Papaya (Closed Permanently)

Soho hole in the wall dishing out large takeaway portions of sufficiently tasty Thai staples, including curries (red beef, green chicken, cashew nut, massaman) and pad thai, plus sweet and sour chicken, plump spring rolls and a choice of three different rices. Has the feel of a street food outlet, but indoors and not quite as foodie-adventurous (emphasis here is more on excellent value rather than fine-tuned flavours). The space is poky, but there are in fact three window seats to be nabbed, though this lunchtime-only establshment nearly always is heaving, with queues outside. Located at the narrow Wardour St end of St. Anne's Court, which is as close as London gets to a BLADE RUNNER-style street scene. Opened in 2008 or so, with other branches in Goodge St, London Bridge and Mayfair.