During the weekend we explored a new Desi outlet located in Al Karama called O’Pao. A Pao is very much Mumbai’s popular street food bun and Vada Pao is the most recognized one. O’Pao moves one step ahead by introducing a wide range of stuffed Paos. They have veg and non-veg Paos stuffed with a variety of ingredients. The stuffings are unique with multiple layers of sauces and spices. Paos itself are of two kinds, the regular ones or Potata based Paos. They have a simple two page menu consisting of Paos, sides, desserts and beverages.
It’s a bright, colorful restaurant on the inside but with very little space. They’ve tried to utilize every little space possible. There are no chairs but stools and benches and not matter where, you should get an outside view. I guess the size should be fine for a street food eatery. If you sit next to their full sized glass windows then expect passers-by to be tempted to peep into your plate while they walk by the restaurant. Their Paos are heavily buttered from the outside which is a joy to hold and eat. So one of my wish would have been to see a wash basin so I could easily wash my hands after meal, although they do handover wet napkins after your meal.
The cold coffee was nice but what really struck the chord was their Masala Thums Up. Firstly thumps up itself is a delight and the fizzy drinks mixed with their masala was even more better. But ofcourse these are nothing new in India but it’s not something you would find in Dubai. So the Masala Thums Up is highly recommended to try when you visit O’Pao.
They have some amazing collection of fries. We just couldn’t stop eating the Kurkuri Bhindi. These Bhindis were rock n roll and we just couldn’t control ourselves from finishing it at one go. They were light, crisp and easy on spice. The Masala fries was also a good company. It felt natural with potato skin on it, crispy and they tasted just yum!
We then tried several of their Paos. Firstly we loved their stamp on each of their Paos. Starting with Paneer Makhni Pao which came stuffed with delicious king sized cubes of Paneer topped with thick sweet Makahani sauce and is probably the same sauce you can expect for their Butter Chicken Pao as well. The Mutton Khicha Pao reminds me of the pulled beef experience and to be noted was the ample stuffing of mutton in it. It’s interesting from the whole lot of Indian stuffing, it was the chinese flavour I enjoyed the most. I am meant my favourite was their Triple Schezwan Pao, which was a combination of noodles, sauce, eggs, chicken, all in a chinese way and of course we Indians always enjoy Indo-chinese combo. By the way, all their Paos comes with standard Indian cylinder shaped crackers, more like an experience of Thai crackers along with their mains.
There is a sweet ending with a Pao as well. The O’Pao French Toast is where their Pass are made really soft, soaked in a special custard sauce and plenty of lotus biscuit crumbs which makes it a luscious one. The ice cream which was a butter scotch flavour was really nice and a nice combination with the O’Pao French Toast. They do take some time to prepare the French Toast. The chocolate mousse had a smooth texture and was more on the sweeter side but it began to feel a bit bland after few spoons. They probably should have added some nuts, biscuits crumbs or something similar to get the dessert more interesting. Click here to visit their official website. Click pictures below to see them in full screen view:
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