No matter what you choose to eat or drink at Papaya’s Natural Foods in Kapa‘a, it’s a win-win situation. Just as the workers put thought into making sure each item is prepared to be as tasty as possible, they are
No matter what you choose to eat or drink at Papaya’s Natural Foods in Kapa‘a, it’s a win-win situation. Just as the workers put thought into making sure each item is prepared to be as tasty as possible, they are also ensuring it’s natural and healthy. So for this week’s Drink of the Week, I chose to explore the store’s smoothie menu. Usually when I go there, I beeline it to the counter and ask for the fish tacos (they are amazing, if you haven’t already tried them), but a smoothie is an arguably healthier way to fill your stomach.
I chose to get the Chai Coconut Yum for a cool $6.99. When I took my first taste of it while sitting at one of Papaya’s many tables just outside the store on a sunny Sunday, I was delightfully surprised: It felt like a mix between a hearty protein shake and an indulgent Starbucks treat. The bananas and soy milk add the protein, which felt weighty and gave the drink its bulk, yet the coconut and chai sweetened everything up and kept it tasty. While I contend that it isn’t quite large enough to make for an entire meal, if you pick up a small snack on your way through the checkout line as well, pairing the two makes for the perfect meal portion. Although this recipe is exclusive to Papaya’s, here are the portions and ingredients they use.
How to make the Chai Coconut Yum:
8 ounces of rice milk or soy milk (you get to choose)
1/2 cup banana
2 cubes of frozen coconut
5 cubes of Papaya’s house-made Chai
Then, simply blend until smooth and enjoy!
Other smoothie choices include Mango Madness, Acai Berry and Protein Jolt. For an
additional 75 cents you can also choose to add in protein powder, spirulina, Vitamin C, kale and/or bee pollen, among other things. The options are endless for customizing your tasty treat to maximize its beneficial properties to your liking.
Papaya’s Natural Foods is located in the Kaua‘i Village Shopping Center in Kapa‘a. They are open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The cafe closes at 7 p.m. On
Sunday they are open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the cafe closes at 4 p.m. Call 808-823-0190 for more information.
