The Papaya Lady Reviews, Ratings, Menu

General Info

If you're looking for a unique dining experience in Merced, CA, The Papaya Lady should be at the top of your list. Located at 45 E 16th St, this vibrant takeout restaurant serves up an exciting blend of Thai-inspired dishes that are as flavorful as they are fresh. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or indulging in a small plate for a casual meal, The Papaya Lady offers a diverse menu perfect for any craving.

One of the standout dishes at The Papaya Lady is their signature Thai Tea. Sweet, creamy, and bold, it’s the perfect drink to complement any of the restaurant's vibrant meals. For a truly refreshing experience, pair it with their Green Papaya Salad. This dish is a true testament to the bold flavors of Thai cuisine, with a delightful combination of fresh papaya, crunchy peanuts, and a tangy dressing that hits all the right notes.

For something a bit heartier, try the Beef Jerky and Sticky Rice with Cherry Tomato Sauce. The tender, flavorful beef jerky combined with sticky rice and the zingy cherry tomato sauce is a perfect blend of sweet and savory. Another unique offering is the Nam Vanh Tapioca Dessert, a sweet treat that will satisfy your cravings for something light yet indulgent. If you’re looking to push your culinary boundaries, you can’t miss out on the Pla RA, a classic Thai dish that's as flavorful as it is authentic.

The Papaya Lady isn’t just about delicious food; it’s about providing a warm, welcoming environment. The restaurant is LGBTQ+ friendly, making it a great spot for everyone in the community to enjoy a meal. Locals and visitors alike love stopping by for a quick bite or to take out their favorite dishes, which makes it a beloved spot in the area.

The restaurant’s small plates are perfect for sharing with friends or grabbing a variety of flavors to enjoy on the go. With its quick service and casual atmosphere, The Papaya Lady has built a loyal following. Whether you’re in the mood for a sweet snack, a savory meal, or a refreshing drink, this gem in Merced has something to satisfy your taste buds.

What customers say?

“ Really good flavor on the noodle soup! Thai tea was good also. Friendly family owned take out restaurant in the back of Mercado. Must try! ”

- W chen -

“ this place is a hidden gem in Merced. best papaya salad I've ever had and all the food & drinks are amazing. In the back of Mercado so don't be intimidated 15/10 for food and some of the nicest people you'll ever meet making it. ”

- s lack -

“ Every time we eat here it’s amazing! Today we got the spring bowl salad, chicken with rice, and tapioca drink. Great portions and prices with great taste! Also such welcoming and kind service! We will be eating here again 10/10 ”

- Josie Castacasta -

“ This is an excellent little takeout restaurant. It's located in the back of a small butcher shop/mercado. The owners were so friendly and welcoming. I really enjoyed our conversation and they even greeted another customer by name. It was such a pleasant experience in every way. The extraordinary customer service was matched by some incredibly delicious food. The Lao fried chicken drumstick was crispy, flavorful, and fresh. It was still hot, even after the drive home. The red chicken curry was without a doubt the best curry I've ever had in Merced. Most of all, these dishes were less than 10 dollars, which is an incredible deal! I strongly recommend this amazing restaurant. You should check it out if you're in the area! I can't wait to go back. ”

- M. Ali -

“ Want real Lao food?...then you must try this gem. It is Take-Out only, and I would affectionally call it a hole-in-the-wall great authentic place to buy Lao specialties. The owners are the cooks, so ice, and you can't beat their "som tam" papaya salad. My wife is Thai and I lived in Thailand so feel am a good judge of Isaan and in this case, real Lao food. Try it! We are from Las Vegas and if passing through again will certainly make this a "Must" go to stop. ”

- Martin Guaglione -

“ Best authentic Northeastern Thai/ Isan/ Laotian food. Very good price. Highly recommend the papaya salad and tapioca drink. The tapioca drink will make you forget about boba tea, it is another level of sweet delicacy very affordable price and friendly people ”

- Sirapoom Peanusaha -

“ A real hole in the wall place! Food is great and the owners are really nice. It is inside of a Carnicería but worth it. ”

- Sugehiry Evans -

“ Food is delish. Owners are nice. Food comes out fast. Obviously not a sit down place since it lives in a small market. ”

- Paul Lee -

Welcome to The Papaya Lady

General Info

The Papaya Lady menu

The Papaya Lady Photos

What customers say?

Location & Contact

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