Papaya

Venue: Papaya - 14 St Annes Court

Food: Thai Curry

Cost: £3.90

Rating: 82%

The next step in my Grabalunch diet of reviews takes me to Papaya and their Thai curries, without doubt one of my favourite takeaway joints in Soho. In a nutshell it is tasty, swift, great value, with generous portions and the place that I historically bring a visitor to grab a quick lunch in Soho.

Papaya is certainly no secret, even if surprisingly large amounts of people do not know of its delights.  It can guarantee a sizable, often huge, queue continuously from around midday till 2pm, winding its way down the St Annes Court alley.  Fear not, the queue moves at rapid pace and the aroma drifting out of the small interior is more than enough to keep you waiting expectantly in line.

Once inside, the food counter presents you with an impressive choice. Not every one of the curry options (cooked fresh in bulk) will be to everyone’s taste but the range of options is more than enough to satisfy any customer. From your standard Thai green and red curries through to massaman via cashew nut, red beef and panang, the selection is fantastic and end product consistently top notch.  Pad Thai is also an option – they are hidden away below the counter, although are probably not quite of the same high standard. Additional extras include decent prawn crackers, various Thai starters/extras and sushi, though I must confess to rarely indulging beyond the curry and crackers.

Almost before you have a moment to consider your options, the legend that is the chap responsible for serving the masses at breakneck speed will have shouted in your general direction “Next please, yes Sir/Madam”, to which (after a pause of confusion as to whether it is in fact you being asked) you must announce your choice and receive a resounding “Hai” in acknowledgment. Pass by at 3pm for him taking a well-deserved cigarette break.

Portion size is phenomenal, with vast quantities of meat shovelled in a rice box, forming a compact takeaway eating unit.  Price is even better, with each curry costing only £3.90, which I can assure you for a hot, large lunch in Soho represents an absolute steal.

I was first introduced by MJD a few years ago and have been a regular ever since. Every person I have introduced to Papaya has been similarly glowing in praise for the food. On a side note there is definitely a market in Soho for a similar Indian curry version, although quite how productive afternoons would be after such a meal is anyone’s guess.

Taste 8

Portion size 10

Service 8

Speed 8

Originality 7

Choice 9

Workability 7

Office response 9

Value for money 10

Brand 6

Overall: 82%