People always inquire about my favourite new restaurant in Miami, and my choice might catch you by surprise. It doesn’t boast elegance or upscale aesthetics; my enthusiasm is solely based on sensational flavors that tantalize my taste buds during a most memorable meal. Tam Tam Restaurant, situated at 97 NE 1st Street in Miami, just across from the downtown courthouse, is my number one choice.
This casual, intimate 36-seat eatery, initially established as a pop-up Vietnamese supper club, offers seating options around the Formica bar, in the cozy dining room, or outdoors when weather permits. Crafted by Saigon-born chef Tam Pham and his husband Harrison Ramhofer, this no-frills diner exudes a 1960s vibe with wooden tables, chairs, and bar stools. The ambiance is youthful, complemented by a hip music soundtrack and vibrant colours. Don’t miss the chance for an impromptu karaoke performance in the uniquely entertaining bathrooms.
Tam Tam defies expectations, especially if you are anticipating traditional pho or spring rolls. Instead, it delivers bold, transporting flavours, vibrant dishes, and an energetic atmosphere inspired by “Quan Nhau”, akin to a Vietnamese pub where people come to drink and eat.
My standout dish of the year is the Tam Tam wings, which were finger-licking good with fish caramel sauce, crispy garlic, cilantro, and lime. I am still dreaming about my next visit so I can re-order these again. The tamarind glazed pork ribs are no slouch either. Balancing the richness of these dishes, we opted for the light and healthy-ish lotus root salad, featuring pork belly, shrimp, pickled, herbs, crispy shallots, peanuts, and rice crackers. The goat curry with egg noodles, lemon grass, coconut, and herbs was unexpectedly delicious, leaving me eager to try the popular lamb wrap on my next visit.
To wash it all down, I enjoyed a frozen passion fruit daiquiri, surprisingly delightful even though premade. Despite its small size, Tam Tam offers a well-curated selection of wines, sake, and beers, all reasonably priced, that perfectly complement the diverse menu.
Dessert options were equally impressive- a vegan cheesecake with cultured cashew cream, guava gelee, and a coconut s’more mousse with graham coconut crumble and torched meringue.
Vietnamese cuisine is, unfortunately, underrepresented in Miami, with what is available often falling short. Tam Tam, however, stands out as one of the most exciting additions to Miami’s culinary scene in a long time, blending eclectic Vietnamese dishes with local Florida ingredients and unforgettable sauces I could literally drink. Tam Tam deserves all the hype and accolades.
Highly recommended.
Happy dining,
Shanea
12/10/2023
