Tamarind Restaurant

Sitting down at the Tamarind Restaurant on Mombasa's North Coast in Kenya, choosing from a wide selection of the freshest sea food around while sipping on cocktails, seems to always be an uplifting feeling. We arrived around 18:00 just in time to see the sunset, a beautiful sight from the cliff overlooking Mombasa's Old Harbour, however the beauty of it all was overshadowed by hunger. This was especially true after watching, in slow motion, the seafood gumbo; a beast of a platter consisting of lobster, crab, calamari, and prawns simmered in white wine and okra (a vegetable cultivated throughout the tropical temperate regions of the world) make its way across the room and set in between a young tanned couple.

As the thick smell slowly faded, I put my desire for food away for a moment, and gazed around the beautiful scenic location I was now in. Overlooking the Indian Ocean, along with some of the most unique sea-food dishes around, the Tamarind Restaurant is arguably the most popular fine-dining experience for tourists when visiting the Old Town of Mombasa. In-fact, the Tamarind's unique menu which is derived from African, French, and Asian cuisine, along with its fashionably modern Arab style white setting, was voted best coastal restaurant in 2006, and has given the Tamarind name distinguished recognition not only in Africa, but worldwide as well.

We are seated at a table just by the cliff, the cool breeze and the hot humid air combine in giving a tropical feeling that assures us that we have indeed started our vacation. We order Margaritas, a special favorite at the Tamarind, made with tamarind concentrate, blended with the other ingredients, and then rimmed with chilli powder around a frozen Margarita glass. I take in the vibrant atmosphere around me, and watch as a filled restaurant of smiling guests and diners enjoy a feast like no other. Tilapia fish from the lakes of Kenya, fresh lobsters prepared in distinctive methods, crabs, considered some of the best in the world, served as whole-steamed or in ginger, salmon fillets imported all the way from Norway, a wide selection of fish including red snapper, sea bream, cod, and I'm just getting started. The menu is truly a spectacle by itself.

After devouring some fresh Kenyan oysters and a delicious starter of lobster and crab guacamole, I await for my Lobster Swahili (Swahili is the language spoken in Kenya). This certain item is prepared by first taking the meat out of the shell, then sautéed in garlic, saffron, the aromatic Asian plant turmeric, tomatoes, and coconut cream, then placed back in the shell with a serving of coconut rice. Sublime! My friend meanwhile has placed his napkin deep into his shirt, his hand clutching a massive Crab cutter, two bowls by his side, one for the shells, the other to wash his hands in, and the battle begins to crack every piece of meat within that Chilli Crab; a delightfully spicy, but sweet Indonesian dish. Other standout items on the menu include Prawns Piri-Piri which are grilled and are mouthwateringly juicy with chilli hints of garlic and paprika, while the baked salmon in creamy champagne sauce is yet another exotic treat offered at the Tamarind. Although highly known for their seafood platters, grills and entrees can also be found on the menu, with Ostrich fillet served with a rich berry sauce and grilled Kenyan quails being two of the many flavorful dishes you will find. If as it so happens you still find yourself hungry, spoil yourself with a crepe dessert flambéed with cognac and coffee liqueur, or, for the lightweights, simply sip on Kenya's world renowned coffee while falling back into your chair.

Indulging on such a feast is not going to be cheap, however I believe that if you do find yourself in Mombasa, on holiday, in the sun and having fun, treat yourself to an enchanting experience consisting of delightful food, a charming vibe, and an exclusive experience.