Travel Around the Globe In Overland Park
As a midwest city, Overland Park might top your list for BBQ and burgers but did you know it also has a diverse culinary scene?
From traditional family recipes to modern creations, the international food scene in Overland Park is not one to be missed. As an OP native, I love being able to try new restaurants and fun cuisines without leaving my backyard. Come along with me as I try some of what Overland Park has to offer.
Monday: France and Italy
To start off the week on the right food, I decided to grab breakfast in France (AKA Tous Les Jours). This French and Korean bakery boasts a menu of over 150 items, including custom cakes, freshly-baked pastries and macarons. While there, I grabbed three of their delicious pastries, including the milk bread and of course, an espresso. The baked fresh daily bread and unique, french-style pastries such as a croquette, chocolate croissant and custard buns will have you feeling like you’re in France in no time.
After work, Italy was calling so I headed to Ricco's for dinner. It was the perfect spring evening and their patio was the perfect setting. My waiter recommended one of their signature dishes, the Chicken Limon and it was perfectly paired with their house red sangria. We also ordered the Mia Diavolo pizza, a personal-sized pizza with a big flavor.
Tuesday: Africa
Tuesdays are my busiest day of the week, which means I only had time for a quick lunch at Abol’s Ethiopian restaurant in downtown Overland Park. If you haven't tried Ethiopian food before, you're missing out. This was the first time I visited this spot and I will definitely be back. For an appetizer, I got the samosas which is a fried pastry, filled with savory ingredients. For my main course, I ordered the vegetable platter which included nine servings of deliciously-flavored stewed vegetables, topped on a popular Ethiopian flatbread called injera.
Wednesday: Japan
On Wednesday, I spent the day exploring the best Japanese food that Overland Park has to offer. There's nothing better than ramen for lunch, so I headed to KC Craft Ramen with my family, because it’s a great place that both kids and adults will enjoy. I went with the KC Red, a spicy twist on their signature KC Black ramen bowl. They are also well known for their “I love KC” bao buns and they are just as delicious as they are pretty.
Later that day, we opted for dinner from Sawa Sushi and Hibachi. It was a busy day so we got our dinner to-go, which made for an easy weeknight meal. The teriyaki chicken is one of my favorites on the menu and I love to pair it with their fried rice and a bowl of miso soup.
Thursday: India
Last week, I ran out of curry powder, so I headed to Shagan's to restock. While I was looking up the address, I found tons of 5-star Yelp reviews mentioning how delicious their in-store restaurant was. I picked up a plate of curried butter chicken and garlic naan, and I'm not kidding when I say it was the best I've ever had. It’s definitely worth the time to check it out for yourself next time you’re in the mood for some good Indian food.
Friday: Thailand
To celebrate the start of the weekend, I caught a flight (erm, uber) to Thailand (Lemongrass Thai Cuisine). Right in downtown Overland Park, it’s the perfect spot to grab dinner on a Friday night. I’m a sucker for their pad thai and I never miss a chance to order crab rangoons. The service is always great at Lemongrass and it’s the perfect place for a date night or to share with a group of friends. If you have time to stop by Lemongrass for lunch, they have a great lunch deal that comes with soup, a crab rangoon and a full entree.
Saturday: Mexico
Of course, I couldn’t end my week-long adventure without going South to Mexico. I decided on Taco Naco for dinner, where you'll find the best tacos in KC. Their original location is right here in Downtown Overland Park! We tried some of their chef specials including the Brisket Quesabirria Tacos and Lucky’s Burrito XL (yes, it’s jumbo!) Pro tip - if you’re getting your food to-go, they also offer margaritas to-go so you don’t have to miss out on anything!
Whether it’s the milk cream bread made fresh at Tous les Jours or the chicken tikki masala from Shagan’s, Overland Park has something for every cuisine lover. Each dish tells a story, offering a glimpse into the traditions, history, and values of the cultures that call Overland Park home. Grab your fork, chopsticks, even your hands (Ethiopian style) and feast your way through Overland Park.
Related Stories
Three Asian BBQ Spots to Try in Overland Park
If you’ve never been to an Asian BBQ spot before, it’s not just about the food, it’s about the experience.
A Foodie’s Getaway in Overland Park
Overland Park is only a quick two-and-a-half-hour drive from Wichita, but the food and activities made it feel like a true getaway.
New Restaurants and Openings in Overland Park
There's always something exciting happening in Overland Park, and we're here to keep you in the loop on all the newest openings!
The Best Pizza in Overland Park
In a world filled with fancy food trends and viral recipes, pizza remains the dependable favorite. It is warm, cheesy, endlessly customizable, and always there when you need it.
Related Content:
