Thai Papaya has been part of the Hampton Roads Thai-food community since around 2004. Beginning with its Hampton location on North Armistead Avenue, the restaurant developed a loyal local following, particularly among people working around NASA Langley and the surrounding Hampton area. Its success eventually led to a second location in Newport News in 2011. Over the years, Thai Papaya has become known for approachable, traditional Thai favorites such as Pad Thai, Pad See Ew, drunken noodles, curries, fried rice, Som Tum (papaya salad), and Thai soups.