Do you enjoy Thai cuisine? If so, I have a recommendation for you! Thai Papaya should be your next stop for bubble tea and a warm bowl of Tom Kha. It is located on 321 Harding Place in Nashville, TN. This Thai restaurant exudes a cozy ambiance, making it perfect for a comfortable dining experience. Thai Papaya is unlike some other Thai establishments because the food and the ambience are neither too hot or too cold; this restaurant has the perfect balance both with food and atmosphere.

The minute you walk in, the service is commendable; the staff member who assisted me was welcoming and knowledgeable about the menu. Her friendly demeanor was a big contribution to my experience and immediately made me feel welcome.

For appetizers, I ordered crab rangoons and the vegetable spring rolls. The crab rangoons were delightfully creamy, crispy, and had a hint of sweetness, while the spring rolls, which were also crispy, featured fresh, flavorful vegetables.

For my main dish, I chose Tom Kha, a coconut-based soup bursting with flavor. The spice level ranges from 0 to 5; I opted for a level 1. However, they can make it as hot as you like. I would rate this soup a perfect 5 out of 5 stars. Among various Thai restaurants I have visited, this establishment consistently tops.

For dessert, I enjoyed honeydew bubble tea, which I would rate 4 out of 5 stars for its delightful array of flavors. My friend selected taro bubble tea and described it as “sweet and flavorful.”

In terms of pricing, the menu offers excellent value for a traditional Thai restaurant. The bubble tea is priced at $7, while the soup costs $5.95. Although it is primarily a sit-down restaurant, take-out options are also available. While some items may seem pricey, dining with friends can make the experience quite affordable, averaging around $15 per person.

I had the opportunity to speak to Ngun Par, the daughter of the restaurant’s owners, Cin Thang and Ah Sang. The original owners of Thai Papaya were Ty and his wife, who developed the menu after studying Japanese cuisine in Japan, which inspired her to create her own Thai sauces. Notably, the menu has remained unchanged since the original owners established it.

I also asked whether she believes they have contributed to increasing cultural awareness of Thai food in the community. She expressed that they have indeed made a positive impact by educating locals about their culture.

Additionally, knowing that many high school students seek employment, I asked about the minimum age to work at the restaurant. Ngun indicated that applicants must be at least 16 years old, which typically means people in the middle of their sophomore year.

Overall, I would rate this Thai restaurant a perfect 5 out of 5 stars due to its inviting atmosphere, exceptional food, and excellent service.