Things To Do In Detroit: Taste The World in One City

At one point in its history, the Detroit River was the busiest commercial hub in the world. Although that’s no longer the case, Detroit is still known for its diverse food scene, thanks, in large part, to its diverse immigrant communities. Motor City makes it possible to taste the culinary traditions of Cuba, Poland, Lebanon, and more, all without leaving the U.S.–Canadian border.

Cuban

Vicente’s Cuban Cuisine

Vicente’s Cuban Cuisine transports guests to Havana with flavor-packed dishes based on family recipes and salsa echoing through the dining room. The menu boasts empanadas and croquettes, as well as four styles of paella.

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Served on rice and plantains, the sweet, savory, and sour pollo al limon consists of chicken breasts doused in aromatic herbs, parmesan cheese, white wine, and lemon zest.

What’s Nearby

Comerica Park, home to the Detroit Tigers baseball team, has a Ferris wheel, tiger statues, and a fountain that produces “liquid fireworks.”

Image by Chitokan C.

Mexican

Tamaleria Nuevo Leon

Tamaleria Nuevo Leon is a carry-out-only spot that’s worth the stop for the handmade tamales. A Detroit staple, the restaurant has been slinging steaming corn husks for more than six decades and continues to make hundreds a day. Order a dozen—they keep well in the freezer.

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The pork tamale is the classic choice here, but the restaurant also offers refried-bean and chicken versions, as well as sweet tamales filled with pineapple, coconut, and golden raisins.

What’s Nearby

Meander along Michigan Avenue, which has a plethora of bars, restaurants, and shops.

Polish

Pietrzyk Pierogi

Erica Pietryzk first started selling pierogies at pop-ups across Detroit before settling into a storefront at the expansive Gratiot Central Market. In addition to her potato-and-cheese pierogies, Pietryzk has also earned a reputation for her creative spins on the popular Polish street food, here filled with ingredients like hamburger and jalapeños.

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Pietryzk’s most popular pierogi is the “Becky,” stuffed with jalapeños, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and egg.

What’s Nearby

Take some time to wander around the warehouse-style Gratiot Central Market, where there’s no shortage of specialty meat and cheese purveyors.

Japanese

Ima

Ima serves excellent ramen, pho, and udon. The reliable Japanese noodle shop has three locations across Detroit and also boasts a generous selection of wine, sake, and beer.

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The spicy pork udon is the favorite: noodles with greens and a soft-boiled egg in a bright red broth. Ima also has a generous selection of vegetarian soups.

What’s Nearby

Ima Midtown is right around the corner from the Detroit Institute of Arts. Explore the museum’s impressive collection, which includes Diego Rivera murals, or head to the Detroit Film Theater for some international movies.

Lebanese

Leila

Sameer and Samy Eid’s Leila is swanky spot that’s great for date night or an evening out with friends. Fittingly named for the matriarch of the Eid family, the restaurant specializes in mezze, small plates designed for sharing.

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You can’t go wrong with labneh, tabbouleh, and baba ghanouj. The grilled branzino is a hearty entrée with chickpeas, tomatoes, jalapeños, and cilantro.

What’s Nearby

Go for an after-dinner stroll along the West Riverwalk and take in views of the Detroit River.

Italian

Rocco’s Italian Deli

Sometimes you crave a sandwich with layers of Italian meats and cheeses piled high on crusty bread. For those occasions, there’s Rocco’s Italian Deli, a counter-service spot in a bright, minimalist space. Here, co-owners Kyle Mrkva and Gabe Guido pay homage to old-school Italian deli fare, while adding their own, distinctly modern twist.

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The Il Rocco offers hot soppressata, mortadella, fontina, spicy red-pepper relish, and garlic-lemon aioli.

What’s Nearby

Little Caesars Arena is a state-of-the-art venue for sports (it’s home to the Detroit Red Wings and Pistons) as well as other events.

Cantonese

Shangri-La

A Detroit mainstay for more than 15 years, Shangri-La serves all-day dim sum at two busy locations in Midtown and West Bloomfield. Guests can expect a wide selection of dishes, from sweet buns stuffed with barbecue pork to flavorful curries and noodle soups.

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Don’t miss the dumplings, which burst with meat and vegetables.

What’s Nearby

A few blocks north is the Detroit Historical Museum, which features artifacts and replica from Motor City’s early days.

Taylor Renee Haynes

Taylor Renee Haynes is a writer based in Los Angeles who travels whenever she can. Her favorite destinations include Aarhus, Denmark, and Kyoto, Japan. She’s always up for a new adventure and making lifelong friends from across the globe. Oh, and seeking out the best local desserts.

Keywords:** Detroit dining, global cuisine, culinary scene, Detroit restaurants, diverse eateries

#DetroitDining #GlobalCuisine #FoodieAdventures