By 1808Delaware
Powell’s dining scene is set to grow again in 2026, with Khaab Indian Kitchen & Bar planning to open at 230 W. Olentangy St. in the space formerly occupied by Doaba Indian Restaurant. A grand opening is planned for spring 2026, although an exact date has not yet been announced.
More than a new location
This opening comes with a story behind the name. In Punjabi, “Khaab” means dream, and for owner Mavi, that meaning is personal. According to the restaurant’s background, Mavi had dreamed of owning a restaurant since childhood. After spending 15 years working toward that goal, he eventually opened Khaab Indian Kitchen & Bar, creating a place that reflects both his ambition and the flavors of his Punjabi roots.
That makes the Powell location more than a simple expansion. It is being presented as an extension of something deeply personal, built around food, hospitality, and a long-held vision.
An upscale setting with Punjabi influence
Khaab says guests in Powell can expect an upscale experience designed to match the food itself. The restaurant describes its dining room as contemporary in style, with touches inspired by Punjabi royalty, creating a setting meant to feel polished but still welcoming.
The concept also places strong emphasis on its bar. Along with elevated Indian cuisine, guests can expect handcrafted cocktails and a selection of bourbon and whiskey designed to complement the restaurant’s overall atmosphere. Taken together, the approach suggests Khaab is aiming to be more than a casual stop for dinner. It appears to be positioning itself as a place for a night out, a celebration, or an occasion that calls for something a little more memorable.
A preview from the Bexley menu
While the Powell menu has not yet been confirmed, the current Bexley location offers a sense of what diners may be able to expect. Its menu includes familiar Indian favorites and Punjabi-inspired dishes, along with tandoori selections, curries, vegetarian options, and a cocktail list that goes beyond the basics. That matters because Khaab is clearly leaning into the full experience: food, drinks, atmosphere, and hospitality all working together.
The Bexley location website can be accessed here.
A different kind of addition for Powell
New restaurants open all the time, but not all of them arrive with a clear identity. Khaab seems to be betting that its combination of traditional recipes, contemporary presentation, and a strong personal story will help it stand out. For Powell, it could mean a dining option that adds something a little different to the local mix: Indian cuisine in a setting designed to feel stylish, inviting, and special without losing the warmth behind it.
Yelp! reviews can be found here.
What comes next
For now, the biggest question is timing. Khaab has said the Powell location is planned for spring 2026, but has not released a specific opening date.
Still, the basic picture is already in place. Powell is getting a new restaurant, and behind it is a name that reflects the owner’s dream and the next step in that journey.
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