When it comes to cities with a rich culinary heritage, Detroit, Michigan, often doesn’t receive the recognition it truly deserves. The Motor City, famous for its automobile industry and Motown music, has also quietly built a unique and diverse food culture that is gaining recognition far beyond its borders. From iconic comfort foods to innovative culinary creations, Detroit’s food scene is a testament to the city’s resilience and creativity. In this article, we will take you on a gastronomic tour of Detroit and explore the dishes and food items that have made the city famous.
Coney Island Hot Dogs
Our culinary journey through Detroit begins with a classic and beloved dish – the Coney Island hot dog. Despite its name, this iconic Detroit food item has nothing to do with the famous amusement park in New York. Instead, it’s a local specialty that consists of a steamed hot dog topped with a unique chili sauce, mustard, and diced onions, all served on a steamed bun. The Coney Island hot dog has a fascinating history in Detroit, dating back to the early 20th century when Greek immigrants set up diners throughout the city. These diners, known as “Coney Islands,” became popular for serving this delicious concoction. Two Coney Island diners, Lafayette Coney Island and American Coney Island, both located on Lafayette Street, have been serving this classic dish for decades and continue to be rival favorites among Detroiters.
Detroit-Style Pizza
While pizza has a special place in the hearts of Americans across the nation, Detroit has its own unique style of pizza that stands out – the Detroit-style pizza. This rectangular, deep-dish pizza is characterized by its thick, airy crust that’s crispy on the edges and soft in the center. The hallmark of Detroit-style pizza is the way it’s cooked in square pans, creating a perfectly caramelized cheese crust along the edges. The sauce is usually ladled on top of the cheese, giving it an upside-down appearance compared to traditional pizzas.
One of the most famous places to indulge in Detroit-style pizza is Buddy’s Pizza, which has been serving this mouthwatering creation since 1946. Their original location on Conant Street is a must-visit for pizza enthusiasts. Other pizzerias, such as Loui’s Pizza and Cloverleaf Bar & Restaurant, have also contributed to the popularity of Detroit-style pizza and continue to offer unique variations of this local favorite.
Detroit-Style Coney Tater Tots
Building upon the success of the Coney Island hot dog, Detroit’s culinary scene has found creative ways to incorporate its flavors into other dishes. One such innovation is the Detroit-style Coney tater tots. These crispy golden tots are smothered in the same flavorful chili sauce, mustard, and onions that adorn the Coney Island hot dog, creating a delightful and satisfying snack or side dish. Local diners and restaurants often feature their own twist on this beloved treat, making it a must-try for anyone exploring Detroit’s food scene.
Paczki
Detroiters have a sweet tooth, and one of their favorite indulgences is the paczki. Pronounced “poonch-key,” this Polish pastry has become a beloved tradition in Detroit, especially during the annual celebration of Fat Tuesday or Paczki Day. Paczki are deep-fried doughnuts filled with a variety of sweet fillings, such as fruit preserves, custard, or cream. They are then generously dusted with powdered sugar. Bakeries all over Detroit offer these delectable treats, and people often line up for hours to get their hands on these calorie-laden delights during the Paczki Day festivities.
Detroit-Style Coney Pizza
Taking inspiration from the city’s iconic Coney Island hot dogs, some local pizzerias have created a unique fusion dish – the Detroit-style Coney pizza. This mouthwatering creation combines the flavors of a Coney Island hot dog with the cheesy goodness of Detroit-style pizza. Typically, it features a hot dog-infused chili sauce as the base, topped with sliced hot dogs, onions, mustard, and a generous layer of cheese. This unconventional pizza is an excellent example of Detroit’s culinary ingenuity and ability to reinvent classic dishes.
Detroit-Style BBQ
Detroit’s culinary landscape is not limited to its unique spins on traditional dishes; it also boasts its own style of barbecue. Detroit-style barbecue is characterized by its sweet, slightly tangy sauce that sets it apart from the smoky and savory barbecue styles found in other regions of the United States. This sauce is often used to glaze meats like ribs, chicken, and pulled pork, giving them a sticky, caramelized coating that’s bursting with flavor. Local barbecue joints, such as Slows Bar BQ and Red Smoke Barbecue, have gained national recognition for their Detroit-style barbecue offerings.
Soul Food
Detroit has a rich African American heritage, and this is beautifully reflected in its soul food cuisine. Soul food restaurants in the city serve up classic dishes like fried chicken, collard greens, macaroni and cheese, cornbread, and black-eyed peas with ham hocks. A visit to iconic soul food eateries like Kuzzo’s Chicken & Waffles or Sweet Soul Bistro is a flavorful journey into the heart of Detroit’s African American culinary tradition. The warmth and hospitality of these establishments are as much a part of the experience as the mouthwatering dishes they serve.
Detroit-Style Seafood
With its proximity to the Great Lakes and the Detroit River, it’s no surprise that the city has a thriving seafood scene. Detroit-style seafood often includes dishes like walleye, perch, lake trout, and whitefish, all prepared with a variety of flavors and cooking techniques. Many local restaurants pride themselves on serving fresh and locally sourced fish. For a true Detroit seafood experience, visit Captain Jay’s Fish & Chicken or the famous Fishbone’s Rhythm Kitchen Café, which offers a delightful blend of Creole and Cajun flavors with a Detroit twist.
Detroit-Style Cider Mills
Autumn in Detroit brings a special treat for locals and visitors alike – the opening of cider mills. These seasonal destinations offer a taste of the region’s apple orchards and are known for their fresh apple cider, cider doughnuts, and other apple-based treats. Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill and Franklin Cider Mill are two of the most popular cider mills in the Detroit area. Families and friends gather at these cozy venues to enjoy the crisp fall air, indulge in sweet apple goodies, and sip on warm cider, making it a cherished tradition for many.
Detroit’s Craft Beer Scene
While not a food item in itself, Detroit’s craft beer scene has gained tremendous popularity and plays an integral role in the city’s culinary landscape. The city is home to a multitude of craft breweries and taprooms that offer a wide variety of beer styles and flavors. These establishments often pair their brews with delicious food, creating a perfect synergy of flavors. At spots like Founders Brewing Co., Atwater Brewery, and Detroit Beer Co., you can enjoy locally brewed beers alongside dishes crafted to complement the beer experience.
Detroit’s culinary scene is a testament to the city’s resilience, creativity, and rich cultural heritage. From the iconic Coney Island hot dogs to the unique Detroit-style pizza, and from the sweet indulgence of paczki to the diverse world of soul food, the city offers a wide array of delectable dishes that reflect its history and diversity. Detroit’s culinary landscape continues to evolve, with new innovations and flavors constantly emerging. So, whether you’re a food enthusiast or just looking for a taste of authentic Detroit culture, be sure to explore the city’s iconic food scene on your next visit. Detroit has a delicious surprise waiting for every palate.
Eastern Market
No exploration of Detroit’s food culture would be complete without a visit to Eastern Market. This historic market is one of the oldest and largest year-round markets in the United States. It’s not just a place to buy fresh produce, meats, and artisanal products; it’s an experience. Every Saturday, thousands of visitors and locals flock to Eastern Market to sample a wide array of food from local vendors and food trucks. From gourmet cheeses and sausages to freshly baked bread and international cuisine, Eastern Market offers a feast for the senses. The market also hosts special events like cooking classes, art exhibitions, and festivals that celebrate Detroit’s food and art scene.
Detroit-Style BBQ Ribs
While Detroit has its unique take on barbecue, it also excels in serving mouthwatering ribs. The city’s barbecue joints often feature fall-off-the-bone ribs that are slow-cooked to perfection and slathered with savory barbecue sauce. Slows Bar BQ, famous for its BBQ offerings, serves up some of the best ribs in town. The combination of tender meat and flavorful sauce makes Detroit-style BBQ ribs a must-try for barbecue enthusiasts.
The Detroit-Style Coney Burger
Expanding on the concept of Detroit’s beloved Coney Island hot dog, some eateries have ventured into crafting the Detroit-style Coney burger. This innovative dish combines the flavors of a Coney Island hot dog with a juicy hamburger patty. The result is a delightful creation featuring a seasoned burger topped with the iconic chili sauce, mustard, onions, and often a slice of American cheese. It’s a delicious fusion that showcases Detroit’s penchant for culinary innovation.
Faygo Pop
No discussion of Detroit’s iconic foods would be complete without mentioning Faygo. This regional soda brand has been a beloved part of Detroit’s culture for over a century. Faygo offers a wide range of unique and refreshing soda flavors, including Red Pop, Rock & Rye, and Cotton Candy. It’s not just a beverage; it’s a nostalgic connection to Detroit’s history for many locals. You can find Faygo in various restaurants and stores throughout the city, and trying a bottle or two is a delightful way to experience a taste of Detroit.
Detroit-Style Shawarma
Detroit’s culinary scene continues to diversify, and one notable addition is Detroit-style shawarma. Building on the popularity of the Middle Eastern food scene in the city, Detroit-style shawarma features seasoned and spit-roasted meat (often chicken or beef) that’s thinly sliced and served in a pita or flatbread with a variety of toppings and sauces. Local restaurants and food trucks have put their own twist on this classic dish, making it a flavorful and satisfying choice for those looking to explore the city’s international flavors.
Vernors Ginger Ale
Vernors Ginger Ale is another iconic Detroit beverage that holds a special place in the hearts of many. Created in Detroit by pharmacist James Vernor in the late 1800s, Vernors has a distinct and bold ginger flavor. It’s often enjoyed on its own or used as a mixer for cocktails. For a true Detroit experience, you can’t miss trying Vernors, especially if you’re a fan of ginger ale.
Detroit-Style Ice Cream
Detroit’s ice cream scene offers a wide range of delicious frozen treats. In addition to classic ice cream parlors, you can find unique flavors and inventive creations at local shops like Treat Dreams and Ray’s Ice Cream. From bourbon pecan pie ice cream to Motor City Crunch, there’s something to satisfy every sweet tooth. The city’s ice cream artisans are known for their creativity and commitment to crafting delectable frozen desserts.
Detroit’s food scene is a vibrant and dynamic tapestry woven together by its rich history, diverse communities, and a passion for culinary innovation. Whether you’re savoring a classic Coney Island hot dog, indulging in a Detroit-style pizza, or enjoying a sip of Faygo, each bite and sip tells a story of Detroit’s resilience and creativity. The city’s food culture continues to evolve, offering both locals and visitors a chance to explore a diverse array of flavors and traditions. So, the next time you find yourself in Detroit, make sure to embark on a culinary adventure to discover the iconic foods and flavors that make this city a true food lover’s paradise.
