Explore Some of Detroit's Best Indian, Bangladeshi, Pakistani Restaurants

Story by Biba Adams

Where can I find South Asian cuisine in The D?

Southeast Michigan's South Asian population is just over 5%. Centered mainly in the eastern suburbs, this unique and dynamic culture is known for some of the most intriguing and distinctive cuisine in the area. Signature flavors in South Asian cuisine stem from the extensive use of spices, which provide complex, warm, earthy, and spicy notes.

Credit: Brandon Vanno

There are numerous excellent South Asian restaurants in Metro Detroit. Visit Detroit took a little time to compile a short list of some of our favorites and we hope they become yours too.

Indian Cuisine

Noorjahan Indian Cuisine

Noorjahan features a blend of traditional Indian cuisine with Western influences. You can choose from 16 different delicious curries in the bain-marie catering for all taste buds. Featuring Halal products, the restaurant makes naans right before your eyes. They add that their naans are fresh and soft, unlike any you have ever tried before. You can't go past the cheese or garlic naans. Try their Chicken Biryani, featuring Basmati rice cooked with boneless chicken, saffron, and fresh seasoning.

Charminar Biryani House

Reviewers rave about this restaurant, saying they have "Friendly employees, phenomenal food! You can also adjust the spice level to suit your dishes. I enjoyed my chicken korma, garlic Naan, and mango lassi- highly recommend!" Try their famed Butter Chicken, featuring specially marinated chicken cooked in a rich, creamy tomato butter sauce.

Royal Oak Masala
106 S. Main St., Royal Oak

Royal Oak Masala boasts a diverse range of flavors with an adventurous spirit of culinary offerings from spicy curries to delicate, aromatic dishes. They note that they believe excellent dishes start with the finest ingredients, and they focus on sourcing from local suppliers. Reviewers praise the pineapple curry & chicken tikka masala, adding, "The only thing better than the food was the service."

Magic Spice - Vegetarian Indian Eats
32818 Ryan Rd, Warren, MI

This globally inspired Indian fusion restaurant features innovative, contemporary Indian vegetarian cuisine, complemented by some continental delicacies that create bold flavors with a modern twist. Magic Spice uses the freshest ingredients and handcrafts them with love and flavor. Indian herbs and spices have been known for centuries to offer numerous health and medicinal benefits, which we incorporate into every dish we prepare. All our dishes are made using our family recipes from India, and no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives are ever added.

Star of India
180 W. 9 Mile Road, Ferndale

Hour Detroit, Metro Times, has awarded star of India year after year, Click On Detroit, and more, and it’s easy to see why. The food is consistently flavorful, authentic, and perfectly spiced. Every dish feels like it’s made with love. The butter chicken, samosas, and garlic naan are favorites. This cozy, family-owned spot is known as."A true hidden gem in Ferndale."

Midnight Temple
2466 Riopelle St Floor 2, Detroit

Savor the true essence of India’s streets with this authentic street food. Each dish brings the bold, real flavors you’d find at a local market—spicy, tangy, and unforgettable. It's the kind of food that fills the air with excitement and brings people together, just like the bustling streets of India. From creamy to hearty options, their curries provide a perfect balance of texture and warmth. Indulge in the rich food heritage with every bite!

Pakistani Cuisine

While Indian and Pakistani foods can be similar there are some differences. Pakistani food is typically meat-centric, using fewer spices in bolder, more robust dishes with a focus on ginger, garlic, and tomatoes for marinades, while Indian cuisine features a wider variety of vegetables and a complex spice palette for richly sauced, creamy dishes, often using coconut milk.

Khan BBQ Farmington Hills
29470 W 10 Mile Rd, Farmington Hills

One review shared that "Khan is amazing, we go mainly for their Halwa Puri breakfast. We haven't been able to find it at any other Indian restaurant. It's fantastic food and fills you up." The restaurant is praised for its authentic Pakistani taste. Try their nihari, chicken tikka boti, and seekh kabab.

Kolachi Kitchen
45300 Hanford Rd, Canton Township

Kolachi Kitchen is more of a take-out restaurant than indoor dining there is also seating outside for warm weather. Fans rave that the chicken tikka is very juicy and delicious. Their food is called "extremely fresh." With bold spices and rich dishes, Kolachi Kitchen offers a unique twist on the usual dining options.

BarbBQ Nite
40339 Michigan Ave Canton

This Pakistani restaurant boasts a passion for grilled perfection where flavors meet fire. BarBQ Nite brings together the art of slow cooking, the magic of open flames, and the finest ingredients to create a dining experience like no other. Inspired by authentic barbecue traditions, our chefs craft every dish with precision, ensuring a rich, smoky, and unforgettable taste in every bite. Try the goat chops, vegetable spring rolls, and delicious flaky chicken patties.

Zayeqa Restaurant
29208 Orchard Lake Rd, Farmington Hills

From the roots of the Green land to the tastes of the Sub-continent. Sampling dishes from one of the world’s finest collage of cultures will explain the thoroughness of sub-continent’s people and the regional contrasts For an experience out of the ordinary that you are sure to love, come visit Zayeqa Restaurant to engage in sensations you always thought were surreal. Try the Bihari kabab roll featuring beef marinated with spices, wrapped with paratha or pita.

Bangladeshi Cuisine

The Bangladeshi community in Metro Detroit is a vibrant one. According to the Bangladesh Association of Metro Detroit, about 15,000 to 20,000 Bangladeshis are estimated to live in Hamtramck and the nearby North Detroit neighborhood (known to some as NoHam). Today, many Bangladeshi Americans also identify as Asian Americans in terms of shared values and organizing.

Deshi Bhoj
12835 Conant, Detroit

Reviewers tout Deshi Bhoj as the best Bangla food in Detroit. One reviewer noted, "Deshi Bhoj offers a delightful dining experience with exceptional food and service. The dishes authentically capture the flavors of Bangladesh, evoking fond memories with every bite. The restaurant's decor is both decorative and welcoming, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere." Fans rave about the excellent service and truly unique, distinct cuisine! Bangladeshi HOT! We tried both the dum chicken briyani, the fish briyani, and the shrimp curry.

Flavors of Bangladesh
11341 Conant, Hamtramck

Flavors of Bangladesh is a halal Bengali food truck that aims to "bring the authenticity of Bangladeshi Foods that you miss here in the USA." Try one of their combo meals that come with a side choice of jali/shami/tikka kabab or fries. One reviewer noted, "I fully recommend them for anyone wanting to try Bangladeshi flavors for the first time. The service is outstanding. Very fast and very well priced for the portion size. Helpful in explaining menu items to the less familiar. The milk tea is also well prepared."

Adda Restaurant
4027 E 9 Mile Rd, Warren

At Adda Cafe and Restaurant, the essence of Bangladesh's rich culinary heritage meets the artistry of modern fine dining. The restaurant offers an exquisite journey through the flavors and traditions of this vibrant land. Each visit promises a sensory experience, from our elegantly crafted interiors adorned with traditional decor to our innovative and meticulously prepared cuisine. Try the Vegetable Pakor filled with mixed vegetables, onions, spices, herbs all deep-fried in oil.

Explore More

Author

Biba Adams

Writer