The sun was shining high above me, the mist was floating between my feet as I walked around exploring this new habitat, I was surrounded by tropical rainforest trees, birds chirping all around me, while water dripping and flowing. I am on a new journey, but this time, I am not using my passport, I don’t need a visa to get there, this destination is right in Jeddah, I took a trip to Papaya a voyage to your sight, emotions, and senses.

The restaurant has a very unique feel to it, the minute you walk in you feel that you stepped right into the middle of the jungle, since the restaurant’ owner successfully managed to create a greenhouse, then build what feels like an oriental resort right inside of it surrounded by trees (lots of real trees), plus the whole ambiance and effects that goes with that like waterfalls, mist, fog, fountains, and Birds.

As soon as you pull your car into the parking lot, you start to get that feeling where you’re about to embark on an unforgettable journey. Since the whole area surrounding Papaya is landscaped to reflect that same image, where you feel that it is a world inside a world. It almost feels like you’re about to step into a resort in Bali or Phuket.

Once seated on your table you will be presented with the easy to read menu, that has many colorful choices that mixes between Tai, Indonesian, Japanese, and some Arabic and Italian cuisines, ranging from appetizers, soup, salads, pastas, sandwiches, Pizza, main courses and dessert. I should also mention that Papaya is the only place in town that offers the Saudi Pizza (bet you never heard of that one before).

Another dish I highly recommend is a dessert called Candied Banana, which is banana slices cooked with a sweet brown sugar sauce, then topped with crispy Konafa and whipped cream.

Papaya caters to both Singles and Family with two separated sections, if you decide to pay it a visit, I should recommend going during day time, noon would be best, since you will find the whole sky on top of you while you sit under the skylight roof, giving you the beautiful bright sun while blocking all the heat. And don’t worry about what to wear, this is a casual restaurant close to the beach side, so they want you to chill out and relax. Oh and don’t forget to bring your shades in there with you.

Location: Kings Road, Al Zahraa District behind Sawari Mall.

GPS Coordinates: N 21° 34.968′ E 39° 7.846′