What-a-Pao at O Pao, Bur Dubai

Author John Thomas

If you were to ask any Mumbaikar (Term used to refer to someone belonging to Mumbai, India) about Vada Pav, you’ll learn that vada pav is not just food. It is an emotion. A way of life. 

The mighty Indian vada pav has been around in north indian eateries here for years now, yet no one had ever thought about taking it to the next level – as Amol Dhote of 6 AM Concepts. 

Having been raised in Mumbai for the best part of his childhood, Amol had been thinking for a long time about how this desi staple food of the Marathis could be part of the global food movement and transcend boundaries.

So, coming to Dubai Amol set up O' Pao – a one of a kind Pav joint which caters to pav lovers of every kind. Vada Pav needn’t always necessarily be vegetarian as Amol's products amply demonstrate. O'Pao's dishes are customized to suit a dozen palettes.


Little wonder this tiny and new outlet today ranks 4.6 on Zomato within a short time of its existence and delivery guys lining up the stores tiny precincts is a common sight all day. 

The restaurant is manned by a friendly supervisor who was extremely nice during our visit. If one is lucky, he can also get to meet the man behind the concept- Amol himself!  The head chef of O' Pao is a talented young man who has served in the likes of the famous – Mint Leaf of London.

What we tried




We started off with their famous masala thumbsup – a winner summer refresher that relaxed us.
In the main dishes we started with O Paneer Bhurji Pao- which is the best of both worlds kinda dish for lovers of Paneer Bhurjee. For Chinese food lovers there is O’Manchurian Pao which is a take on desi Chinese served in true O’Pao ishtyle.  The pao was flavour-packed and truly enjoyable with the crisps and masala thumbs up on side. Maggi Schezwan pao which we tried next was a totally killer never-tried-before dish. It was oozing with melted cheese on top of a layer of maggi in schezwan sauce garnished on pav bread. Their menu claims it’s a canteen wallah special indicating that it is a popular dish among school and university students.

Well the pavs of O' Pao were so tempting, light and cheap that we just couldn’t stop trying out the various different offerings. We went on to order O’Butter Chicken Pao, O’Triple Schezwan Pao, O’Keema pao and O Mutton Kicha Pao. They were all just too good! O Pao is definitely a haven for Pav lovers and with the fabulous variety of pavs here, there’s something for everyone.

The final touch to the dining was the dessert which also was a Pav!!! The juicy, moist dessert soaked in custard sauce, and peppered with lotus biscuit crumbs and served with butterscotch ice cream on side was a fultoo dhamaal killer dessert. It costed only 10 dirhams. I doubt you get such a lovely dessert anywhere in Dubai for this rate.

The Verdict
O Pao is a fantastic destination for those that believe Vada Pav is a religion and a way of life.  If you are a pav lover, just go there – you will not be disappointed. O’Pao is located just behind Park Regis Kris Kin hotel in Bur Dubai.

Prices are very reasonable for the food and don’t forget to try their cold coffee. It rocks!

O'Pao Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

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