Detroit is a foodie’s paradise, offering a rich culinary scene perfect for families and food lovers alike. From hearty meals to unique snacks and indulgent desserts, this Detroit food guide highlights iconic dishes that will satisfy every craving.
When hunger strikes, dive into this curated guide for a delicious journey through some of the best eats the Motor City has to offer.
Iconic Detroit dishes your family will love
Coney dog
- Order from: American Coney Island or Lafayette Coney Island
Five ingredients make up a true Detroit coney dog: a beef frankfurter in a soft bun topped with chili (all meat, no beans), diced white onions and yellow mustard. Pair your coney dog with a refreshing Faygo for a true Detroit meal.
Detroit square-cut pizza
- Order from: Buddy’s Pizza, Crispelli’s, Green Lantern Pizza or PizzaPapalis
The crispy edges of Detroit-style pizza, baked in a deep pan, deliver a crunch unmatched by deep dish pizza or thin crusts. Crispy corner lovers should try the “Octopie” from Green Lantern Pizza — 8 square pizza pieces with all of your favorite toppings.
Shawarma
- Order from: Al-Ameer Restaurant, Balkan House, Country Chicken or Hamido Restaurant
Metro Detroit is home to incredible Middle Eastern culture, which includes delicious Middle Eastern restaurants! We love ordering huge, tasty portions of shawarma — chicken, beef or lamb that is seasoned to perfection and roasted on a vertical rotisserie. Try it in a wrap or sandwich, or load your plate up with shawarma and sides such as fries, hummus or salad.
Better Made Potato Chips
For the perfect crunchy snack, munch on Better Made Potato Chips, Detroit’s favorite chips for nearly 100 years. Whether you like them plain or krinkle-cut, sweet or hot, Better Made has a flavor of chips that are sure to satisfy those salty cravings. Pick up a bag at your local grocery store, or stock up by ordering a case of your favorite snacks from the Better Made online shop.
Pączki
- Order from: Donut Cutter, East Detroit Bakery & Deli, Family Donut Shop or New Palace Bakery. Some bakeries only carry paczki seasonally.
What better way to finish off this family foodie challenge than with dessert? Indulge your sweet tooth with paczki, Polish donuts filled with rich cream or fruit fillings. While you can find these delicacies at bakeries throughout the year, the best time to enjoy a paczki is on Fat Tuesday, known as Paczki Day in many Midwest cities.
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