France
Don鈥檛 Miss
The nonprofit school and cultural center Alliance Fran莽aise de Detroit French Institute of Michigan offers French language classes for all ages and skill levels, as well as corporate courses designed for professional groups. The Farmington institute also holds cultural events, such as social gatherings, cooking classes, and talks by artists, authors, and other notable French figures. 听
Tastes
To stock up on authentic French baked goods, visit Chez Pierre et Genevieve in Bloomfield Hills. This homey bakery sells fresh-baked bread, including rye, sourdough, baguettes, olive bread, and walnut bread 鈥 plus viennoiseries like croissants and brioche.听
Those craving something a little sweeter can pick up one of master French baker Matt Knio鈥檚 creations at either of his Cannelle Patisserie locations, in Detroit or Birmingham. But be warned 鈥 once there, you鈥檒l face a daunting selection of artfully prepared pastries, from fruity tarts and creamy eclairs, to delicate madeleines and buttery croissants.听
Caribbean
Don鈥檛 Miss
The Caribbean Cultural and Carnival Organization hosts the Detroit Caribbean Cultural Festival every year to bring island flair to the city. The festival lasts three days in the summer and visitors can participate in Zumba and salsa lessons, attend live shows featuring local and international performers, and get a taste of different types of Caribbean food. The organization also holds the Miss Carnival Pageant, metro Detroit鈥檚 only Caribbean pageant.听
The Real Deal
The family-owned Fatou鈥檚 African Caribbean Market in Ypsilanti sells a wide selection of food, mostly from West Africa, that includes goat meat, cow feet, beef strips, red snapper, mackerel, tamarind/coconut juice, and plantain chips. It also carries health and beauty items like African black soap and cocoa butter.听
Tastes
Norma G鈥檚 takes Caribbean food to the next level. This food truck turned full-service restaurant serves up authentic dishes such as curry, jerk chicken, oxtail, and fried plantains in Detroit.
Japan
Don鈥檛 Miss
The Detroit Institute of Arts鈥 Japan Gallery displays a wide collection of traditional works as well as contemporary pieces. The gallery includes robes from the classical Japanese dance-drama Noh Theatre, 17th-century samurai apparel, and classic Japanese tea wares.
The Real Deal
One World Market in Novi is billed as the largest Japanese grocery store in Michigan. It boasts a large selection of fresh sushi, mochi, Japanese cosmetics, Japanese cookware, and other imported goods.听
Tastes
Bash Original Izakaya is a Japanese pub-style eatery in Detroit with ample dine-in and takeout sushi options. Enjoy the signature sushi roll filled with shrimp tempura, crab salad, and cucumber topped with white tuna, jalapeno, spicy mayo, and other sauces. The Chef鈥檚 Choice Combo features 10 assorted sushi (at the chef鈥檚 discretion) plus your choice of a tuna roll or California roll. The dark and relaxed ambiance makes this an excellent spot to enjoy other menu items, such as the Takoyaki, a deep-fried ball of octopus with bonito flakes on top, or the Ton Katsu, a deep-fried pork cutlet served with rice.
Brazil
Don鈥檛 Miss
The Brazilian Day Street Festival is an annual event in Detroit that celebrates all things Brazilian. This family-friendly festival features samba dancing, music, traditional foods, and vendors selling Brazilian-made goods. Similar to the famous Brazilian Carnival, this colorful and vibrant experience brings the world-renowned street party right to the heart of Detroit.
The Real Deal
To stock up on Brazilian food and cooking ingredients, visit International Food Inc. in Sterling Heights. At this family-owned specialty grocery store, you鈥檒l be able to find Brazilian beef, cheeses, and snacks, among other foods.
Tastes
Padaria by Chef Andre Leite is a hidden gem for delicious Brazilian pastries. This Shelby Charter Township bakery features a mix of both savory and sweet pastries 鈥 find baked goods filled with everything from ground beef to strawberry or Nutella cream. Padaria also has Brazilian drinks and coffees on deck.
Germany
Don鈥檛 Miss
There鈥檚 no better way to experience German culture locally than with a quick day trip to Frankenmuth, about an hour north of Detroit. Called 鈥淢ichigan鈥檚 Little Bavaria,鈥 this celebrated destination features authentic German restaurants including the Bavarian Inn Restaurant and The Harvest Coffeehouse. You can also enjoy activities like the Bavarian Festival and Oktoberfest, both highly anticipated annual events, and learn about the city鈥檚 German heritage at the Frankenmuth Historical Museum.
The German-American Cultural Center (GACC) has been a staple for preserving German heritage and cultural achievement in metro Detroit for seven decades and is now in Sterling Heights.
The Real Deal
Nestled in Shelby Charter Township is Nitsches Meat & Deli Shoppe, which is revered for its array of authentic German food. This family-owned fresh meat market has been in business for more than 40 years and specializes in artisanal butchery. You can also find dumpling mixes, salad dressings, baked goods, and chocolate bars with peppermint and marzipan filling.听
Tastes
Metzger鈥檚 German Restaurant in Ann Arbor serves up German craft beer in a European atmosphere. You can also try traditional German meals including rouladen (rolled beef stuffed with onions, spices, and other savory ingredients). The Dakota Inn Rathskeller in Detroit, meanwhile, is a German bar that鈥檚 been around for nearly 90 years. Enjoy German craft beer, Bavarian soft pretzels, and kartoffelpuffer (German-style homemade potato pancakes served with applesauce).听
Peru
The Real Deal
The Latino American Market in Pontiac sells traditional Latin products, including Peruvian items such as crema de aj铆 (Peruvian pepper sauce), Inca Kola, and huacatay (Peruvian black mint).
Tastes
Culantro in Ferndale serves popular Peruvian dishes like Aji de Gallina, a classic consisting of shredded chicken in a yellow cream sauce made with walnuts and Amarillo peppers and served on rice. Other favorites include plantain and yuca fries, ceviche, and flan. Wash it all down with the chicha morada, a sangria-like Peruvian mocktail made with pineapple, apple, cinnamon, and cloves. Or, for a truly authentic treat, try a can of the Peruvian staple Inca Kola.
India
Don鈥檛 Miss
On weekends, the Bharatiya Hindu Temple in Troy opens to visitors interested in experiencing Hindu rites and services. Plus, after observing the opulent art and architecture of the grand temple itself, guests can browse spiritual figurines and home d茅cor at the on-site gift gallery.
The Real Deal
Carrying traditional, bridal, and designer Indian clothing and jewelry, Troy鈥檚 Sanskriti Fashions is a popular boutique for men, women, and children alike. In addition to its stock of bright and ornate garb, the shop offers tailoring, alteration, and henna services.
Tastes
The Indian street food restaurant 狈别别丑别别鈥檚 was started by a local family with roots in Gujrat, India. Now a popular Midwestern chain with locations in Troy and Canton, 狈别别丑别别鈥檚 offers a staggering 150 authentic dishes, such as Paneer Chili and Pani Puri 鈥 a classic Indian street food featuring a potato-chickpea filling and a crispy, deep-fried crust. The menu also includes a plethora of vegan and gluten-free options.听
Bangladesh
Don鈥檛 Miss
Bangladesh Avenue is the affectionate name given to the thriving Bangladeshi community in Hamtramck located on the stretch of Conant Avenue between Davison and Harold streets. The area features dozens of Bangladeshi businesses and eateries, including a dress shop called Maloncho Fashion, Reshmi Sweets and Cafe, plus an Asian grocery store called Niaz Bangla Bazar.
The Real Deal
Visit the Banglatown Farmers Market in Detroit every Saturday from June 1 to Nov. 2 to find deals on fresh organic produce grown by Bangladeshi people, plus a plethora of dried spices.
Taste
Aladdin Sweets and Cafe was the first Bangladeshi restaurant to establish itself in the now-thriving ethnic community of Hamtramck. Its menu features items such as Dal Puri a dish of onion fritters dipped in batter and deep fried.
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