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Tempe

Papaya Thai in Tempe, AZ, has received mixed reviews. While some patrons appreciate the authentic Thai flavors and variety, others have expressed concerns about cleanliness and service quality. It's advisable to check the latest reviews before visiting.

Discovering Papaya Thai in Tempe, Arizona: A Flavorful Journey with a Mixed Tale of Experiences 

Nestled at 1731 East Broadway Road in Tempe, Arizona, Papaya Thai was a family-owned restaurant that carved a niche for itself with a broad menu featuring customizable noodles, rich curries, and classic rice dishes. This eatery catered to both dine-in visitors and those who preferred takeout or delivery, embracing the community with authentic flavors and a welcoming environment suitable for families.

Food lovers sought out Papaya Thai for its flavorful menu highlighted by generous portions of spring rolls, vegetarian pad thai, and customizable spice levels for shrimp and other dishes. Many customers appreciated the fragrant basil and rich peanut sauces that filled the air, enhancing the dining experience. The restaurant was praised for accommodating various dietary preferences, including vegetarian options.

However, experiences varied among patrons, with some noting issues such as inconsistent broth colors, limited vegetable options, and concerns about cleanliness and ambiance. Service quality also received mixed feedback, with some guests feeling overlooked while others found the staff genuine and friendly. Despite these critiques, the value and quantity of food were generally appreciated.

Community sentiment and lasting impression

The community expressed a mixed sentiment toward Papaya Thai. While some celebrated the authenticity and flavorful dishes, others highlighted issues with service and hygiene. Such a blend of reviews reflects the complexity of dining experiences but underscores Papaya Thai’s role as a notable spot for Thai cuisine in Tempe during its operation.

Frequently asked questions about Papaya Thai

 No, Papaya Thai in Tempe, AZ, is permanently closed.

What are the operating hours of Papaya Thai

 Papaya Thai was open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 9:30 PM and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 9:30 PM.

 The address was 1731 E Broadway Rd, Tempe, AZ 85282.

What is the contact number for Papaya Thai

North America

United States

Nestled in the heart of Tempe, Arizona, Papaya Thai is a vibrant culinary gem that invites you to indulge in authentic Thai flavors. This family-owned eatery is renowned for its extensive menu, featuring customizable noodles, aromatic curries, and fragrant rice dishes. With a warm ambiance and friendly service, Papaya Thai is the perfect spot for both casual dining and special occasions.

At Papaya Thai, every dish tells a story. Start your meal with their **signature spring rolls**, which are generously stuffed with fresh vegetables and served with a tangy dipping sauce. These rolls are not just a starter; they are a delightful prelude to the culinary journey that awaits. For the main course, don't miss the **Pad Thai**, a classic that features stir-fried rice noodles tossed with a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors, topped with crushed peanuts and fresh lime.

 Papaya Thai is celebrated for its customizable dishes, allowing diners to adjust spice levels and ingredients to their liking.

 The restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for families and friends to gather over delicious food.

 Papaya Thai accepts both credit and debit cards, making it convenient for all diners.

Papaya Thai has a rich history rooted in family traditions. The recipes have been passed down through generations, ensuring that each dish is made with love and authenticity. The chefs take pride in sourcing fresh ingredients, which not only enhances the flavors but also supports local farmers.

Whether you're a local or just passing through Tempe, make sure to stop by Papaya Thai for an unforgettable dining experience. With its inviting atmosphere, delicious food, and friendly service, it's a place where memories are made. Come savor the flavors of Thailand today.

Family-owned Thai eatery offering a broad menu of customizable noodles, curries & rice dishes.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNVOHNQN2VBEAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJG_Mag4sIK4cRDpsvkXUWnh8/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNVOHNQN2VBEAE

The biggest spring rolls, I have ever had. The Pho Chicken was good, but did not come with any other options like more vegetables. It had a weird non chicken broth color.  No real Asian chef would serve a spring roll like this.  This is how it looks when you try this at home.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUN3cXI2bEdBEAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJG_Mag4sIK4cRDpsvkXUWnh8/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUN3cXI2bEdBEAE

Hungrily searching for delivery places online, I came across this place. Menu sounded good and review I read was positive, so called in to order spring rolls and vegetarian pad thai. They said delivery time would be over an hour, and when I said I didn't mind to wait, they agreed to bring it over. Tip brings the cash total to $24, which is delicious considering I only had to press a few buttons and walk a few steps to start eating food so good that the whole room smells like basil and peanut sauce. Thank you Papaya Thai for such fine food. Oh yeah, the delivery driver was friendly and nice. 6 stars.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNZOUozWTN3RRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJG_Mag4sIK4cRDpsvkXUWnh8/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNZOUozWTN3RRAB

Is this a thai place or a pho place? Neither. Its a front. Went in for Thai. Guy too busy watching tv to seat me. Golf must have been on.

So no thai food. Even tho its in the title? And they have sandwich boards that says THAI FOOD.

Go next door to Saki Bombers where they have Sushi. And Saki Bombers.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURBNlBDVjB3RRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJG_Mag4sIK4cRDpsvkXUWnh8/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURBNlBDVjB3RRAB

This place isn't bad for Thai food. You can get any of the meals catered to your preferred spiciness levels. I'm kind of a spice wimp, so I got the most mild shrimps. Everything was good. The place seems older and is dark and a bit dirty. Prices are good for the amount of food you get.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUN3aTlmWXh3RRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJG_Mag4sIK4cRDpsvkXUWnh8/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUN3aTlmWXh3RRAB

I would say this is a typical shopping center Asian restaurant. It's got a solid, if not typical menu option. I ordered the pumpkin special with tofu and the other person in my party ordered fusion noodles. My dish was good, and portioned well enough (though perhaps just a little small, especially compared with the noodles), although I felt there may have been an excessive amount of soy, which was a bit irritating, especially as it wasn't indicated on the menu. Overall, it was fine, but nothing special to put it over 4 stars. The prices are fine enough, but nothing impressive. The service was good, and the server seemed to be genuine in caring for our needs, despite a possible language barrier. This place is fine, but there's nothing to distinguish it from any other shopping center Asian restaurant

Discover Papaya Thai: Family-Friendly Restaurant in Tempe, AZ

Papaya Thai was a family-owned Thai eatery in Tempe, AZ, known for its broad menu of customizable noodles, curries, and rice dishes. The Tempe location has been reported as permanently closed as of June 2025.

A rich legacy of papaya thai in tempe arizona's culinary scene.

Nestled in the vibrant city of Tempe, Arizona, Papaya Thai carved a special place in the hearts of food lovers with its authentic and customizable Thai cuisine. This family-owned eatery became a beloved dining destination thanks to its diverse menu featuring noodles, rich curries, and fragrant rice dishes — all crafted to suit individual tastes and spice preferences.

celebrated recognition and community impact

In 2023, Papaya Thai received distinguished recognition when Phoenix Magazine named it Arizona's Best Thai Curry. This accolade highlighted the restaurant's dedication to quality and authentic flavor, elevating its status within the competitive culinary landscape of the state. The award not only celebrated Papaya Thai's exceptional dishes but also its role as a cherished family-run establishment in the Tempe community.

Despite its popularity and acclaim, Papaya Thai closed its doors permanently in 2025 at its location on East Broadway Road in Tempe. Its closing marked the end of an era for many locals who had come to appreciate its flavorful dishes and welcoming atmosphere. The eatery’s legacy lives on in the memories of patrons who enjoyed its authentic Thai offerings and the family warmth it brought to the neighborhood.

Papaya Thai was more than just another restaurant; it was a culinary experience revered for its flexibility in food customization, allowing diners to tailor noodles, curries, and rice dishes to their liking. Family-friendly and vegetarian-friendly options made it accessible to a wide audience, while the reasonable prices and genuine service fostered a loyal customer base. Its closure left a noticeable gap in Tempe’s vibrant food scene.

 – Situated at 1731 E Broadway Rd, Papaya Thai offered a cozy, family-run ambiance that welcomed visitors seeking authentic Thai cuisine.

 – The broad menu allowed diners to personalize their meals, adjusting flavors and spice levels to create a perfect dish.

 – Recognized as Arizona’s Best Thai Curry, a testament to its authentic and flavorful cooking style.

 – A family-owned business that fostered connections with locals and visitors alike, creating a welcoming atmosphere.

Dine In

Takeout

Delivery

Good for Children

Serves Vegetarian Food

Papaya Thai in Tempe, Arizona, is a family-owned Thai eatery offering a broad menu of customizable noodles, curries, and rice dishes in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.

Papaya Thai

Authentic Thai cuisine featuring a variety of appetizers, main courses, and desserts.

Papaya Salad (Lao/Thai Style)

Larb Chicken

Thai Seafood Salad

Beef Salad

Samurai Pad Thai

Pad Kee Mao

Pad Se Ew

Basil Fried Rice

Fried Rice

Pineapple Fried Rice

Crab Meat Fried Rice

Chao Mein

Crispy Catfish with Garlic Sauce

Choo Chee Fish

Basil Mussels

Black Pepper & Garlic Seafood

Salmon Delight

Papaya Salad

Tom Yum Soup

Tom Kha Soup

Tom Yum Vegetable

Tom Kha Vegetable

Deep Fried Veg Spring Rolls

Fresh Salad Roll Jay

Roti with Curry Sauce

Coconut or Green Tea Ice Cream

Papaya Thai Menu

Located in the heart of Tempe, Papaya Thai presents an authentic Thai dining experience with a menu rich in tradition and vibrant flavors. Known for its customizable noodles, savory curries, and fresh rice dishes, this family-owned eatery caters to both meat lovers and vegetarians, inviting guests to explore the best of Thai cuisine.

Begin your meal with classic Thai starters that showcase fresh ingredients and balanced seasoning. While the menu primarily focuses on mains, guests often enjoy the generous spring rolls, noted for their impressive size and crisp texture, setting a delicious tone for the courses ahead.

Papaya Thai’s main courses are a treasure trove of flavors and textures, designed to satisfy a range of palates. The iconic Authentic Traditional Phad Thai offers thin rice noodles tossed with tamarind sauce, eggs, tofu, onions, fish sauce, bean sprouts, and topped with crunchy peanuts, delivering a perfect harmony of sweet, sour, and savory.

Drunken Noodle: Flat rice noodles stir-fried with mixed vegetables, basil leaves, peppers, and chili paste for a spicy kick.

Blue Sapphire Basil Entree: Sautéed protein with garlic, white onion, bell pepper, and Thai sweet basil leaves, creating a fragrant and flavorful dish.

Ruby Red Curry: Creamy coconut milk infused with red curry paste, bamboo shoots, and basil leaves, simmered with your choice of protein.

PaPaYa Special Fried Rice: Brown rice stir-fried with egg, carrots, and a delightful combination of seafood, perfect for those seeking a hearty, wholesome meal.

For those craving something unique, specialties like the Guardian Angel Crispy Noodle with Curry combine crispy egg noodles with yellow curry and your choice of protein, while the Samurai Pad Thai offers stir-fried thin noodles with eggs, bean sprouts, green onion, ground peanut, and Japanese prawn tempura dipping sauce for a luxurious twist.

Vegetarian diners are well-catered for with dishes like Vegetable Rama with Tofu, featuring firm or fried tofu with mixed vegetables and peanut sauce, and the Chef's Vegetarian Special, a medley of baby corn, mushroom, broccoli, cabbage, and bell pepper.

Vegetable Phad Thai: Thin rice noodles with egg, mixed vegetables, bean sprouts, and ground peanuts.

Garlic Tofu: Tofu sautéed with garlic, white pepper, black soy sauce, broccoli, and cabbage.

Vegetable Curry: Mixed vegetables simmered in coconut milk with bamboo shoots, bell pepper, red curry paste, and sweet basil.

While the menu highlights a robust array of mains, guests can complement their meals with traditional Thai desserts and refreshing beverages that enhance the rich flavors of Papaya Thai’s dishes. Details on specific dessert and drink offerings are available upon dining, ensuring fresh and seasonal options.

 - Tempura shrimp in green curry paste, coconut milk, sweet basil, green beans, bell pepper, and carrot for a vibrant dish.

 - Boneless roasted duck served with spinach and a special house sauce, offering a rich and comforting taste.

Savor authentic Thai flavors at Papaya Thai in Tempe! Enjoy vibrant dishes in a cozy atmosphere. Discover your next favorite meal today!

Papaya Thai: Authentic Dining in Tempe, AZ

Maricopa County

Reservations

Papaya Thai Tempe Arizona Dining Experience 

Located at 1731 East Broadway Road in Tempe, Papaya Thai invites food lovers to savor the flavors of authentic Thai cuisine with a family-owned touch. This welcoming eatery is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a broad menu of customizable dishes featuring noodles, curries, and rice, catering to all tastes including vegetarian options.

Whether you're a spice enthusiast or prefer mild flavors, Papaya Thai offers the flexibility to tailor your meal’s spiciness and ingredients to suit your preferences. From the classic vegetarian pad thai bursting with fresh basil and peanut sauce aromas to the hearty curry dishes, each plate is crafted to bring the essence of Thailand to your table. Families will appreciate the kid-friendly environment, making it a great choice for dining out with children.

Papaya Thai offers dine-in, takeout, and delivery services, ensuring you can enjoy their dishes whether at home or in their cozy space. The restaurant accepts debit and credit cards, making payment easy and convenient. While the setting is an older shopping center spot with a casual vibe, the focus remains on delivering flavorful meals at reasonable prices. The friendly delivery drivers and attentive staff enhance the overall experience.

Customizable noodles, flavorful curries, vegetarian options, and classic rice dishes.

Welcoming atmosphere suitable for children, making it ideal for family outings.

Accepts credit and debit cards along with cash, facilitating easy transactions.

Offers timely delivery and convenient takeout options to enjoy Thai favorites anywhere.

Papaya Thai stands out in Tempe’s diverse food scene by offering dishes that evoke the rich culinary traditions of Thailand. While the ambiance is casual and unpretentious, the kitchen delivers bold flavors that satisfy cravings for authentic Thai cuisine. Whether you’re stopping by for a casual dinner or ordering in to enjoy fresh, flavorful meals at home, Papaya Thai is a dependable choice for quality Thai fare.

Arizona

Experience genuine Thai flavors at Papaya Thai in Tempe, AZ. Enjoy customizable dishes, family-friendly atmosphere, and convenient delivery and takeout.

Papaya Thai Tempe: Authentic Thai Cuisine & Family Dining

Discover the diverse menu at Papaya Thai in Tempe, AZ. Perfect for family dinners, vegetarian options, and reservations—book your table today!

Explore Papaya Thai Tempe: Best Thai Food & Reservation Tips

Learn about Papaya Thai in Tempe, AZ—family-owned for authentic Thai dishes, broad menu, and community favorites, with a focus on quality and hospitality.

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