Papaya King, Fast food restaurant on Upper East Side, Manhattan, US
Papaya King is a fast food restaurant on the Upper East Side in Manhattan that serves beef hot dogs with fresh tropical fruit drinks at counter seating. The establishment offers simple combinations of sausages and juices in a casual walk-up setting.
The restaurant was founded in 1932 by Constantine Poulos, starting as a tropical juice bar before hot dogs were added to match the neighborhood's German-American preferences. The pairing grew from a practical business decision that brought together the local community's different food tastes.
The place represents a New York food tradition that merges German sausage culture with Caribbean fruit drinks, drawing people from different neighborhoods. This blend reflects how the city's diverse populations have shaped everyday eating habits.
The restaurant serves customers daily at standing counters with quick service and offers combinations of hot dogs and tropical drinks at reasonable prices. Visitors should expect to stand in line and eat at the counter while standing.
The dish became well-known through endorsements by Martha Stewart and Julia Child, who praised the specific preparation method with a grilled exterior and tender inside. These endorsements from well-known personalities helped put the place on the map beyond its local neighborhood.
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