Koh Phi Phi is most well known for its beaches, diving, bars, and nightlife, but being foodies, we went to hunt for good food. The number one restaurant on our list is a small local Thai eatery called Papaya.

Ranked number 8 on Tripadvisor and recommended by the Thailand Lonely Planet, Papaya has earned quite a reputation in the small island of Phi Phi Don. Locals are familiar of it and many recommend it as one of the restaurants to visit if you are in search of authentic Thai food.

The eatery itself is simple with indoor and outdoor seating, and located on a relatively quiet alley amongst the crowded centre of Koh Phi Phi Don. The restaurant opens whenever the owner, Mr. Ror, wants it to open, and closes purely when the last customer walks out.

On arrival, say hello to the owner’s unusual cat. Lying on his back looking dazed with four legs out, the cat is an attraction to many by passers. Due to the attention the cat has received, it has become an important mascot of Papaya, with its pictures painted on the restaurant’s walls.

Papaya is by no means luxurious. It is inexpensive and focuses more on the taste and value of food, giving generous portions for a kind value. The tables and chairs are basic, and cutlery is provided in a wooden box on the table.

The menu is simple, easy to read, with a good range of dish choices. The friendly and attentive waiter recommended to us the yellow curry, sweet and sour prawn, and papaya salad.

The papaya salad came out first. Although average in appearance, it tasted delicious. The mixture of sweet, sour, and salty, combined with the crunchy texture of the grated papaya and green beans is quite exquisite.

The sweet and sour prawn was enjoyable. With the prawns being small and plentiful, the sauce was able to immerse itself quite well into the prawns giving extra flavor.

The yellow curry is recommended to those spicy-lovers. Again, the taste won over appearance. The thick sauce was very tasty with a great fusion of spices.

Of course, an authentic Thai restaurant would not be complete without the staple sauces brought to the table; chili in soy sauce, chili powder, and salt. Added to the dishes, these sauces can flavor to your liking.

Due to the generous portions and depending on your appetite, two can share one dish. Overall, Papaya is a simple restaurant to visit when in Koh Phi Phi and worth a review.

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Images: Pisaphotography/Shutterstock, Omar Niode Foundation