Writer: Karla Walsh
Papaya Asian Street Food, a new Clive eatery, has been receiving rave reviews on social media. Within days of opening on Jan. 19, feedback poured in along the lines of “Holy smokes incredible!” and “top-notch service and flavor.” Based on that, I knew I needed to make my way there.
Papaya showcases “Cali-Asian cuisine, featuring Southeast Asian cuisine with a California twist,” owner Jay Wang, who operates the Wasabi Group of brands, told us. One of my gluten-free friends says she has already visited six times, and found plenty of vegan, paleo, keto-friendly and Whole 30-compliant options.
Wang tapped Jeremy Jessen, previously the owner of Local Yocals and farmHouse, to be Wasabi Group’s project manager and jump-start this fast-casual concept and menu. And chances are he’ll be on-site lending a hand to build your bowl or Vietnamese banh mi sandwich.
Choose from one of eight signature bowl options. My dining partner gave a thumbs up to “Koreatown” ($10.95), which includes beautifully cooked steak slices, jasmine rice, cucumbers, carrots, scallions, kimchi, caramelized egg, “Street Spice” and hoisin barbecue sauce. Or create your own combo like I did, with a chopped salad plus pork, veggies and green curry sauce ($7.95). You can’t go wrong and will likely leave feeling satisfied—especially if you add a three-piece order of dumplings ($3.50), available with chicken or veggie filling.
On my next visit, I can’t wait to dive into one of Papaya’s signatures stuffed inside a banh mi sandwich. Or, if we’re still living amidst a polar vortex, I may pair a 12-ounce bowl of Chinese chicken noodle soup ($4.65) with a side of chips ($1.85) and Papaya guacamole ($2.50 for 2 1/2 ounces) to heat things up.
Papaya Asian Street Food is open daily at 1255 N.W. 128th St. from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tell them I sent you, ask for the caramelized egg and “Street Spice” on whatever you order, and I bet you won’t walk away disappointed. See the full menu and order online here.
This chopped salad with pork came via one of the chef’s suggestions at Papaya Asian Street Food, a new Clive restaurant focused on “Cali-Asian” cuisine.
