JEDDAH: Papaya is one of those restaurants that has been a staple for Jeddah residents for decades.
The lush, jungle-themed eatery became an icon in the culinary scene, and even years after its opening, the quality has not aged.
The extensive menu may be a bit much to navigate, but it is almost guaranteed that whatever you order will be satisfying.
We started off the meal with the spring rolls, filled with fresh vegetables and served with sweet and sour sauce, as well as the shrimp tempura, which is also fried with vegetables and served with a dipping sauce. The starters were perfectly crispy and bursting with flavor.
While the menu is more or less international, it is heavily inspired by Asian cuisine.
The starters range from soups such as the tom yam kong, a sour and spicy soup with shrimp and vegetables, to refreshing salads such as the signature papaya salad.
There are also plenty of Italian dishes like such as lasagna and creamy chicken ravioli, as well as American classics, including cheeseburgers and Philly cheesesteaks.
For mains, we recommend the Indo mix, which is a platter with four Indonesian dishes: shrimp sambal, beef rendang, chicken curry, and beef with chips. It is served with rice and freshly cut cucumber.
The pepper mushroom grilled chicken is also a good choice. The chicken is juicy and the sauce is seasoned well and served with your choice of french fries or another side.
Everything at Papaya is moderately priced compared with the trendy spots in Jeddah, considering the quality of food and the atmosphere.
The restaurant itself is quite large, but rarely empty.
We recommend you make your visit during the daytime — possibly for breakfast — to enjoy the lighting from the skylight above.
Seated among lush greenery, water fountains, and eccentric decor, the spot is a perfect place for large groups or celebrations.
