LDNReview
photo credit: Karolina Weircigroch
Green Papaya Xi'Viet
This spot is Permanently Closed.
Everyone’s got that pair of shoes. The Saturday morning get some eggs and bread pair. The ‘sod it, let’s get a couple of drinks around the corner’ pair. The ‘oh Christ it’s recycling day’ pair. It doesn’t matter that they’re not your best. They’re reliable. They’re good for all kinds of things. To get by in London, you need a restaurant like those shoes. Places that are good for dates, mates, on your own, and with the family. They’re invaluable. So, next time you need somewhere off the cuff in east London, Green Papaya should definitely be considered.
Green Papaya is a bit of a hybrid in that it serves Vietnamese and Xi’anese food. This puts it in a dangerous position in London. This is a city full of faux purists obsessed with the idea of authenticity. Green Papaya isn’t like that. It proudly serves Vietnamese bun thit nem nuong alongside Chinese concupine chicken noodles. Both are delicious. They’re an excellent meal for anyone alone, and they’re under a tenner each. But in an ideal world you’re not eating on your own, because, if you’re anything like us, you like to think of the opportunity that others bring to a meal. Yes, of course, they’re good company, they’re wonderful people, and so on. But, they’re also a reason to order a greater variety of food.
Just like those faithful, faithful trainers of yours, Green Papaya isn’t just good for one thing. Everything from the familiar (summer rolls, papaya salad, crispy squid) to the less familiar (sweet potato and prawn in lettuce, xi’an pork bun) are delicious ways to start things off. From there it’s a choice of noodles, because we reckon that’s what these guys are best at. Be it bun, pho, or hot and cold xi’anese noodles, it’s tasty stuff.
And, really, that’s what you need to know. Some restaurants, like shoes, just need to be reliable. Always there for you. And, ideally, offer two for one beers before 6pm. Places where you can go at half five for a quick after work Twitter dinner, or equally, roll up with five mates after a few drinks. You don’t want to be uncomfortable in either of those situations. And that’s why everyone needs a Green Papaya in their life.
Food Rundown
Papaya Salad
photo credit: Karolina Weircigroch
Summer Rolls
Bahn Tom
Crispy Squid
photo credit: Karolina Weircigroch
Pork Rou Jia Mo
photo credit: Karolina Weircigroch
Concubine Chicken Noodles
Pho Bo Tai
photo credit: Karolina Weircigroch