Dish & Drink KC: Aahaa Indian Cuisine and Eileen’s Colossal Cookies

Aahaa Modern Indian Cuisine // Photo By Tiffany Watts

Aahaa Indian Cuisine 

For the past seven years, Aahaa Indian Cuisine has been a cornerstone for South Indian flavors in Kansas City. But recently, this once-traditional restaurant underwent a complete transformation, both in ambiance and menu, marking a new chapter for fans of Indian cuisine. From its chic new decor to the introduction of a menu inspired by dishes from North and South India, China, Jamaica, and more, Aahaa has elevated its dining experience to reflect a larger global palate.

On a recent visit, our family dinner started with a trio of appetizers that set the tone for the evening. The Shrimp 65 ($8) delivered a zesty crunch, with deep-fried shrimp marinated in a spicy yogurt and chili blend. The Malai Broccoli ($16), a signature dish, was a win—grilled broccoli florets bathed in a creamy malai sauce with subtle spices, perfectly tender and slightly charred. But the real star of the starters for me was the Dragon Chicken ($16), an Indo-Chinese fusion dish featuring crispy fried chicken tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions. Each dish was served with a refreshing mango salad that I could have happily eaten by the bowlful.

The main courses were equally impressive. 

The Mango Chicken Curry ($20) was a delightful balance of sweet and tangy, with tropical spices accentuating the juicy chicken. The Paneer Pasanda ($20), another signature special, stole the show for my mom and girlfriend with its rich paneer stuffed with a nutty filling, cooked in a mildly spiced, creamy gravy made with yogurt and cashews. And let’s not forget the House Special Family Dosa ($24), a spectacular four-foot-long crispy rice crepe served with potato masala—a showstopper meant for sharing.

Aahaa Modern Indian Cuisine // Photo By Tiffany Watts

It’s nothing short of a masterpiece. To paint a picture of the presentation, it arrives at the table like a showpiece, evoking gasps from everyone nearby. Golden brown and perfectly cooked, the dosa has a slight crunch at first bite, giving way to a delicate, airy texture that melts in your mouth.

It’s served with a side of dipping sauces and a flavorful Potato Masala, a warm, spiced potato filling that complements the dosa’s lightness. The masala strikes a perfect balance, with tender chunks of potato seasoned with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and subtle spices that don’t overpower the dish but enhance its comforting qualities.

It’s an experience. If you’re looking for a dish that embodies both tradition and excitement, this is it.

To accompany our entrees, we also sampled Aahaa’s freshly made naan bread. The Butter Naan ($4) was rich and buttery, while the Garlic Naan ($4) was infused with aromatic garlic and herbs—both were the perfect complements to the saucy dishes.

Aahaa Modern Indian Cuisine // Photo By Tiffany Watts

The favorite entree of the evening was the Juicy Lamb Shank Mandi Biryani ($30), a tender lamb shank cooked in aromatic spices and cashew paste, served alongside Chicken 65. Though I initially wasn’t sure I’d enjoy this dish, it ended up being a standout, with flavors that were as bold as they were comforting.

For drinks, my mom—a chai enthusiast—fell in love with Aahaa’s Masala Chai ($5), which she described as one of the best she’s ever had. I opted for their Fresh Watermelon Juice ($6), which tasted as though it had been crafted from the sweetest watermelon ever grown. Aahaa also boasts a full bar, adding even more versatility to its offerings, though we didn’t partake this time.

This was an unforgettable experience—an introduction to flavors that were new, exciting, and completely out of my comfort zone. If you plan to visit Aahaa, I’d recommend bringing along a friend (or two) because many of their dishes come in sharable serving sizes. It’s the perfect excuse to try as many items as possible!

Aahaa Modern Indian Cuisine is located at 7328 W 119th Street, Overland Park, Kansas 66213.

Eileen’s Colossal Cookies // Photo By Tiffany Watts

Eileen’s Colossal Cookies

When I walked into Eileen’s Colossal Cookies, I was hit with the delicious smell of fresh-baked cookies and the lively buzz of holiday prep. The team was knee-deep in cookie dough, churning out batches for fundraisers and tackling hundreds of holiday orders. Not to mention, the display shelf was fully stocked with a lineup of their signature sweets, practically begging to be sampled.

Obviously, I couldn’t resist, especially when I spotted the Mahomes cookie ($1.75) —a Kansas City essential.

Alongside the Mahomes cookie, I went for a mint chocolate cookie ($1.75), think chocolatey indulgence with a hint of mint, and then rounded out my selection with two local favorites: the lemon cookie ($1.75) and the Monster Oatmeal cookie ($1.75). Four cookies later, and for less than $8, I left with a bag of joy to satisfy my sweet tooth and give my daughter a dose of sugary delight. Soft, flavorful, and absolutely devoured in minutes.

Want to do some good while spreading the sugar love? Their Colossal Cookies Dough fundraisers have become a beloved choice for local groups, allowing organizations to raise funds with treats that practically guarantee smiles. 

Eileen’s Colossal Cookies is located at 6206 NW Barry Road and 925 W. Liberty Drive.