Authentic Thai And Lao Dishes At The Green Papaya

The Green Papaya restaurant located in the Marina Center, serves a combination of  home style Thai and Lao dishes that can be served super spicy or mild.

Known for their Papaya Salad (made with shredded green papaya, fresh chili, tomatoes, lime juice and light fish sauce) and Laap Salad (choice of meat tossed with herbs and spices and served on a bed of lettuce), owner Vansha Phongsa believes that it’s these types of dishes that distinguish her restaurant over other competitors.

“We actually make two different types of Papaya Salad. We serve a Lao Papaya Salad and a Thai Papaya Salad. Both have similar ingredients but are distinguished by the fish sauce and it just really depends on what types of flavors you like. We can also make any item on the menu non-spicy or really spicy.” Phongsa said.

The Papaya Salad, the Laap Salad, Pad Thai and sticky rice are just a few of the best sellers at the restaurant. Seafood entrees such as the fried tilapia (fish) drizzled with special sauce is also a big hit, Phongsa said.

Many of the recipes on the menu are items that Phongsa enjoyed cooking and eating while she was growing up.  Born in Laos then moving to Thailand, Phongsa migrated to the United States when she turned 14, but still enjoys an ethnic meal, she said.

“We still serve our sticky rice in straw containers because it helps keep the rice moist and it makes it easier to eat with your hands,” Phongsa said. “We provide all different types of chili sauces. Many of them I used when I was growing up.”

Phongsa not only owns the restaurant, but she is also the hostess, the waitress, a cook, a bus boy, and whatever else the restaurant needs her to be in that moment, she said. Phongsa spends almost 95 percent of her time at the restaurant and because she is always present, she has formed many bonds with neighboring businesses and customers.

 Mai Phommavongsa owns the Asian Market right next door to the Green Papaya has done business with Phongsa for many years. Occasionally, Phommavongsa and her family will dine at the restaurant to satisfy their craving for an ethnic Thai meal, Phommavongsa said.

“I get so many of the same people eating here that when I see them walking up to the door I know their name and what they ordered the last time,” Phongsa said.  “I think that’s what makes people come back here to eat. I remember who they are and what types of food they like to eat. Sometimes they come in and want something that isn’t even on the menu, but we’ll cook it for them.”

Long-time customer David Cole was stationed in Thailand for seven years and is very familiar with different Thai entrees. He found out about the restaurant after shopping at the Asian Market next door. Lured by his passion for Thai foods, Cole visited the restaurant with a few friends and has now become a Green Papaya regular.

“Me and my buddies come here all the time and everyone that I’ve ever taken here has come back numerous times,” Cole said. “I lived in Thailand for quite a while and I’ve got to say that this is the best food outside of Thailand.”

Phongsa and her brother-in-law opened the Green Papaya in 2002 and it wasn’t long after that Phongsa took sole ownership. After working so many odd jobs, Phongsa decided that it was time to become her own boss and chose to take over the business. Formerly a collection agent, Phongsa despised working under the pressures of a supervisor and being on a constant deadline, she said.

“Working at the collection agency was the last straw. Having to work for someone was just so stressful, so I knew I needed to become my own boss,” Phongsa said. “Taking over the restaurant was the best choice I made and I am still really happy to be in business to serve all of these wonderful.”

The Green Papaya is located at 307 Marina Center and opens at 11 a.m. daily.