Amarantha wrote about tamarind:

> Definitely check it out I had a similar experience the first time I
> ordered Pad Thai - tried making it at home with lime juice and it just
> wasn't the same. Then I discovered this recipe:
> http://www.gumbopages.com/food/thai/pad-thai.html
> And when I manage a good batch (it's tricky to get it right), it's just
> like the real thing.
>
> I bless the day I found tamarind

There's a tamarind-flavored Torani syrup; I add it to iced tea or club soda
in the summer for an "exotic" flavor. Tamarind is also popular in Mexico,
especially in drinks and candy.

Sadly, your mention of "the real thing" when it comes to Pad Thai reminds me
that I've had some very bad Pad Thai at allegedly respectable restaurants.
KETCHUP DOES NOT BELONG IN PAD THAI. Sorry, Stan, it wouldn't offend me if
you put it in your OWN Pad Thai, but I sure as hell don't want it in mine.
(The recipe at the link provided doesn't contain ketchup, but lots of Pad
Thai recipes do.)

Bob