Papaya is redefining an Asian cuisine with a contemporary flare, fusing Vietnamese with other cuisines for bolder, more experimental dishes that aren’t at the typical Vietnamese restaurants. I can’t tell you how stoked I was to experience this BYO located on Garden Golf Blvd, in North Wales, PA.

“French-inflected, American-influenced, borderless and worldly and weird”
— that’s what chef Patrick Le does at Papaya.

Our dining companions Paula and Mike had patronized the restaurant on numerous previous occasions and graciously told us to order the menu selections, where we zeroed in on the Tapas. Unfortunately, one of the Tapas that I was most excited to try, Banh Mi Xiu Mai consisting of pork meatballs and minced tomato broth (can you mince broth??), was no longer available that evening. BUT, everything we did choose was fantastic!

String Beans—Garlic & Spicy Peanut Sauce

Brussels Sprouts—Flash Fried with Pork Belly & Sweet Chili Sauce

Roasted Duck Tacos—Corn Tortilla, Cucumber, Scallions & Tangy Hoisin Sauce

Filet Mignon—Over Watercress Salad

Dan Dan Noodles—Minced Pork, Sesame Seeds, Scallions & Spicy Szechuan Sauce

Crispy Shiitake Mushrooms—Sesame Seeds & Sweet Chili Remoulade

In addition to the Tapas menu, they also have mouth-watering selections under Appetizers, Vegetables, Entrées, Rolls and Sliders, plus Specials that change every two weeks. Although we did not partake, Papaya also serves homemade desserts that change weekly.

With a 30-minute commute from our house, sadly, it’s not exactly in the ‘hood, but it sure is worth the drive. Yes, I want to go back ASAP!