Papay

I recently had a take away from this restaurant and am sorry to say that I was massively disappointed with the quality of the food. The devilled fish I ordered was way spicier than I thought it would be (the menu made no mention of how hot this particular dish is - if it had, I would have chosen or asked for something milder) but worse than that, the fish tasted like it was past its best and the sauce didn't have a good flavour. I wouldn't describe myself as a fussy eater or a spice wuss but this didn't taste fresh to me.

The menu recommended having the devilled dishes with lemon rice, which we also ordered. The rice itself had a pleasant lemony flavour, but was spoilt by the fact that it had chunks of lemon rind left in it which tasted nasty and bitter. There were also these hard gritty bits in it which you had to dodge round - I think they were yellow split peas which hadn't been soaked/cooked for long enough. Perhaps this is just how Sri Lankans have their rice, but to me it was inedible.

My chap thought his chicken korma was fine, but got a nasty surprise when he bit into a chunk of very hot dried chilli by accident. The menu describes this dish as being mild, so for such a hot item (and it was REALLY hot - I got one too!) to be left in a dish that's squarely aimed at people who don't like heat in their food seemed a bit erroneous to me. Either state that it's in there or fish it out when it's done cooking.

The highlights of the meal were the bombay potato (which tasted nice enough) and I also really enjoyed my coconut paratha, which was thicker than parathas I've had before but really tasty - crispy on the outside and sweet/creamy on the inside.

In conclusion, I enjoyed some parts of this meal but unfortunately these were the side dishes - the main courses were a disappointment. Having a bit more info on the menu about the level of spice would have avoided the surprises - some people like hot food and of course they should be catered for, but it should be made clear which dishes are hot, mild or medium so that the customer can choose appropriately depending on what they can handle. I didn't enjoy the rice and fish at all, they tasted so bad to me that they ended up in the bin - and I don't throw food away often. But perhaps that's just how Sri Lankan food tastes and if thats the case, it isn't for me.
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Nemmy
6 Overall rating
Food 4 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 5
Monday, November 28, 2011

This is the best Indian restaurant I ever went in my life it is just 2 sick
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Veethusan
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Tuesday, April 26, 2011

I went to Papaya last Tuesday and fond it a very pleasant experience the restaurant staff were very hospitable and made our evening by ensuring the food was on time and that the non Sri Lankan had the milder versions of the curries. The food was great and the service was very good and not too pricy either. They catered very well for our large party with attentiveness and through knowledge of the culinary dishes on offer. Definitely will go back again.
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Lanka
10 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
Thursday, December 17, 2009

Went to Papaya last night (15/12/09). It was my first time for Sri Lankan cuisine and I was not disappointed. The restaurant was clean, although quite empty til late in the evening, and the staff were extremely friendly, and helpful in explaining the dishes. Now I have discovered Egg Hoppers, I am totally addicted and cannot wait for my next visit. Thank you to all the staff for making my first experience of this wonderful food a great one.
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Lisa
9 Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 9
Wednesday, December 16, 2009

I cant believe I hadnt discovered Papaya for the 20 years I have lived in London. The standard of food is excellent and the clean restaurant makes it a delight to eat in.

Service is excellent and Papaya is a restaurant you cannot keep to yourself, you just feel compelled to share it with the rest of the world.

There is no other Sri Lankan Restaurant that compares and the food has yet to be frowned upon by any of my friends or family.

Keep up the good work Papaya and make sure you dont go anywhere!
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Joel
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Thursday, April 02, 2009

having been to sri lanka numerous times and i love asian food.. i have to say that this place is the only place in west london were the food tastes just like the food in columbo..

when the food is being cooked.. the spices is exactly the same smells as when im over there.. i just close my eyes and apart from the english weather.. its like being back there

for anyone whos unsure about this place.. trust me.. its excellent... the people are friendly, the bill is acceptable.. its not the cheapest or madly expensive.. but after your belly is full.. you know why you have eaten there..
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paul louis-taylor ruislip
8 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 6
Friday, March 27, 2009