Dining at The Tamarind

We dined at The Tamarind one evening, known for its modern take on Asian cuisine, with an accompanying cooking school next door we had high expectations. The Tamarind is part of the Spicers Retreat Group in Maleny, Queensland.

When seated you felt like you were in Thailand with the exotic flora, water gardens, and sparse but well-appointed, décor. Our “entrees,” Aussie speak for starters or appetizers, were creatively prepared and perfectly spiced. Not so much success with the mains. We found them undercooked or overcooked and lacking in flavor or overly sweet.

Two of them rate a mention, my favorite being the Dubu Jorim. Baked tofu with a spiced Korean chili and shallot sauce with an interesting take on modern kimchi being pickled brussels sprouts. The other entrée we all enjoyed was the twice-cooked duck. It was flavored with lemongrass, coriander, and mint and topped with a hot and sour dressing, lychee, and peanut soy. The flavors were exceptional, and the duck was indeed crispy.

Tamarind Restaurant