Green Papaya

Vietnamese restaurant · Hackney Central

1

@infatuation

"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 Punchy and refreshing, this should always be on the table. It’s kind of in their name after all. photo credit: Karolina Weircigroch Summer Rolls Funny things, summer rolls, aren’t they? They look a bit like when you put your leftovers in cling film because there’s no Tupperware. They don’t taste like it though. These ones are nice and herby. Bahn Tom A kind of deep fried sweet potato waffle with prawns on top that you eat in a lettuce leaf. It’s good. Crispy Squid It’s crispy and it’s squid. It’s nothing new, but there’s nothing wrong with that. photo credit: Karolina Weircigroch Pork Rou Jia Mo This is like an OG burger. A flat bun filled with spicy, soft, shredded pork. It’s not the best we’ve had in London, but it’s good. photo credit: Karolina Weircigroch Concubine Chicken Noodles Are these noodles hand rolled? We’re not sure. What we are sure of is how good this dish tastes. Chicken thigh meat swims about with noodles in a salty, spicy, oily sauce. A delicious slurper. Pho Bo Tai The noodles can be a bit smooshy. But the broth is excellent. A winter and hungover-morning staple. photo credit: Karolina Weircigroch Bun Thit Nem Nuong We love a bowl of bun. It’s the perfect harmony of meaty, minty, herby, crispy, slurpy, deliciousness. This is one of our favourites around. Always get it with spring rolls." - Jake Missing

Green Papaya Xi’Viet Review - Hackney - London - The Infatuation
Karolina Weircigroch

191 Mare St, London E8 3QE, United Kingdom Get directions

green-papaya.com
@greenpapaya_xiviet

1 Postcard

See full details

More Places For You

Caravel

Modern European restaurant · Hoxton

Dive into Caravel, a charming barge-restaurant on Regent’s Canal where candlelit dinners and creative British-European dishes create pure magic.

17 Postcards

Esters

Cafe · Stoke Newington

Nestled in the heart of the neighborhood, this bright little coffeehouse serves delicious espresso drinks, heavenly baked goods, and seasonal brunch fare that keeps locals lined up and coming back for more.

27 Postcards

The River Café

Fine dining restaurant · Hammersmith Broadway

Nestled along the Thames, The River Café serves exquisite seasonal Italian dishes in a chic yet casual setting, perfect for summer afternoons on the terrace.

49 Postcards

Mangal 2 Restaurant

Restaurant · Dalston

A cozy, modern Turkish spot in Dalston, Mangal 2 serves an inventive Anatolian menu with standout dishes, all in a warm yet bustling vibe.

17 Postcards

Pizzeria Mozza

Pizza restaurant · Marylebone

At Nancy Silverton's London pizzeria in The Treehouse Hotel, savor artisanal pies in a chic, cozy setting with delightful desserts to boot.

1 Postcard

Theatre of Wine

Wine store · Archway

Discover Theatre of Wine in Archway, a charming gem with an impressive selection of wines, gluten-free beers, and friendly, knowledgeable staff ready to guide your palate.

2 Postcards

ICCO - "The People's Pizzeria"

Pizza restaurant · Fitzrovia

Nestled on Goodge Street, ICCO is a lively American diner serving up fresh, wallet-friendly thin-crust pizza that keeps locals and tourists coming back for more.

1 Postcard

House of Morocco

Coffee shop · Pentonville

Laid-back cafe with pendant lights and mismatched furniture, for coffee, breakfasts and pastries.

3 Postcards

BiBi

Modern Indian restaurant · Mayfair

Nestled near Oxford Circus, Bibi is a sleek gem serving modern Indian fare that creatively intertwines traditional flavors with exquisite presentation.

21 Postcards

Hotel 41

Hotel · Victoria

Tucked above the Rubens at the Palace, this chic Edwardian hotel offers stunning decor, impeccable service, and a cozy vibe just steps from Buckingham Palace.

1 Postcard