I have walked past O’Pao Indian Sliders dozens of times and I’ve eaten at restaurants on either side (and in the street behind) more times that I can remember yet I’ve never walked in to give it a try – till now. If I were asked to sum up my experience there in one word, it would be Wow! And that’s because of two things: the insanely delicious O’Mutton Khicha Pao – that’s a pulled lamb burger to us Gringos, and service (Shamsad, I mean you). Listen up, the pulled lamb burger, perfectly spiced and seasoned, is the best thing I’ve had since the High Jam @high.joint – yes, it’s THAT good. Also highly recommended are the Coriander Chicken Tikka and Kurkuri Bhindi, which literally means crispy okra – I can imagine both as accompaniments to “a cold one” (or six). Speaking of which, the curried O’Chatpata Maggi Noodles is something I have tried (unsuccessfully) to make on many a tipsy-midnight-return from a night out with the lads. But to order Maggi at this place is really missing the plot (especially when there’s @thatplacedxb next door).
Interior 
A view from the street 
Interior 
Masala Diet Coke (better than Thumbs Up) 
From left…Chef Qamruz, Shamsad and owner Amol Dhote 
Kurkuri Bhindi 
O’Mutton Khicha Pao 
O’Chatpata Maggi Noodles 
Coriander Chicken Tikka
The interior of O’Pao is Thumbelina sized but it’s youthful, bright and cheerful thanks to a wall-to-wall street facing window and some funky graphics. As mentioned earlier, service is very good. I was looked after by a smiley young man named Shamsad who treated me like his long-lost uncle. I appreciated the fact that both owner, Amol Dhote and Head Chef Qamruz Zaman, both Mumbaikars, took the time to come and say hello (neither knew I was a blogger). I enjoyed chatting with them almost as much as eating at their restaurant – almost. O’Pao Indian Sliders is definitely one of those must visit Karama restaurants, a gem. I sincerely hope Amol’s plans to branch out to new Dubai succeed as he and his team are definitely on to a good thing. I, for one, shall be going back for sure; this time to try their O’Butter Chicken Pao and O’Mutton Keema – I love keema. O’Pao, deserving of it’s super high ratings and worth a visit… O’Mutton Khicha Pao is worth a detour.
#1 Food Blogger on Zomato Dubai – 2018, 2019 and 2020
Xerxes (pronounced Zûrk’seez) physically dines at, or orders from, each and every venue he reviews. He pays in full for whatever he and his companions eat, drink, take away or occasionally throw at each other. Xerxes accepts no money, gifts, discounts or free meals in return for reviews or favouritism. What you have read was NOT influenced in any way by the venue. Join his culinary journey on Instagram: @ravenousxerxes or reach out to him via email on xerxes@dellara.com.