In the winter of 2021, amidst the chaos that was a worldwide pandemic, Newcastle’s freshly developed East End Village welcomed a foodie joint that has not only stood the test of a rather enduring period but has flourished with the expansion into the empty space next door and a consistent delivery of high-quality food, bursts of flavour, and their signature front of house service.

OH MY PAPA – brought to you by the foodie geniuses behind Thai restaurant favourites, The Humble Thai (on King St), and The Grateful Thai (in Charlestown Square). Owner, Nikki and her team continue to bring not only unique flavour profiles to their food but also a comprehensive selection of popular Asian dishes with a unique OH MY PAPA twist.

“We are so thankful for our local support. They’re always spreading the word for us. The word of mouth here in Newcastle is very important.”

Almost two years after their launch, the team was finding that the original OH MY PAPA venue was not quite filling the needs of hungry Novocastrians with just not enough tables. Before long, Nikki enquired about expanding the venue into the empty space next door and by September 2022, OH MY PAPA 2.0 was here.

“It was an empty space next door and I felt like we were so busy. I wanted our space to be less cramped and for diners to be more comfortable.”

The original site of the venue seems mostly untouched, with the expanded space a reflection of what OH MY PAPA has already created. Moody tones, dark timber panelling, exposed brick, and those iconic character-filled neon lights.

“It has made the venue livelier and more fun. The whole space ties in with the concept that we have with the food and drink too.”

The venue has gently transformed as has its food and drinks menu; offering an elevated experience for keen diners. Still keeping their signature favourites on the menu, and sticking with their share-style dining motto, the only thing worth mentioning is that the food seems to have gotten better – who even knew that was possible?

“Every time our customers come in to dine, they will receive the same taste and standard of all of our food.”

The À la carte menu continues to be broken up into five sections, Yakitori, Small, Bigger, Sides, and of course, Dessert. Each dish is designed to be shared, choose from their grand selection to fill your table full of flavours that will leave you eager to come back for more.

“We have provided you with Asian food experiences for all your senses. If you are looking for a roller coaster ride of taste, we have all the popular dishes under one roof. We believe that food feeds the soul.”

The dedicated Yakitori offering features a great selection of charcoal-grilled meat and vegetables on a skewer.

“What’s not to love about charcoal grilled on a stick and a bit of Maillard reaction action?”

From the meat offering, OH MY PAPA does Pork Belly with original salt & togarashi pepper, and iceberg lettuce; Thigh Chicken with sweet soy and pickle radish; Pork Skewer (Moo Ping); and Wagyu Beef with sweet soy.

Into the vegetable Yakitori you’ve got King Mushroom with ponzu, butter, and leek sesame; and Zucchini with salt, butter, and leek sesame. Offering just that little bit extra, the Special Yakitori menu features Scallop Wrapped in Bacon with sweet soy, lime, and chili-cured cucumber; Takoyaki with spicy mayo sauce, and Asparagus Wrapped in Bacon with original salt, and leek sesame.

The small dish offerings offer great little flavour combos to go alongside your bigger dishes. Our favourites include the Turmeric Cauliflower Tempura with coconut, dill, and lime dressing; the Cabbage & Shitake Dumplings served with XO mushroom sauce, and vinegar; and the Miang Kham - betel leaf topped with crispy pork, watermelon, herbs, and peanut chili jam.

Moving into the bigger plates is where the OH MY PAPA menu really gets to shine. Showcasing both meat and veggie focussed dishes, and a focus on gluten-free and vegan options; there’s enough flavour to go around for everyone.

HUNTERhunter’s favourites would have to be the Malaysian Ayam Satay BBQ Chicken complete with a hint of lemongrass, cumin, turmeric, and Ajard relish; the Massamun Lamb Shank with sweet potatoes, grilled pineapple, roasted cashew nut, fried shallot, and Acar pickle; Crying Tiger Salad with chargrilled Wagyu, crispy noodles, cherry tomato, herbs, chilli, and citrus dressing; and the Prawn Stir Fried Egg Noodle with bean sprout, garlic chive, and signature chili sauce, topped with Furakake.

If you’ve still got space to fit in some dessert, you can’t go past the OH MY PAPA signature Coconut Crème Brulee; it’s the perfect finisher to a perfect meal.

For those who struggle to make decisions, OH MY PAPA have created their very own banquet menus; taking the stress out of deciding what to order and how much to order. Check out the Banquet offering here.

“Our chefs will fill your table with amazing dishes to share. You’ll enjoy a beautiful selection of our in-house favourites.”

Wanting to really encourage people to experience what OH MY PAPA is all about, the team have recently launched their Yum Cha & Yakitori set menus available for weekend lunches from 12pm-3pm.

Offering both a meat and vegetarian option, for just $40pp you can sample the overarching delicious taster menu of OH MY PAPA. To see the full menu, click here, or book your table direct here.

Not ones to do things by halves, the OH MY PAPA team have also created a collection of cocktails; all with their own cheeky identities.

“Our beverage menu is designed to complement the unique, fun, and modern combination of Asian cuisine. Try one of our Handcrafted Cocktails that make for the perfect start to your meal.”

Each cocktail, whilst delicious in flavour, it’s their names that deserves a giggle. Discover names like I’ll Wait For Yuzu, Netflix, and Chill, All Night Long, and their two new arrivals; Baby One More Time and Love On Top.

Not drinking alcohol? Oh don’t you worry, OH MY PAPA have you covered with their mocktails, still just as unique including their Like A Virgin and Dump Him!

Nikki and the rest of the OH MY PAPA team have plans to continue to bring their fun, lively, and flavour-filled experience to patrons, alongside new plans for events and live music to pop up at the venue throughout the year.

In other news, Nikki also mentioned that they’re currently working on a brand-new concept set to launch in Newcastle later this year – watch this space!