Papaya, Spofforth St, Cremorne

Papaya, Spofforth St, Cremorne
Wednesday 11 April, 2007

The first time I visited Papaya I raved about it. Papaya is a real find and I've been waiting for an opportunity to return - sooner rather than later. My foodie friend who has recently started a role in the industry hadn't been to Papaya so was more than happy to try it out.

We arrived and the place was packed. This has to be the hardest working kitchen in Cremorne. The Maitre'd, who has taken to wearing a headset due to the amount of phone orders coming in, welcomed us and directed us to a table on the raised level in the corner. It felt a little cramped and our seats were of different heights which was odd but we managed.

The decor at Papaya is engaging - there are colourful cushions, a variety of seats e.g. square cubes, bench seats, fabulous light fixtures and very interesting wooden slat roofing. The atmosphere is frantic with staff almost running between the kitchen and two levels of dining.

We decided to kick off with chicken pieces wrapped in banana leaves - they were tender, lightly crisp and served with a lovely tamarind sauce. For our mains we opted to share a fish stir fry with loads of fresh vegetables and chilli and a mixed seafood salad with BBQ scampi. The beautiful fresh flavours came through in both dishes and we enjoyed every mouthful.

Papaya is BYO, there is a bottle shop next door and there's free parking underneath (as the ticketing booth shuts off after 8.30pm and the gate remains up) - too easy!

My next Thai takeaway will be coming from Papaya.

Papaya - Shop 7, 307 Military Rd, Cremorne - (02) 9953 8992

http://www.papayathai.com.au/