Heat oil in a heavy pot. Brown the meat pieces well. Remove and set aside.
In the same pot, fry onions until golden. Add garlic, coriander, ginger, allspice, and cinnamon. Cook gently for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Return the meat. Add vinegar, tamarind, sugar, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
Pour in the water/stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently for 1½ – 2 hours until the meat is very tender and the sauce thickens
Adjust sweet-sour balance with extra sugar or vinegar if needed.
Serve hot with yellow rice or plain white rice.