Tamarine

When searching for a twist on Vietnamese cuisine in Palo Alto, head straight to Tamarine. The menu features food and beverages that infuse a fruity flavor into traditional Vietnamese dishes. Beginning with the appetizers, diners can enjoy a green papaya salad with dried beef or mushroom cupcakes, made with mushrooms and scallions, before tackling an entree. For something a little different, the Tea Leaf Beef starter plate offers a meaty snack. As for entrees, local favorites include Miso Chicken with a sweet sauce and yam chips, or the Clay Pot Cod. The sides served also impress the palate. The Empress Rice, served in heaping portions with garlic, ginger, egg, and leeks, provides a satisfying accompaniment to the meal. To finish the fruity infusion of flavors, desserts include the Banana Beignet, a crispy doughnut type pasty with a banana stuffed center that consistently impresses diners. Most dishes are served in the family style tradition, so each person at the table can indulge in a plate full of tantalizing cuisine at Tamarine.