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The culinary landscapes representing South and Latin America are as rich and diverse as the cultures that inhabit these regions. From the piquant flavors of Mexican tacos to the sumptuous textures of Argentine asado, there is something for everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or someone merely curious to expand your palate, embarking on a culinary tour of these eateries is like flipping through a vibrant cookbook of Latin American traditions. Check out some of these remarkable establishments that represent the diverse palate of South and Latin American cuisine here in Metro Detroit.
CULANTRO
22939 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale
Culantro brings Peru’s staples to Metro Detroit for all to enjoy through homestyle cooking. Alvaro Herrera, co-owner says, “We are an immigrant chef-run and owned business where our first focus is always food. Some notable dishes include Lomo Saltado, which is a marinated beef tenderloin cooked alongside stir-fried vegetables served on a bed of potatoes with a side of rice, Pollo a la Brasa, a flame charred oven roasted rotisserie chicken that is marinated in a combination of Peruvian spices for over 24 hours and slow cooked, and Ceviche, white fish cured in a tigre de leche served with Peruvian choclo and sweet potato.” Also, look out Ann Arbor! Culantro is working on opening its second location in downtown Ann Arbor this fall.
MIIC’S WAY LICUADOS
“MiiC’s WAY Licuados’ mission is to showcase a new taste/culture to the city of Detroit through serving yummy Argentine street food! We advertise good health as we have always been a vegan-based business, but recently we have expanded our range and serve everyone! I am Argentinian and I believe this beautiful culture and rich, delicious food is worth exploring, also why not eat like a champ like the WORLD CHAMPS!” shares Micah White, owner of MiiC’s WAY Licuados. MiiC’s Way offers empanadas, desserts, and absolutely delicious licuados (smoothies) for delivery and can be found at different pop-up events and locations. Make sure you keep up with their social media, as you never know where you’ll see them next!
FRITA BATIDOS
66 West Columbia Street, Detroit
117 West Washington Street, Ann Arbor
FRITA BATIDOS is inspired by Cuban culture and a fantasy revolving around two staples in the world of Cuban street food – the FRITA – a burger traditionally made from spicy chorizo served with shoestring fries on top in a soft egg bun and BATIDOS – tropical milkshakes made with fresh fruit, crushed ice, and sweetened milk – with or without rum! Like burgers and shakes, Fritas and Batidos are a natural pairing and the whimsical menu is the result of dreaming about these two dishes for years! “Frita Batidos is the juxtaposition of Eve’s two greatest passions – bringing together the highest standards and attention to detail with the warmth and conviviality of feeding the people you love,” says Hayle Flowers, Catering and Administrative Manager.
BARDA
4842 Grand River Avenue, Detroit
BARDA creates an atmosphere that centers you in the present, all while providing the best fire-cooked steaks and meticulously crafted vegetable dishes anywhere. Owner Chef Javier Bardauil shares, “Cooking with fire is a fascination that I have had for as long as I can remember, and using it as the only source of energy is a tribute to the ancestral and primitive as a game of juxtaposition with modern life. Unique and challenging, the wood fire allows us to bring emotions to the table; it’s our main ingredient, and taming it is our biggest challenge every day at BARDA. Make sure to check out their extensive wine list, boasting Argentinian vintages you’re unlikely to find elsewhere.
VINCENTE’S CUBAN CUISINE
1250 Library Street, Detroit
If the Cuban sandwich is the full extent of your experience with the island nation’s unique fare, head over to Vincente’s in Detroit, where the Vazquez family serves up generational recipes in a laid-back, Havana-inspired restaurant space. Try the Ropa Vieja (translates to “old clothes”) for an authentic first taste of a cuisine that is soulful, complex, and absurdly delicious. This Cuban tradition consists of thinly shredded seasoned beef with red wine, tomato sauce, bell peppers, and green olives and is served with white rice, sweet plantains, and black beans. While you’re there, enjoy the signature cocktails and live salsa music in the background.
This article has been updated to include new information. The original article was published on October 8, 2021, and was authored by Aaron B. Cohen.
