Open Mic Cafe & Cuisine — Restaurant in Mississauga

Paye or Die: Open Mic Café Is Loud, Beefy, and Absolutely Not What You Think

Intro Scene I first stumbled across Open Mic by accident—on a mission to pick up knockoff HDMI cables from Factory Direct (RIP). That store’s long gone, but the real deal turned out to be next door: a cafeteria-looking joint pumping out beef Paye like it’s a state religion. I didn’t mean to fall for this place, but here we are. I return like a man possessed—with headphones.

What Was Ordered

Beef Paye – Thick, gelatinous, aggressive. Basically a meaty potion. You don’t eat it—you commit to it.

Chicken Karahi – A gateway curry. Great for newcomers or white friends. My friend loved it. I shrugged.

Beef/Lamb Shawarma – Arab twist, grilled hard. Juicy, rich, surprisingly excellent. It’s not why you come, but it might be why you stay.

Naan – Functional. Won’t ruin your night but won’t haunt your dreams either.

Fish Appetizer – $20 mistake. Deep-fried regret, priced like gold-plated tilapia.

Service Commentary Shoutout culture is strong in the reviews: Muskan, Agrina, and Shagun are name-dropped like local legends. Personally? I’ve never had bad service, but also never been serenaded or spiritually moved. It’s transactional, but it works. No complaints, no romance.

Vibe Check They call it Open Mic, but the only thing open is the floodgate of Punjabi gangster beats rattling your eardrums while you try to navigate marrow. One reviewer called it “electric,” which might be code for “too loud to think.” It’s not a peaceful place—but it’s also not pretending to be.

The Space Itself Fluorescent lights, fast-food signage, and the aesthetic subtlety of a Times Square shawarma ad. If you’re here for ambiance, you are lost. This is where food happens, not feelings.

About the Neighborhood Tucked into a Mississauga strip mall where Factory Direct once stood—so you know the ghosts of cheap toasters and broken routers linger. Lots of parking, no foot traffic, no surprises. Just you, your car, and a bowl of cow feet.

Hits & Misses ✓ Paye is elite – One of the few legit versions west of the city. ✓ Shawarma slaps – Juicy, Arab-style, and unexpectedly excellent. ✓ Staff love – Muskan, Agrina, and Shagun get MVP-level shoutouts.

✗ Music assault – Punjabi gangster beats that feel like an ambush. ✗ Fish appetizer – Deep-fried regret at $20 a pop. ✗ Ambiance? – Not unless you consider neon signage and noise a vibe. ✗ Pricey for what you get – The bill hits harder than it should for cafeteria-style service.

Final Verdict Open Mic is not curated, cozy, or calm. It’s loud, aggressively fluorescent, and kind of brilliant. You don’t come here to be charmed. You come here to sweat, slurp, and stare into your bowl like it’s telling your fortune. The Paye is spiritual. The rest? A fever dream with naan. Worth it—just not every week.

Rating: 3.5/5

Perfect For:

Trotter cravings in a neon-lit fever dream

Surviving bass drops...

This may be a long review but well worth it

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Open Mic Cafe for breakfast, and I must say, it was an unforgettable experience that deserves a standing ovation. This charming eatery has managed to capture the vibrant flavors of Lahore right here in Canada, and I couldn't be more impressed.

Let's start with the food. The Bong Paya was a revelation—rich, aromatic, and perfectly slow-cooked to achieve that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. Each bite was a delightful reminder of home, showcasing the depth of flavor that this traditional dish is known for.

Next up, the Chana Anda Halwa Puri was an absolute showstopper! The combination of spicy chickpeas paired with perfectly fried puris was a match made in heaven. And let's not forget the halwa—sweet, fluffy, and just the right amount of indulgence to round out the meal.

The pièce de résistance, however, was the Nihari. The thick, flavorful gravy, paired with tender meat, was nothing short of perfection. It was the perfect dish to dip the freshly baked naan into, soaking up every bit of that delicious sauce.

To wash it all down, the chai was the cherry on top. Served piping hot, it was rich and creamy, with just the right amount of pati. It was the ideal complement to our hearty breakfast and left us feeling completely satisfied.

In addition to the outstanding food, the ambiance at Open Mic Open Mic Café & Cuisine is warm and inviting, making it a great place to enjoy a meal with friends or family. The staff was friendly and attentive, ensuring that our experience was nothing short of exceptional.

Overall, I can't recommend Open Mic cafe enough. Whether you're a fan of Pakistani cuisine or just looking to try something new, this restaurant is a must-visit. Thank you, Open Mic Cafe’s for introducing us to the incredible flavors of Lahore right here in Canada. I’m already looking forward to...

This was hands down one of the worst customer service experiences I’ve ever had. From the misleading information over the phone to the dismissive attitude of the manager and the sheer lack of professionalism from the staff, everything about this visit was frustrating.

We came for Iftar today, and before coming, I made a call to ask about the buffet and Iftar. The girl on the phone didn’t mention anything about a reservation and simply said, “You can come anytime.” However, when we arrived, they told us they couldn’t accommodate us—even though they clearly had some space.

I stayed calm and said, “It’s Iftar time, at least let us order and take something to open our fast. But instead of handling the situation professionally, the staff started whispering to each other, passing the responsibility around—no one was stepping up to take the order.

Frustrated, I approached the manager and explained that we were never informed about any advance reservation requirement, so at the very least, they should take our order and pack the food. His immediate response? Dismissive and rude. “We don’t have time for this discussion; you can open your fast,” he snapped.

Finally, after unnecessary delays, they took the order and charged us. When we received the food, it was a joke—a small box of biryani thrown at us without a spoon, napkin, raita, or even a bag. The quantity was barely enough.

This is my second bad experience with them. The first time, they apologized and assured me things would be better next time. I gave them another chance after three months, but this was even worse. Now, I will definitely be writing about my first experience as well because this place needs to...