Detroit-area AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander)-owned restaurants should have tried by now [PHOTOS]

By Metro Times editorial staff on Fri, May 5, 2023 at 1:29 pm

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, which recognizes the contributions and influence of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans to the history and culture of the U.S. The umbrella term includes ethnic groups from Eastern Asia, the Indian subcontinent, and the Pacific Islands, but can also include people from West and Southwest Asia, otherwise known as the Middle East, as well.

In metro Detroit, contributions from these cultures are especially felt in the dining scene. From the “Little Tokyo” of Novi, to the strip-mall hidden gems of Madison Heights, and of course metro Dearborn’s cherished Middle Eastern spots, here are some essential Asian-owned restaurants you should try.

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Photo by Rob Widdis

Slurping Turtle
608 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor; 734-887-6868; slurpingturtle.com

Opened by James Beard Award-winning chef Takahashi Yagihashi in 2014, who previously opened a version of Slurping Turtle in Chicago, this spot is known for putting a twist on Japanese dishes luke ramen and sushi.

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@skp00101, Instagram

Yemen Cafe
8740 Joseph Campau Ave., Hamtramck; 313-871-4349; yemencaferestaurant.com

This low-frills restaurant is beloved for its Yemeni dishes. Even better, it’s open until 1 a.m., making it an ideal spot for late-night bites.

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Photo via Shiro/Facebook

Shiro 43180 W. Nine Mile Rd., Novi; 248-348-1212; shiro-restaurant.com

Opened in 2000 in an elegant mansion originally built in the 1920s, this fusion spot combines Japanese and French influences. At the time, owners Howard Yang and J.W. Shin spent eight months and $500,000 renovating the old Charles Rogers mansion.

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Sharaku
6159 Haggerty Rd., West Bloomfield; 248-960; sharakuhanzo.com

In business since 1998, Shiraku serves authentic Japanese cuisine. You can dine in or order bento boxes to go.

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Filipinas Oriental Foods
3866 E. 13 Mile Rd., Warren; 586-558-8550; facebook.com/filipinasOriental

This grocery store-restaurant combo serves Filipino faves “turo-turo”-style, or in a cafeteria-like manner. It was opened by Sonia Sutter, an immigrant from Manila, and her family in 2010. Customers travel from all over Michigan to get items like chicken adobo and longganisa sausages.

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