Where to find authentic African and Caribbean food in the Detroit area

In recent years, the amount of African and Caribbean eateries in the Detroit area has continued to increase, with spots such as flourishing East African restaurant Baobab Fare and numerous hole-in-the-wall Jamaican eateries on the city’s northwest side.

Other local dining experiences serve up flavors from Senegal, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Morocco, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Liberia, Haiti, and Puerto Rico, proving that Detroit’s food scene is more than meets the eye.

If you want to expand your palate or are a food lover always in need of new authentic restaurants to try, here is where you should visit in metro Detroit.

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Baobab Fare
6568 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-265-3093; baobabfare.com
Burundi immigrants Hamissi Mamba and Nadia Nijimbere opened Baobab Fare to bring East African cuisine, coffee, and fresh juices to Detroit. Their signature dish is Nyumbani, a slow-simmered beef dish served with fried plantains, peanut-stewed spinach, and coconut rice. Along with their Waka food truck and Soko African culture brand, owners are preparing to open a second Baobab location on the city’s east side.
Courtesy photo

Baobab Fare

6568 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-265-3093; baobabfare.com

Burundi immigrants Hamissi Mamba and Nadia Nijimbere opened Baobab Fare to bring East African cuisine, coffee, and fresh juices to Detroit. Their signature dish is Nyumbani, a slow-simmered beef dish served with fried plantains, peanut-stewed spinach, and coconut rice. Along with their Waka food truck and Soko African culture brand, owners are preparing to open a second Baobab location on the city’s east side.

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Yum Village
6500 Woodward Ave., Detroit | 8029 Agnes St., Detroit | yumvillage.com
Chef Godwin Ihentuge’s “Afro Caribbean” cuisine features a unique blend of flavors from West Africa, the Caribbean, the U.S., and other nations. Ihentuge started Yum Village as a food truck, opening a brick-and-mortar in the New Center area in 2019, which is on the same block as Baobab Fare. Its second Detroit restaurant opened in West Village in 2022. Both locations offer staples like jerk chicken, jollof rice bowls, and peanut stew.
Tom Perkins

Yum Village

6500 Woodward Ave., Detroit | 8029 Agnes St., Detroit | yumvillage.com

Chef Godwin Ihentuge’s “Afro Caribbean” cuisine features a unique blend of flavors from West Africa, the Caribbean, the U.S., and other nations. Ihentuge started Yum Village as a food truck, opening a brick-and-mortar in the New Center area in 2019, which is on the same block as Baobab Fare. Its second Detroit restaurant opened in West Village in 2022. Both locations offer staples like jerk chicken, jollof rice bowls, and peanut stew.

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Kalahari African Cuisine
19701 W. 7 Mile Road; 313-693-4314; facebook.com/thetasteofsenegal
Our food reviewer Jane Slaughter visited this Senegalese restaurant on the city’s west side, and found that while the spot is informal, the cuisine is great. The menu varies daily but usually offers items such as jollof rice, jerk chicken, stuffed roasted lamb, and fried plantains.
Viola Klocko

Kalahari African Cuisine

19701 W. 7 Mile Road; 313-693-4314; facebook.com/thetasteofsenegal

Our food reviewer Jane Slaughter visited this Senegalese restaurant on the city’s west side, and found that while the spot is informal, the cuisine is great. The menu varies daily but usually offers items such as jollof rice, jerk chicken, stuffed roasted lamb, and fried plantains.

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COOP
474 Peterboro St., Detroit; coopdetroit.com
Chef Maxcel Hardy, who sadly passed away in 2024, expanded Coop from his deservedly popular River Bistro in Rosedale Park to the current stall at Midtown's Detroit Shipping Co. food hall. Familiar island favorites include jerk chicken, rum cake, and ginger beer with room for Southern fare like mac and cheese and Brussels sprouts with bacon too.
Facebook, COOP Detroit

COOP

474 Peterboro St., Detroit; coopdetroit.com

Chef Maxcel Hardy, who sadly passed away in 2024, expanded Coop from his deservedly popular River Bistro in Rosedale Park to the current stall at Midtown's Detroit Shipping Co. food hall. Familiar island favorites include jerk chicken, rum cake, and ginger beer with room for Southern fare like mac and cheese and Brussels sprouts with bacon too.

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Fork in Nigeria
forkinnigeria.com
Owner and chef of Fork in Nigeria, Prej Iroegbu, serves a multitude of classic Nigerian meals, one being pounded yam, or fufu, which is served alongside stews such as okra, egusi, or edikaikong. In the past two years, the company expanded from just one Detroit location to three, with one truck on the west side on Livernois Avenue, one truck on Eight Mile Road on the east side, and a pick-up-only location on Woodward Avenue near downtown.
Facebook, Fork in Nigeria

Fork in Nigeria

forkinnigeria.com

Owner and chef of Fork in Nigeria, Prej Iroegbu, serves a multitude of classic Nigerian meals, one being pounded yam, or fufu, which is served alongside stews such as okra, egusi, or edikaikong. In the past two years, the company expanded from just one Detroit location to three, with one truck on the west side on Livernois Avenue, one truck on Eight Mile Road on the east side, and a pick-up-only location on Woodward Avenue near downtown.

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Asty Time Dominican Cuisine
7340 McGraw Ave., Detroit; 313-285-9390; astytime.com
Chef Asty Acosta’s journey from the Dominican Republic to Southwest Detroit culminated in the creation of Asty Time, a restaurant known for standout dishes like salami con tostones and carne de res guisada. First serving with his wife out of their home, the family launched its now brick-and-mortar location in 2017.
Tom Perkins

Asty Time Dominican Cuisine

7340 McGraw Ave., Detroit; 313-285-9390; astytime.com

Chef Asty Acosta’s journey from the Dominican Republic to Southwest Detroit culminated in the creation of Asty Time, a restaurant known for standout dishes like salami con tostones and carne de res guisada. First serving with his wife out of their home, the family launched its now brick-and-mortar location in 2017.

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Jamaica Mi Hungry 313 
8910 Wyoming Ave., Detroit; 313-744-0984; instagram.com/jamaicamihungry313
Coining itself as “Detroit’s best Jamaican cuisine,” owners Taniesha and Richard Marzouca serve up home-cooked and authentic Jamaican food. While there is a building for the eatery, food is normally served from a truck in the parking lot. TikTok food reviewer @chowdowndetroit rated the food and customer service a 10 out of 10 in a six-minute video showcasing his visit in April 2023. With very limited hours, however, your only chance to try it is on Mondays and Fridays from 1-6 p.m.
Google Maps

Jamaica Mi Hungry 313

8910 Wyoming Ave., Detroit; 313-744-0984; instagram.com/jamaicamihungry313

Coining itself as “Detroit’s best Jamaican cuisine,” owners Taniesha and Richard Marzouca serve up home-cooked and authentic Jamaican food. While there is a building for the eatery, food is normally served from a truck in the parking lot. TikTok food reviewer @chowdowndetroit rated the food and customer service a 10 out of 10 in a six-minute video showcasing his visit in April 2023. With very limited hours, however, your only chance to try it is on Mondays and Fridays from 1-6 p.m.

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Kola Restaurant & Ultra Lounge
32523 Northwestern Hwy., Farmington Hills; 248-932- 5652; kolalounge.com
This spot mixes a modern, hip-hop lounge with a sit-down West African restaurant. Owner Ime Ekpenyong serves up dishes from nations like Ghana, Nigeria, and Senegal. Roughly a third of Kola is dedicated to a dance floor and DJ booth, and depending on the night that you're there, you may examine the yam-heavy menu while listening to reggae, soul, or Caribbean music.
Tom Perkins

Kola Restaurant & Ultra Lounge

32523 Northwestern Hwy., Farmington Hills; 248-932- 5652; kolalounge.com

This spot mixes a modern, hip-hop lounge with a sit-down West African restaurant. Owner Ime Ekpenyong serves up dishes from nations like Ghana, Nigeria, and Senegal. Roughly a third of Kola is dedicated to a dance floor and DJ booth, and depending on the night that you're there, you may examine the yam-heavy menu while listening to reggae, soul, or Caribbean music.

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The Jamaican Pot
14615 Eight Mile Rd., Detroit; 313-888-8102; thejamaicanpot.com
On the city’s west side in a small strip of businesses on Eight Mile, this Jamaican food spot serves up dishes like curry goat and brown stew chicken.
Tom Perkins

The Jamaican Pot

14615 Eight Mile Rd., Detroit; 313-888-8102; thejamaicanpot.com

On the city’s west side in a small strip of businesses on Eight Mile, this Jamaican food spot serves up dishes like curry goat and brown stew chicken.

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Little Liberia
instagram.com/little_liberia
Owner and Chef Ameneh Marhaba started Little Liberia as a pop-up in 2016, serving an array of Liberian dishes like groundnut stew and palm butter, Liberian country dry rice, cassava leaves, and plantain chips. The African-fusion pop-up announced its first brick-and-mortar at 6513 Woodward Ave. in Detroit’s New Center area, which is expected to open in mid to late 2024. As the new spot will be right near Baobab Fare and Yum Village, some people have begun calling the area “Little Africa.”
Courtesy of Featherstone

Little Liberia

instagram.com/little_liberia

Owner and Chef Ameneh Marhaba started Little Liberia as a pop-up in 2016, serving an array of Liberian dishes like groundnut stew and palm butter, Liberian country dry rice, cassava leaves, and plantain chips. The African-fusion pop-up announced its first brick-and-mortar at 6513 Woodward Ave. in Detroit’s New Center area, which is expected to open in mid to late 2024. As the new spot will be right near Baobab Fare and Yum Village, some people have begun calling the area “Little Africa.”

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Maty’s African Cuisine 
21611 Grand River Ave., Detroit; 313-472-5885; tiktok.com/@matysdetroit
It was recently announced that this Old Redford spot, which serves up cuisine from Senegal, will be expanding into the building next door to increase space and menu offerings. The food is highly rated with authentic dishes including yassa and dibi. With little social media presence elsewhere, Maty’s often posts videos on TikTok, where they have gained a pretty large following.
Tom Perkins

Maty’s African Cuisine

21611 Grand River Ave., Detroit; 313-472-5885; tiktok.com/@matysdetroit

It was recently announced that this Old Redford spot, which serves up cuisine from Senegal, will be expanding into the building next door to increase space and menu offerings. The food is highly rated with authentic dishes including yassa and dibi. With little social media presence elsewhere, Maty’s often posts videos on TikTok, where they have gained a pretty large following.

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Konjo Me
instagram.com/konjo.me
Opened in 2020 by Chef Helina Melaku, this Ethiopian food and drink pop-up has continued to grow. Melaku’s mission is to share the flavors and traditions of her home country’s cuisine with Detroit, with hopes to open a brick-and-mortar in the city soon.
Instagram, @konjo.me

Konjo Me

instagram.com/konjo.me

Opened in 2020 by Chef Helina Melaku, this Ethiopian food and drink pop-up has continued to grow. Melaku’s mission is to share the flavors and traditions of her home country’s cuisine with Detroit, with hopes to open a brick-and-mortar in the city soon.

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Khadi's Cuisine
421 W. Cross St., Ypsilanti; 734-905-7013; khadiscuisine.com
Formerly home to Bon Appetit African cuisine, which had a similar menu, Khadi’s Cuisine just opened its doors in mid-2023. Founder Khadidiatou Faye mixes West African cuisine with Mediterranean and European dishes, and everything is halal. The spot strives to bring traditional African cuisine and culture to Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor, providing local African immigrants a taste of home.
Tom Perkins

Khadi's Cuisine

421 W. Cross St., Ypsilanti; 734-905-7013; khadiscuisine.com

Formerly home to Bon Appetit African cuisine, which had a similar menu, Khadi’s Cuisine just opened its doors in mid-2023. Founder Khadidiatou Faye mixes West African cuisine with Mediterranean and European dishes, and everything is halal. The spot strives to bring traditional African cuisine and culture to Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor, providing local African immigrants a taste of home.

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The Blue Nile
221 E. Washington St., Ann Arbor; 734-998-4746;  bluenilemi.com 
As the only Ethiopian restaurant in the Ann Arbor area, this family-owned spot has shoes to fill… and does it well. Stepping in, the decoration makes it feel like you aren’t in Ann Arbor at all. Try the “all you can eat” vegetarian platter for $20 that comes with unlimited sides and crepe-like Ethiopian bread injera. Various meats can be added for extra and the spot sells a list of unique cocktails.
Layla McMurtrie

The Blue Nile

221 E. Washington St., Ann Arbor; 734-998-4746; bluenilemi.com

As the only Ethiopian restaurant in the Ann Arbor area, this family-owned spot has shoes to fill… and does it well. Stepping in, the decoration makes it feel like you aren’t in Ann Arbor at all. Try the “all you can eat” vegetarian platter for $20 that comes with unlimited sides and crepe-like Ethiopian bread injera. Various meats can be added for extra and the spot sells a list of unique cocktails.

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Home Tastes Like This
instagram.com/hometastelikethis
At various pop-ups around Detroit, chef Franchesca Lamarre serves up cuisine that highlights her Haitian heritage. One staple dish is spaghetti with peach jerk tomato sauce, a sunny-side-up egg, and epis chimichurri. The owner started Home Tastes Like This in the past year hoping to showcase unique recipes from all over the Black diaspora, specifically Haiti, especially since there are no other Haitian eateries in Detroit.

Home Tastes Like This

instagram.com/hometastelikethis

At various pop-ups around Detroit, chef Franchesca Lamarre serves up cuisine that highlights her Haitian heritage. One staple dish is spaghetti with peach jerk tomato sauce, a sunny-side-up egg, and epis chimichurri. The owner started Home Tastes Like This in the past year hoping to showcase unique recipes from all over the Black diaspora, specifically Haiti, especially since there are no other Haitian eateries in Detroit.

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A.J. Authentic Jamaica Co.
instagram.com/aj_jamaica
Usually found on the east side of Detroit and at various events around the city, this food truck specializes in Jamaican cuisine, from oxtail and jerk chicken to fried plantains and fresh juices.
Instagram, @aj_jamaica

A.J. Authentic Jamaica Co.

instagram.com/aj_jamaica

Usually found on the east side of Detroit and at various events around the city, this food truck specializes in Jamaican cuisine, from oxtail and jerk chicken to fried plantains and fresh juices.

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Rincon Tropical
6538 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-334-8526; orderrincontropical.com
This Puerto Rican restaurant, opened in 2014 by Rick and Lizaida Moreno, doubles as a nightclub where DJs spin merengue, bachata, and reggaeton on the weekends. The drinks are cheap and the food portions are large, with options such as bistecca con chimichurri, chicken fricasse, and guisado de cerdo.
Photo via GoogleMaps

Rincon Tropical

6538 Michigan Ave., Detroit; 313-334-8526; orderrincontropical.com

This Puerto Rican restaurant, opened in 2014 by Rick and Lizaida Moreno, doubles as a nightclub where DJs spin merengue, bachata, and reggaeton on the weekends. The drinks are cheap and the food portions are large, with options such as bistecca con chimichurri, chicken fricasse, and guisado de cerdo.

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Vicente’s Cuban Cuisine
1250 Library St., Detroit; 313-962-8800;vicentesdetroit.com
Vicente Vazquez’s dream of bringing family recipes to life led to Vicente’s Cuban Cuisine in 2005, offering traditional Cuban dishes like pollo con camarones and the sandwich cubano grande in the heart of downtown Detroit. Plus, they offer salsa lessons every weekend.

Vicente’s Cuban Cuisine

1250 Library St., Detroit; 313-962-8800;vicentesdetroit.com

Vicente Vazquez’s dream of bringing family recipes to life led to Vicente’s Cuban Cuisine in 2005, offering traditional Cuban dishes like pollo con camarones and the sandwich cubano grande in the heart of downtown Detroit. Plus, they offer salsa lessons every weekend.

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Casablanca
2333 Washtenaw Ave., Ypsilanti; 734-961-7828;  casablancaypsilanti.com 
This restaurant offers traditional Moroccan cooking, which blends Middle Eastern cuisine with hints of flavor from Europe and Africa. The wide array of halal dishes includes unique staples such as sweet lamb tagine, bistilla, and zaalook.
Layla McMurtrie

Casablanca

2333 Washtenaw Ave., Ypsilanti; 734-961-7828; casablancaypsilanti.com

This restaurant offers traditional Moroccan cooking, which blends Middle Eastern cuisine with hints of flavor from Europe and Africa. The wide array of halal dishes includes unique staples such as sweet lamb tagine, bistilla, and zaalook.

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Lenox Jerk
16241 W. McNichols Rd., Detroit; 313-340-2980; instagram.com/rudeboiylenox
“Come Thru and Eat Good,” says the Instagram bio of this authentic Caribbean spot. The restaurant serves up rasta pasta, jerk salmon, oxtail meals, and lots more.
Google Maps

Lenox Jerk

16241 W. McNichols Rd., Detroit; 313-340-2980; instagram.com/rudeboiylenox

“Come Thru and Eat Good,” says the Instagram bio of this authentic Caribbean spot. The restaurant serves up rasta pasta, jerk salmon, oxtail meals, and lots more.

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