Around the World in 5 Bites: Metro Detroit’s Global Dining Scene

July 14, 2023
Pulpa a la Gallega - Octopus from La Feria Spanish Tapas in Midtown Detroit

Pulpa a la Gallega from La Feria Spanish Tapas, Detroit

Exploring the wide range of cuisines around the world is a bucket list item for many people. But why spend a ton of money on airline tickets traveling from country to country when you can taste the world right here in Metro Detroit? There are so many incredible restaurants preparing diverse cultural bites that stay true to the authentic flavors and recipes of their home countries. The next time you’re feeling adventurous, check out these local restaurants and travel the world through food without even leaving the state! 

Yum Village

6500 Woodward Avenue, Detroit

Yum Village is chef-prepared, Afro-Caribbean cuisine right here in Detroit. “As a Nigerian and African-American, food is a central part of Godwin Ihentuge’s family. Cooking allows Ihentuge to connect with his roots and has been a constant throughout his life. In keeping with its founder’s African roots, YumVillage sources 15% of its ingredients from Haiti, the Caribbean, and West Africa.” Their menu features things like ox tail, fufu, and Ogbongo stew.

Jerk Chicken Flatbread from Yum Village
Jerk Chicken Flatbread from Yum Village

La Feria Spanish Tapas

4130 Cass Avenue, Detroit

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La Feria is a Spanish tapas restaurant, meaning the dishes are meant to be shared with the table. “In October 2013, the talk of sharing a piece of Spain with others became a reality when three friends—Pilar Barón-Hidalgo, Naomi Khalil, and Elias Khalil opened the doors to La Feria. The flavors of Spain proved to be quite popular, and with five years under their belt, the three friends expanded their offerings when they opened Cata Vino Mercado and Wine Bar in late 2018. Visiting La Feria/Cata Vino is like experiencing the smells, sounds, and tastes of Spain without needing a passport!  In addition to the scrumptious tapas, this amazing gem offers a variety of wines, sherry, and retail gourmet foods from Spain.” 

Boquerones and Escalivada y Anchoa Pinxtos from La Feria Spanish Tapas
Boquerones and Escalivada y Anchoa Pinxtos from La Feria Spanish Tapas

The Pita Post

The Pita Post is one of the most talked about food trucks in Metro Detroit. They offer a variety of delicious pita sandwiches that are Mediterranean inspired including falafel and kebab patties. Their bread is hand-crafted from a special recipe and all of their sandwiches are made to order. 

Assorted pitas from The Pita Post
Assorted pitas from The Pita Post

BARDA

4842 Grand River Avenue, Detroit

BARDA is an Argentinian restaurant specializing in live-fire cooking. While their menu is on the smaller side, each and every item has Argentinian roots and is carefully crafted to be outstanding. From chef Javier Bardauil, “I’m the chef and owner of Barda, a restaurant that celebrates South American culture cooking with wood fire as the only source of energy, allowing us not only to have a carbon neutral impact but bringing flavors and emotions that can only be achieved by cooking over live fire.”

Flan w/ Dulce de Leche from BARDA
Flan w/ Dulce de Leche from BARDA

Bash Original Izakaya

5069 Trumbull, Detroit

Bash Original Izakaya specializes in sushi, maki, sashimi, and nigiri. They offer a variety of entrees as well as an extensive sushi menu with many specialty roll options. On Friday and Saturday evenings, they offer Omakase, or “chef’s choice.” It is a multiple-course dinner featuring unique combinations and fresh ingredients cultivated by their executive chef, James Kim.

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