8 Asian Restaurants You Need to Try in Detroit
Story by Stephanie Angelyn Casola | Photos by Johnny Noodle King and Maru Sushi
Asian-inspired flavors have been popping up all over downtown Detroit and it’s neighborhoods. Get your sushi, ramen, Thai and Asian-fusion fix at any of these eateries.
Ima
Corktown's favorite udon stop has a short but incredible menu. The vegan-friendly Forest Udon is a hit among all eaters, and the unagi-don fried rice is a game changer. It's topped with barbecue-glazed eel – don't knock it till you try it.
Johnny Noodle King
This isn't your basic Ramen. The Japanese-inspired menu at Johnny Noodle King ranges from rich broth-based noodle bowls to spicy sauced up dishes and fresh sides. Warm up with a Red Curry bowl overflowing with scallions, watercress, cauliflower and either Pork Belly or Shredded Pork. Fried onions and fish sauce make it really worthwhile. Add a cocktail with Johnny Smoking Gun whisky crafted by Detroit's Two James Distillery.
Takoi
Bursting onto the restaurant scene in flashes of light and the most irreverent menu at Takoi in Corktown has quickly become a food industry favorite. Chef Brad Greenhill is cooking up wildly flavorful dishes from hot pots to full, fried fish. Too long of a wait, you say? Either opt for a cocktail or come back for the late-night eats that include Chickpea Tofu or a Bahn MI of smoked ham, house bologna and chicken liver mousse.
The Peterboro
American Chinese Food hardly describes what Chef Brion Wong has ushered into Peterboro in the Historic Chinatown neighborhood. Plates large and small are stocked with flavor. Yes they serve a take on Sweet & Sour Pork and Almond Boneless Chicken, but you'll also crave Cheeseburger Spring Roll and Soy-Braised Chicken Wings with Michigan honey. Time it right and add a sake tasting.
Sala Thai
A trip to Detroit's Eastern Market offers a barrage of culinary options. All delicious, none will delight the senses as much as a visit to longtime Thai favorite, Sala Thai. Grab a seat at 3400 Russell Street and order anything "“ just be sure to add Kow Pad Subparod, pineapple fried rice.
Shangri-La
Say these four words to anyone seeking a more authentic Cantonese option in Detroit. Dim Sum All Day. Shangri-La at 4710 Cass Ave. makes a case for leisurely enjoying every bite. The menu is stocked with great options for those hungry for lettuce wraps, curry, sushi or noodle dishes, too.
Maru Sushi
Robert Song opened the first Maru Sushi in Okemos and now downtown has its very own, very beautiful location in the Federal Reserve Building. Brand new to the dining scene, Maru opened just last month with a promise to serve the freshest ingredients.
Bangkok 96 and Bangkok 96 Street Food
Bangkok 96 in Dearborn is a favorite among locals, serving classic Thai dishes. But their new outpost at the Detroit Shipping Company puts a twist on this Asian cuisine. Try their pad thai roll – you'll see everyone in the Shipping Company posting pictures of it to their Instagram feed.
Read more about Detroit restaurants
Mentioned Attractions And Venues
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Get Directions (313) 855-2864
Takoi is known for modern Thai cooking accented with Michigan seasonality, a DIY mentality, and…
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Get Directions (313) 315-3100
This modern, bright space features Japanese plates, udon soups and creative sushi rolls, plus an…
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