Tamarind Restaurant adds new dishes across five Holland America ships as the popular Pan-Asian dining venue receives a refreshed menu and updated ambiance. With a new focus on regional authenticity, Holland America Line introduces more than a dozen fresh dishes alongside long-time guest favorites.
Guests sailing aboard Rotterdam, Nieuw Statendam, Koningsdam, Eurodam, and Nieuw Amsterdam between April and June 2025 will be among the first to experience the revitalized menu. From October 2025, the Taste of Tamarind pop-up will also appear on Westerdam in Asia and Noordam in Australia, as well as on Grand Voyages and select Legendary Voyages.
Highlights from the new Tamarind menu include sharing-style appetizers like pork bao buns, lumpiang Shanghai, and Korean beef tacos. A sampler platter—Taste of Tamarind—gathers several of these starters into one communal experience, perfectly curated to the number of guests at the table. Other small bites like coconut-crusted scallops and vegan Thai coconut soup round out the beginning of the meal.
Main courses offer a flavorful tour through Asia, including Mongolian lamb chops, Teochew fried seabass, and vegan Singapore mei fun with eggplant katsu. Returning favorites like Panang red curry coconut chicken and wasabi soy-crusted beef tenderloin remain on the menu. A supplemental fee applies to the wok-seared lobster, served with ginger, soy, and Asian greens.
The dessert section offers creative finishes like the cherry blossom tart, vegan pineapple coconut tapioca, and the passion fruit cloud—a light egg-white soufflé served with sorbet. Lemon-basil, yuzu, and lychee sorbets provide a refreshing option for those looking to end on a lighter note.
Vegetarian and vegan guests will appreciate an expanded variety of plant-based dishes across all sections of the menu. From soups and noodles to rich curries and desserts, the updated offerings are designed to cater to a wide range of dietary preferences while maintaining authenticity.
The restaurant’s atmosphere will also undergo a transformation. New table settings bring in vibrant colors and textured details to complement the updated dishes. Staff uniforms are also being redesigned—now featuring sleek black dresses with plum-colored cummerbunds, adding a modern touch of elegance.
A Culinary Voyage Through Asia
The Tamarind dining concept has long celebrated ingredients, techniques, and flavors rooted in Pan-Asian traditions. This refresh strengthens Holland America Line’s commitment to culinary immersion through its “Savour the Journey” identity. Diners are transported across regions through flavors and stories embedded in every dish.
Many of the seafood dishes incorporate selections from the cruise line’s Global Fresh Fish Program. This initiative sources more than 80 types of fresh fish globally, allowing each port and dish to reflect its local identity.
Michael Stendebach, vice president of food, beverage and rooms division for Holland America Line, emphasized that while new dishes add vibrancy, guest favorites are staying. He explained that the menu balances innovation and tradition, staying true to Tamarind’s roots.
Fleet Chef Ming Wong, whose Malaysian background heavily influenced the menu, led the refresh. The culinary team worked to maintain authentic flavors in every dish, from street food-inspired tacos to refined entrées. Wong’s personal heritage helped shape dishes that resonate with cultural depth and flavor integrity.
More Than a Meal
Dining at Tamarind is a premium experience, available for a $35 supplemental charge or included in the cruise line’s “Have It All” package. For many travelers, a visit to Tamarind is not just a dinner but an immersive culinary experience at sea.
Side dishes have also been refined to complement the entrées. Options include steamed jasmine rice, Asian eggplant, bok choy, egg fried rice, and sake-braised mushrooms. Whether you’re in the mood for seafood, meat, or vegetarian options, the menu is crafted to offer depth, variety, and a journey through Asia’s diverse flavors.
As Holland America Line continues to enhance its onboard experiences, Tamarind stands out as a showcase of regional cuisine, cultural storytelling, and culinary excellence. This 2025 refresh only deepens its connection to Asia’s rich food heritage, inviting guests to discover something new on every plate.
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