Sometimes Michigan feels exactly like Michigan: long highways, Michigan turns (womp), gray skies, and the steady hum of everyday life. But, step into the right café, market, or restaurant in Metro Detroit, and suddenly the atmosphere shifts. One moment you’re in the Midwest and the next, you’re transported across the Pacific.
For me, these moments bring back Seoul’s cozy cafés where I used to lesson-plan between teaching 4th–6th graders, or Tokyo’s bustling alleys and tucked-away eateries I make a point to revisit every few years. Until my next trip abroad, I’ve found plenty of places right here in Metro Detroit that capture those same flavors and vibes.
Here’s my roundup of favorite spots, organized by country, that will whisk you away without ever leaving Michigan.
Korea in Metro Detroit
Daebak Korean BBQ, Southfield
27566 Northwestern Hwy, Southfield, MI 48034 (Directions)
Tableside grilling, endless banchan (side dishes), soju, and Cass beer. It’s as close to Seoul as you’ll get here. In fact, it’s my favorite spot. So much so that I’ll never turn down an invite. Yes, it’s that serious. Make sure you have a reservation and prepare to be immensely satisfied.
Noori Pocha & Chicken, Clawson
1 S Main St, Clawson, MI 48017 (Directions)
A lively pocha (Korean Gastro pub) that nails Seoul’s nightlife energy. Their Korean fried chicken is perfection. It’s crispy, saucy, and addictive. Plus, the only chicken-on-the-bone I’ll eat. Long story~
H-Mart, Troy
2963 E Big Beaver Rd, Troy, MI 48083 (Directions)
A must for kimchi, fresh produce and met, rice cakes, dumplings, noodles, mochi ice cream and so much more. I’m addicted to this place and I probably pay half their light bill at this point.
Tiger Market, Southfield
27522 Northwestern Hwy, Southfield, MI 48034 (Directions)
A treasure trove of Korean and Asian snacks, rare KitKat flavors, and convenient onigiri. And they carry the most popular (and effective) Asian skincare products available. I literally just filled a basket.
Japan in Metro Detroit
Noble Fish, Clawson
45 E 14 Mile Rd, Clawson, MI 48017 (Directions)
The sushi bar that everyone in Metro Detroit raves about, and for good reason. Just go~
Miyazaki Sushi, Clinton Township
21378 Hall Rd, Clinton Township, MI 48038 (Directions)
Fresh, elegant, and a hidden gem for sushi lovers.
Hiroki-san, Detroit
1265 Washington Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226 (Directions)
Authentic ramen in rich broths that feel like a Tokyo back alley shop.
China in Metro Detroit
Noodle Topia, Madison Heights
30120 John R Rd, Madison Heights, MI 48071 (Directions)
Hand-pulled noodles made to order: chewy, springy, and worth the slurp.
TK WU, Ann Arbor
510 E Liberty St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 (Directions)
Listen, I was addicted to this place as an undergrad at U-M. It’s a reliable stop for authentic Chinese dishes, from mapo tofu to Cantonese classics. You truly can’t go wrong with any dish and the serving sizes are unbelievably generous. You’ll definitely get your money’s worth.
169 Market, Madison Heights
32393 John R Rd, Madison Heights, MI 48071 (Directions)
Packed with everything from produce, sea food, sauces, noodles, sweet treats, and teas. And the food court is a must. Their wine, soju, and sake offerings are impressive as well.
Thailand in Metro Detroit
Khom Fai, Macomb County
48856 Romeo Plank Rd, Macomb, MI 48044 (Directions)
Bright curries and stir-fries that echo Thailand’s night markets. A must try~
Kacha Thai Market, Royal Oak
205 S Main St, Royal Oak, MI 48067 (Directions)
A cozy spot for Thai ingredients, sauces, and snacks to bring Bangkok home. Bring an empty stomach and your entire family—friends included.
Sunrise Thai Restaurant, Madison Heights
28921 John R Rd, Madison Heights, MI 48071 (Directions)
Homey, unpretentious, and flavorful. This is my favorite hidden gem. I usually head here for lunch before knocking out my weekend grocery shopping in Madison Heights and Troy.
Multi-Asian Cafés & Finds
Ondo Bakery, Ann Arbor
324 S State St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 (Directions)
Japanese breads and pastries like melonpan and milk bread that taste like Kyoto mornings.
Bober Tea & Mochi Dough, Troy
856 E Big Beaver Rd, Troy, MI 48083 (Directions)
Colorful bubble teas paired with chewy mochi donuts. Playful, sweet, and very Vietnam meets Harajuku.
Umai Café, Troy
3277 Rochester Rd, Troy, MI 48083 (Directions)
A dreamy café with Korean-style drinks and Japanese cheesecakes.
And they have….Japanese fluffy soufflé pancakes!! ^_^.
Tou & Mai, Detroit
4240 Cass Ave, Detroit, MI 48201 (Directions)
A café-meets-bodega filled with Vietnamese coffee, Boba tea, and Asian snacks.
Why I Love These Spots
Every one of these places scratches an itch, whether it’s a Seoul barbecue memory, a Tokyo sushi craving, or a quick market run for fresher produce and snacks that remind me of home abroad. Living overseas changes the way you taste home, and these spots are little doorways back to the moments I’ll never forget.
These are the places I’ve tried and loved and if you know of other cafés, markets, or restaurants in Metro Detroit that transport you to Asia, drop them in the comments below!
I’m always looking for new spots to explore~
Lence in Layers 