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Photo courtesy of Salt + Ko
Fried food is one of the world’s most shared comfort traditions, all resulting in crisp, golden, craveable dishes shaped by their seasonings, sauces, and customs. In Metro Detroit, you can taste that global spectrum in a variety of shareable plates and entrees, from light, delicate Japanese-style tempura to classic American fried choices and beyond.
Frita Batidos
66 West Columbia Street, Detroit
117 West Washington, Ann Arbor
Frita Batidos channels the spirit of Cuban-inspired street food through its namesake frita burger, a messy-in-the-best-way staple built for crunch and bold flavor. For fried-food fans, the must-order detail is the crispy shoestring fries that crown the burger, delivering that signature texture in every bite, and you can lean into the theme even further by adding an order of fries on the side to keep the crunch going from first bite to last. Other fried favorites here include the plantains, with varieties of cinnamon sugar and twice-fried, along with the fresh churros, with notes of nutmeg and orange zest. Finish it all off with a batido, made with ice cream, fresh fruit, and crushed ice for a take on a traditional tropical Cuban milkshake.
Oyaki Sushi
26354 Ford Road, Dearborn Heights
Oyaki Sushi is a smart stop for anyone who loves the lighter, airier side of frying, where the goal is crispness without heaviness. Look for their tempura-focused picks, especially shrimp tempura or vegetable tempura. On the appetizer menu, enjoy picks like the Crab Rangoons, Yasal Crotquettes (fried mashed potatoes with mixed veggies inside), Agedashi Tofu, or one of the fried wing choices. As for sushi rolls, go-tos include the Las Vegas Roll, which combines cooked salmon and cream cheese and is topped with jalapeño and spicy mayo, or the U of M Roll, with eel, crab, avocado, and cucumber fried and dressed with eel sauce. For dessert, don’t forget to order the Deep Fried Oreos.
Salt + Ko
26555 Telegraph Rd, Suite 100, Southfield
Salt + Ko treats fried bites as a global snack language, with shareable starters that move between familiar comfort and international innovation. “At Salt + Ko, we strive to create vibrant, flavor-packed dishes that celebrate freshness and global inspiration. Our appetizers are designed to be the perfect start to any meal, highlighting both comfort and creativity,” shares Owner & Executive Chef Ryan Eli Salter. “Some guest favorites include our crispy tempura cauliflower tossed in a tangy buffalo glaze, hand-cut Brussels sprouts tossed in blue cheese, bacon, pecans, and balsamic glaze, and our panko-crusted Lasagna bites paired with a creamy Alfredo sauce. These offerings reflect our approach: familiar bites with a globally inspired twist.” The Oxtail Mac & Cheese Bites also stand out, with a crispy and cheesy combo. Pick a few apps to share with the table, or select one to prelude your entree, whether you’re going for the lamb chops or Ginger Thyme Salmon.
Green Dot Stables
2200 West Lafayette Boulevard, Detroit
Green Dot Stables brings fried-food energy into its laid-back slider-bar format, where handheld bites and bar-friendly crunch fit the setting perfectly. The team shares, “Green Dot Stables is a harness racing-themed slider bar in Southwest Detroit. Green Dot Stables offers a wide range of slider options that will please everyone in the group, from the pickiest of eaters to the more adventurous diners. They’re known for their weekly Mystery Meat slider that has featured everything from camel to kangaroo. It’s always a laid-back experience. Expect to find horse racing on the tvs and craft beers on tap.” For fried sliders, check out the Fried Chicken Caesar, Fish Fry, Fried Chicken with a taste of sage maple syrup, and the Falafel topped with a quinoa tabouli. These pair great with their selection of fries, ranging from poutine to Cajun, and to end on a sweet note, check out the Fried Bread Pudding with lemon icing.
Fixins
1435 Randolph St, Detroit
Fixins anchors the tour with one of America’s most iconic fried traditions: soul-food fried chicken. Here, it’s brined for 24 hours and served crispy, tender, and juicy. Not hungry for chicken? Check out the fried fish or the smothered pork chop, each paired with your choice of sides, which range from candied yams and charred okra to red beans and rice. The appetizer selection, or Lil’ Bits, is also noteworthy, with choices of fish nuggets, fried green tomatoes, and deep-fried deviled eggs, topped with bacon and hot sauce. Come hungry for classic soul food, and round it out with comforting sides that belong at the same table for a meal worth celebrating.
Casa Amado Taqueria
2705 Coolidge Highway, Berkley
Casa Amado Taqueria is where crunch meets the bright, fresh balance that defines many Mexican street-food favorites. For a fried-food focused order, look for the Chicken Taquitos to start your meal. These are filled with chipotle chicken and topped with cabbage, queso, crema, salsa, and cilantro, and great before an order of tacos, whether you pick the Shrimp + Squash combo or the Seema version with griddled cheese and a mix of cactus and bell pepper slaw. For a twist, check out the Sonorans, also known as hot dogs topped with bacon, chiles, and jalapeños. Pair your meal with a fresh Ranch Water, a local beer option, or a pitcher of margaritas for the table.
These six stops show how one cooking method can express countless food cultures, from delicate crisps to savory comfort. Be sure to try one (or them all) for a fill of fried food favorites, whether you tackle the menus alone or with a group.
