Although there are many choices, one of the highlights at Tamarind Tree is the fragrant steamed lily blossom halibut prepared with fresh shiitake, oyster, straw and black mushrooms as well as dried lily blossoms, green onions and swerve with clear vermicelli noodles.   The menu includes numerous stir-fry dishes, including a zesty combination of chicken, fresh lemongrass, freshly chopped chili peppers, white onion and fresh lemon leaves. Another not to miss dish—the crispy bite-size turmeric coconut rice cakes topped with shrimp. You'll never want fast food pho again after enjoying one from the Tamarind Tree's.  Each steaming bowl of rice noodle soup is served with fresh bean sprouts, lime and Asian chili. In addition to chicken, there's also rare beef, lamb and tripe.

If the menu seems overwhelming and you're feeling indecisive, go with the "seven courses of beef," an incredible bargain at $26.95 that can easily be shared by two people. You'll enjoy seven savory dishes, including soup and salad, each spotlighting a flavor and different preparation.
While many of us are not tempted by dessert at Asian restaurants, please make an exception for Tamarind Tree's roasted coconut homemade ice cream  (warning: you won't want to share it) or the grilled banana "cake" made with sweet rice, red bananas, and served with warm coconut milk and sprinkled with peanuts.

There's a reason this delightful restaurant is always so busy—after just one meal, it's likely you will find yourself coming back again and again. Every meal is an affordable culinary adventure-- you'll always want just one more scoop of the scrumptious coconut ice cream.

Cost (dinner; lunch items are about $1 less)
Appetizers: $5.59-6.75
Main dishes: $7-10
Pho: $6.50-8

Open: Daily 10 a.m. to 10p.m.