7 Asian Restaurants You Need to Try in Detroit

Story by Stephanie Angelyn Casola; Refreshed by Aron Bell

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.

Sunda New Asian

Sunda New Asian brings Southeast Asian dishes, sushi and cocktails to The District Detroit. The restaurant comes from Billy Dec, whose documentary FOOD ROOTS follows his trip through the Philippines to explore family recipes, culture and the stories behind the food. You’ll see that influence on the menu with dishes like Lobster Lumpia, Short Rib Kare Kare and Kinilaw with calamansi coconut dressing. It’s a good spot for date night, group dinners or ordering a bunch of plates to share. During AAPI Heritage Month, look for special dishes and drinks inspired by the film.

Ima

Midtown and 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.

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.

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.

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