Iconic Brisbane restaurant Green Papaya has been purchased by one of Brisbane’s most awarded restaurant duos, Raymund Venzin and Kesinee Sae Jung.

Green Papaya first gained popularity thanks mainly to its modern North Vietnamese food but also its charismatic chef, owner and author of Green Papaya books, Lien Yeomans, mother of Brisbane rock icon and Regurgitator front man, Quan Yeomans.

With Lien having left Green Papaya some years ago, and the restaurant’s second owners being forced to close earlier this year, Raymund and Kesinee have decided to rejuvenate the business by focussing on the chef’s expertise, Balinese and Thai cuisine.

“I originally recruited Kesinee four years ago, after being captivated by the food at acclaimed Singaporean restaurant, Bali Thai, where she was Executive Chef.

Ever since, I’ve been looking for the perfect opportunity to open a contemporary Balinese and Thai restaurant here in Brisbane,” said Venzin.

Green Papaya will be the third restaurant owned by the acclaimed duo, who also own Mons Ban Sabai Thai Restaurant in Camp Hill.

Venzin and Sae Jung also own Golden Buddha Thai Restaurant, which opened in 2008 and was a finalist in The Best Thai Restaurant in Brisbane competition 2009, won by Mons Ban Sabai.