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Green Papaya

191 Mare Street, E8 3QE Full details & map

Restaurant: Vietnamese

Time Out says 4 Users say 5/5 Rate it

By Time Out Editors Posted: Oct 19 2011

It's sad to see a restaurant we once rated highly slip, but Green Papaya doesn't seem to be quite the place it was. There are things to recommend - this is still one of the better Vietnamese establishments on Mare Street, and the casual atmosphere created by the stream of locals wandering in makes for a relaxing meal.

Yet the specials board above the bar (still a rarity in restaurants like this) is, sadly, blank more often than not, and the 'new dishes' on the A4 sheet accompanying the menu (wing-bean salad, tofu with asparagus, and barbecue pork belly) have been doing the rounds unchanged for some time.

On our most recent visit, almost everything we ordered - green papaya salad, bo nam bo (stir-fried beef with peanuts and shallots) and stir-fried turmeric pork with aubergine, chilli, lemongrass, purple basil and la lot - seemed restrained, with flavours indistinct. It's as if everything needs shaking back to life.

There aren't many better places locally for a reviving bowl of pho, which Green Papaya still does well, but for a more exciting Vietnamese meal, we fear Kingsland Road is a better bet.

Tags: South-East Asia, Vietnamese, Creative cooking, North East, Hackney, Budget, Restaurant

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Green Papaya details

Address

Green Papaya

191 Mare Street E8 3QE

Transport London Fields rail or 26, 48, 55, 277, D6 bus

Telephone

020 8985 5486

Green Papaya website

Dinner served 5-11pm Tue-Sun

Main courses £5-£8

Credit cards MC, V

Facilities

Babies and children welcome ( high chairs ), Booking advisable, Takeaway service

Green Papaya map

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Comments & ratings 5/5 (Average of 4 ratings)

By Gabriela - Mar 8 2012

Totally disagree with the Time Out review - I have been going to Green Papaya regularly for the last year and the food is always great!!!! Love it!!!!

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By Charlie - Mar 2 2012

5/5

Totally disagree with the Time Out review - I have been going to Green Papaya regularly for the last 3 years and have never once had a bad meal. Yes, some of the specials DO stay the same - but I LOVE the winged bean salad and the Barbeque pork belly so why on earth does it matter?! Bahn Tom, Spicy Rare Beef salad, Banana Flower Salad and any squid starters are all fab - fresh, lightly battered with no oil or grease. An Old favourite from the spcails was the Deep Fried Pork Fillet - crispy, spicy and to die for! If you are concerned stil - dont take my word for it, simply drive past any week night (apart from Mondays they are closed) and you will see its not just me that adores this place!

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By Helybob - Feb 23 2012

5/5

Best Vietnamese by far - go for the papaya salad and bang Tom to start (sweet potato and king prawn). Don't agree with time out review at all.

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By Keith - Dec 9 2011

5/5

I love Green Papaya, and can't see how Time Out can give it a measly two stars. The salt and pepper squid with purple basil dressing is amazing and I've never had a bad meal here, whether it's sitting in, or taking away. The food is always a high standard and yes, there aren't many 'specials' but when the menu is as bountiful as Green Papaya's is, there's not much need!
Compared to the likes of Tay Do or Loong Kee on Mare Street, the food's better and the environment more local and friendly.

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By Lucy - Nov 10 2011

Green Papaya is my favourite restaurant in London. I've been coming here for years and I've never had any thing less than a fantastic meal. Very disappointed to hear the review above, don't believe it, anyway Kingsland road is trendy and all that, but this place is where I love to come and will continue to come to.