The title compound, C18H17NO6 [systematic name: (2R,3R)-4-benzylamino-2-benzoyloxy-3-hydroxy-4-oxobutanoic acid], is the first structurally characterized unsymmetrical monoamide–monoacyl tartaric acid derivative. The molecule shows a staggered conformation around the tartramide Csp3—Csp3 bond with trans-oriented carboxyl and amide groups. The molecular conformation is stabilized by an intramolecular N—H⋯O hydrogen bond. In the crystal, molecules are linked by O—H⋯O hydrogen bonds between the carboxyl and amide carbonyl groups, forming translational chains along [001]. Further O—H⋯O and N—H⋯O hydrogen bonds as well as weaker C—H⋯O and C—H⋯π intermolecular interactions extend the supramolecular assembly into a double-layer structure parallel to (100). There are no directional interactions between the double layers.