Originally Posted by thaifoodlovers

It depends on the type of tamarind pods bought.
If it is SOUR, you will need to mix a correct amount (according to your Thai recipes) of the tamarind pod in water, put it through a sieve and then use the sieved mixture in Thai or some other Asian dishes.
Thai food like Pad Thai, Tom Yum, Pla Lard Prik or Gaeng Som make use of tamarind juice
If tamarind pods bought are SWEET, then just crack it open and eat it like lollies or candies (this is usually eaten like snacks)