Tamarind Hill

Tamarind Hill has a much coveted downtown location tucked away on the hillside of Jalan Sultan Ismail. Large trees disguise it a bit but also provide a very soothing and tranquil setting free from the cares of vehicles trapped in the traffic jam at the front of the restaurant. Jockey parking here is essential on the steep verges at the front entrance and also the footpath along the main road. Its interior is tastefully decorated with Thai and Burmese artefacts. Although seating can be a bit low, staff are more than happy to provide cushions.

While the cuisine is officially Thai some items from neighbouring Myanmar add an enticing dimension to the dishes offered. The restaurant is popular with tourists and the spice levels in the dishes reflect more modest and less spicy palates but those seeking a more feisty meal can always request chilli on the side.

While there are various starters offered, the Tamarind Hill starter accommodates those who want to sample a few dishes. The platter includes two prawns encased in wonton threads, chicken skewers, fresh springs rolls made tastier with slivers of roasted duck and, chicken and peanut ‘balls’ on orange segments. 

The rest of the menu is very comprehensive and it takes some time to decide what to eat. The steamed red snapper with sour sauce has a unique and tasty flavour profile. While the grilled chicken with roasted chilli sauce does not have the caramalised outer layer normally associated with grilling, it does, however, have  a nice garlic flavour and the sauce adds bite to the dish.

The broccoli dish is delicious with an ample serving of the green vegetable plus carrots and deep-fried garlic on top.

The popular water chestnut dessert has an interesting twist in that it is not served with coconut cream and ice but rather with a dollop of coconut ice-cream. A refreshing end to the meal.

There is a comprehensive beverage list of cocktails, spirits, juices, ales and wines. There are about 20 wines by the glass including sparkling wines and a dessert wine (a late harvest Tokaji from Hungary). Other wines by the bottle offer a more extensive selection including a few interesting wines such as an Austrian Grüner Veltliner. The restaurant offers imported mineral water but complimentary iced water is also available.

A large team of neatly attired waiters trawl the restaurant and await to be beckoned by guests. They are uniformly dressed with white tops and what appears to be Burmese pants. Most exchange friendly banter with the guests and are knowledgeable about many menu items.

RM100/Per person

Tamarind Hill’s location and interior comes at a price and although the culinary direction is Asian, the prices are more expensive than normally associated with Asian food. Beer and cocktails are approximately RM30 and wine by the glass ranges from RM30 (Tokaji) to RM68 (Veuve Clicquot). The Tamarind Hill platter is RM53, vegetable dishes  start at RM32, grilled chicken is at RM32 and fish dishes are just over RM100. Plain rice is priced at RM9 per serve and desserts are about RM25.