This Hidden Portland Restaurant Serves Oregon’s Most Unique South Asian Food

Since 2020, the restaurant industry has greatly evolved, especially in Portland. While some restaurants have slowed service or shuttered their doors, others have grown from takeout-only or pop-ups to fantastic brick-and-mortar eateries that the city's foodies have come to adore. This is especially true of Oma's Hideaway in Portland, a delicious South Asian-inspired restaurant with a vibrant interior and even more vibrant food.

This unique restaurant started as crave-worthy Portland street food, but people couldn't get enough. So in 2021, Oma's Takeway was reborn as Oma's Hideaway, a hidden gem in the heart of the Richmond neighborhood. Since then, the eatery has been constantly evolving its maximalist fusion fare and has attracted a lot of buzz in the Portland food scene. Here's why we think it deserves a spot on your restaurant bucket list.

What Makes Oma's Hideaway So Unique

In the summer of 2021, Portland welcomed Oma's Hideaway to its vibrant culinary community. You'll find this snazzy turquoise-green restaurant at 3131 SE Division Street. Before this, the eatery had operated as Oma's Takeaway, a takeout tent located in front of Oma's sister spot, Portland's Gado Gado restaurant.

Oma's menu draws inspiration from all over the world, but most especially South Asian countries like China, Malaysia, and Indonesia. But there's also a hint of old-school American diner food in the menu. All the flavors and dishes pay homage to Chef Thomas Pisha-Duffly's grandmother and all the matriarchs who shape our lives.

Origin story aside, Oma's well-curated dinner menu sets it apart from other trendy Portland dining spots. When you go, you can order à la carte or from Oma's Table, a family-style dining experience with three elaborate courses. For $65 per person, you'll get to taste everything and share with friends.

Must-Try Dishes at This Standout Restaurant

Narrowing down Oma's menu to a few must-have dishes is nearly impossible. But we'll give it a try. We love the Wonton Mee (pictured above) for a well-rounded experience. It's a noodle dish with springy yellow noodles, marinated pork belly, and crispy pork and shrimp wontons, topped with fermented veggies, green onion, and pickled chili. It's mouthwateringly delicious.

Another showstopper in the Roti Canai, a spin on handmade Malaysian flatbread served with caramelized carrot and leek curry and candied hazelnut chili crisp on top. It's the ideal comfort meal that features a combination of sweet, savory, and a little heat. Plus, who doesn't love bread?

Last but not least, if you've never tried congee before—a savory rice porridge popular across Asia—you'll find the best here at Oma's. It was a staple when the restaurant first opened, but now you'll find it served on special occasions. If you're lucky enough to order it, the warm, salty porridge is perfectly soothing on a cold day or as a hangover food.

Honorable menu mentions include the Beet Koshimbir Salad with lemon chutney, Chinese BBQ pork marinated in cherry cola, and the Griddled Fruity Pebble Rice Crispy Treat for dessert. But since menu items are always rotating at Oma's, be sure to check out their website and Facebook page for the most up-to-date iterations.

Why This Portland Restaurant Is Worth the Visit

From its days as a pop-up to its final form as a colorful, eclectic restaurant, Oma's Hideaway has always embraced change. The menu items, cocktail creations, and even the dinnerware (some meals used to be served on '70s-style cafeteria trays) are ever-evolving here, guaranteeing a delightful, new experience each time you visit.

For cocktail connoisseurs, Oma's is equally worth the visit. We absolutely love how bright and tropical the craft cocktails and slushies are. Most incorporate fruity, Asian flavors like pandan, ube, black currant, coconut, and Thai basil, making them equally refreshing and sweet. We recommend ordering our favorites: "The Black Parade," a tequila, ube, and coconut concoction, and "That's Mai Type" slushie, with rum, pandan, and orange blossom.

Dining at Oma's Hideaway is an experience: a delightfully quirky, incredibly unique, wholly delicious experience. It's still a crowd-favorite for drinks with friends, family dinners, and everything in between. And in our book, the inviting interior is a warm, welcoming escape from the rainiest of Portland days.

Have you visited Oma's Hideaway in Portland yet? If not, this PDX eatery definitely deserves a spot on your dining bucket list. Start planning your visit today, and view the full menu here before you go. For even more unique dining experiences in Oregon, check out other hot spots in the Richmond and Southeast Portland neighborhoods.