Sugar Rush: Payasam at Tamarind Tea Room

[Photograph: Kathy YL Chan]

Payasam, a chilled vermicelli-based pudding with saffron and chopped caramelized almonds, is served in a deep bowl at Tamarind Tea Room. It's a fine departure from rice pudding (of which they also make a good version), each spoonful bearing a tangle of thin, slippery, smooth noodles bathed in a thick sauce of milk and sugar. It errs on the sweet side, but is saved by a hint of cardamon for balance. Order the Payasam alone for $6.75, or as part of the full afternoon tea set ($16, which includes sandwiches and tea), where it's served with an assortment of cookies—think shortbreads in flavors like almond, raspberry, and lemon.

Tamarind Tea Room

41-43 East 22nd Street, New York, NY 10010 (map) 212-674-7400
tamarinde22.com

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