First Look: Mr Papa Fyshwick

Posted on 25 November, 2020

Canberra’s own Peruvian street food icon Mr Papa might have started in Lonsdale Street’s The Hamlet in 2014.

But fast forward six years and Mr Papa can be spotted at public events, food festivals—even weddings—a long line snaking from their distinctive ‘Papita’ food van.

Well, drum roll please, because Mr Papa has a new home.

Located on Fyshwick’s Barrier Street, Owner Carlos Ramirez says it’s a dream come true to give Canberrans another place to find their beloved chanchitos, asados and gringas.

“This is a huge step for us and we couldn’t be more excited,” he says.

“The business [has] expanded in a way that we needed to establish an HQ base that would allow us to have a home for our food and events company, expand our catering capacity and deliver even bigger and better events.”

Carlos in the Mr Papa Kitchen. Image supplied.

Mr Papa devotees will be happy to know they can find all their favourites at the Barrier Street shopfront, as well as some new dishes. Did someone say Mr Papa for breakfast?

“Mr Papa Fyshwick is where we are slinging coffees and brand new breakfast options,” says Carlos.

Speaking of new options, Mr Papa Fyshwick also offers take-home goodies such as Mr Papa coffee, take-home empanada boxes, their speciality sauces and party meal boxes.

So far, the reception at Fyshwick “has been amazing”, with Carlos loving Mr Papa’s new neighbours, saying that “they’ve made the time to stop by and say hello”.

But for Carlos, it all comes down to Mr Papa’s devoted fanbase.

“Nothing of this would have been possible without the support of our Canberra fam,” he says. “The community has been there for us—even more so during the tough times with COVID-19.”

As for what’s next for this dynamic team, Carlos hints at a Mr Papa venue next door, where customers can expect “live Latin music, non-stop salsa step, laneway parties, street food and much more”. Watch this space.