Detroit’s Most Famous Eats: Iconic Dishes That Define the Motor City

Detroit’s food scene is as rich and diverse as its history, blending influences from European immigrants, Middle Eastern communities, and the city’s deep automotive roots. Whether you’ve spent years living in Detroit or are just moving to Detroit, the local culinary landscape offers a mix of timeless traditions and one-of-a-kind flavors you won’t find anywhere else. From legendary diners and family-owned bakeries to beloved snack brands and neighborhood eateries, these iconic dishes have shaped the city’s identity for generations. Whether you're craving something sweet, savory, or uniquely Detroit, this guide explores the must-try foods that define the Motor City’s culture and community.

Lafayette Coney Island, Facebook

Coney Dogs

Few foods are as deeply tied to Detroit’s identity as the Coney Dog—a beef hot dog topped with savory beanless chili, diced onions, and yellow mustard, all served in a steamed bun. Brought to Michigan by Greek immigrants in the early 20th century, the Coney Dog became a staple of Detroit’s Coney Island-style diners. The rivalry between American Coney Island and Lafayette Coney Island, two legendary spots sitting side by side downtown, has sparked debates for decades.

American, founded in 1917, serves an all-beef hot dog with a slightly sweet chili and mild onions, while Lafayette opts for a pork-based frank with a spicier chili and Spanish onions. Both have their loyalists, but the only way to settle the debate is to try both. Whether you’re a lifelong Detroiter or just visiting, grabbing a Coney is a rite of passage.

Detroit-Style Pizza

Detroit may be the Motor City, but it's also home to a unique pizza style that has gained national recognition. Detroit-style pizza is rectangular, thick, and airy, with a golden, crispy edge created by Wisconsin brick cheese caramelizing against a steel pan. First crafted at Buddy’s Rendezvous in 1946, the pizza layers pepperoni directly on the dough, followed by cheese spread to the edges, and a generous ladle of red sauce on top.

The secret behind the pan? Detroit’s automotive industry. Buddy’s founder, Gus Guerra, originally baked the pizza in a repurposed auto drip tray, giving it its signature shape and texture. Today, while Buddy’s remains the gold standard, spots like Loui’s Pizza and Cloverleaf keep the tradition alive, offering their own takes on this irresistible classic.

Pączki

Detroit doesn’t just celebrate Fat Tuesday—it turns it into Pączki Day, a citywide indulgence in rich, pillowy Polish doughnuts. Traditionally filled with prune or rosehip jam, today’s versions come stuffed with everything from raspberry and custard to cannoli cream. The best pączki are found in Hamtramck, Detroit’s Polish neighborhood, where bakeries like New Palace and East Detroit Bakery & Deli see lines stretch around the block each year.

While these deep-fried treats are commonly associated with pre-Lenten festivities, many bakeries now offer them year-round. However, there’s something special about braving the early-morning February chill for a fresh, sugar-dusted pączek. Just be sure to order ahead or risk missing out!

Corned Beef Egg Rolls

Detroit’s corned beef obsession takes a unique twist with the corned beef egg roll, a crispy, golden-fried fusion of Jewish deli flavors and Asian culinary tradition. Invented in 1978 by Vietnamese immigrant Kim White, these egg rolls combine tender, seasoned corned beef with crunchy, deep-fried wrappers—a mouthwatering collision of cultures.

The original can be found at Asian Corned Beef, where they’re served piping hot alongside house-made dipping sauces. Other Detroit delis, including Bread Basket Deli, have since put their own spin on the dish, but loyal fans insist that White’s original recipe remains unmatched.

Bumpy Cake

A true Detroit dessert icon, Bumpy Cake has been satisfying sweet tooths since 1912. Created by Sanders Chocolates, this decadent treat features a rich devil’s food cake base, topped with thick, piped ridges of vanilla buttercream (the “bumps”), and coated in a glossy chocolate ganache. Originally named Devil’s Food Buttercream Cake, it was soon rebranded after customers repeatedly asked for “the one with the bumps.”

Though the original chocolate version remains the most famous, variations like caramel and vanilla have joined the lineup. Best of all, thanks to nationwide shipping, you don’t have to be in Detroit to enjoy a slice—though a fresh one from a Sanders shop is always the best choice.

Boston Cooler

Despite its name, the Boston Cooler has nothing to do with Boston and everything to do with Detroit. This refreshing, frothy drink blends Vernors ginger ale, the city's signature golden soda, with creamy vanilla ice cream to create a smooth, slightly spicy milkshake-like treat. Traditionally hand-stirred at old-school soda fountains, today’s Boston Coolers are made using blenders for an even creamier texture.

Named after Boston Boulevard in Detroit, this local favorite can be found at classic spots like Detroit Water Ice Factory and Ray’s Ice Cream. Some bars even offer boozy versions, making it a must-try on a hot Michigan summer day.

Dinty Moore Sandwich

The Dinty Moore sandwich is Detroit’s take on the ultimate corned beef on rye, and no, it has nothing to do with the canned beef stew of the same name. This towering sandwich layers juicy corned beef, Swiss cheese, coleslaw, and Russian dressing between slices of warm, freshly baked Jewish rye.

Delis across the city offer their own spins, with Bread Basket Deli serving a triple-stacked version and Grobbel’s Gourmet grilling theirs to perfection. Whether you like it warm or cold, this corned beef classic is a must for any sandwich lover.

Botana

Detroit’s Mexicantown is home to a dish you won’t find anywhere else—botana. First created in 1975 at Armando’s Restaurant, this loaded nacho-style dish layers crispy tortilla chips with refried beans, chorizo, diced onions, jalapeños, avocado, and gooey melted Muenster cheese.

Unlike traditional nachos, botana ensures even cheese distribution, making every bite a flavor bomb. Whether enjoyed at Armando’s or Xochimilco, botana is Detroit’s ultimate comfort food.

Scotty Simpson’s Fish & Chips

Serving Detroit since 1950, Scotty Simpson’s Fish & Chips is known for its light, crispy battered cod served with golden fries, coleslaw, and tartar sauce. This classic Detroit diner has kept its retro charm, with cozy booths and a vintage jukebox adding to the nostalgia.

Many claim Scotty Simpson’s serves the best fish and chips outside of the UK, and one bite of their perfectly fried cod makes it easy to see why. Whether it’s Lent season or not, this is a Detroit tradition that never disappoints.

Better Made Potato Chips

Detroit’s Better Made Potato Chips have been a local favorite since 1930, known for their crisp texture and bold flavors. The company, founded by Sicilian immigrants Cross Moceri and Peter Cipriano, remains family-owned and continues to use Michigan-grown potatoes for every batch.

From classic salted to unique flavors like Red Hot BBQ and Dill Pickle, Better Made chips are a Motor City staple. Even AEW professional wrestler Danhausen has taken his love for Better Made chips to social media, further cementing its cult-favorite status.

Slows Bar BQ, Facebook

Slows Bar BQ Yardbird Sandwich

Featured on the Travel Channel, Slows Bar BQ’s Yardbird sandwich has earned its place as one of America’s best sandwiches. This smoky, flavor-packed dish starts with hickory-smoked Amish chicken, shredded and sautéed with mushrooms, house-made mustard BBQ sauce, and melty cheddar cheese.

Topped with applewood-smoked bacon and served on a toasted poppy seed bun, the Yardbird is a fan favorite at Slows’ Corktown location. Whether paired with their famous mac and cheese or a side of waffle fries, this barbecue masterpiece is worth the hype.

The Original Superman Ice Cream

Bright, bold, and bursting with nostalgia, Superman Ice Cream is a Michigan-born treat that has delighted generations. Though many brands have put their own spin on this colorful concoction, the original version was crafted by Stroh’s Ice Cream, a Detroit-based company that pivoted from brewing beer to making ice cream during Prohibition.

Unlike generic versions, which often use vanilla and cherry flavors, Stroh’s classic Superman blend features Red Pop (strawberry) ice cream, lemon ice cream, and the mysterious Blue Moon—a flavor that has puzzled taste buds for years. Some describe it as marshmallow-like, while others detect hints of almond or fruity cereal. No matter what it tastes like to you, one thing is certain: Superman Ice Cream is a Detroit classic that’s as fun to eat as it is to look at.

Shawarma

Few cities outside of the Middle East can claim a stronger shawarma scene than Detroit and its neighbor, Dearborn—home to one of the largest Arab-American populations in the U.S. The result? Some of the most authentic, flavor-packed shawarma you’ll find anywhere. One standout is Hamido Restaurant, where perfectly seasoned, spit-roasted chicken is wrapped in warm, house-made pita and slathered with creamy, garlicky toum. The beef and lamb versions are just as flavorful, marinated for hours before being shaved off the rotating spit.

Another must-visit is Al-Ameer, a James Beard Award-winning spot known for its juicy, smoky shawarma platters, served with sides like fries, hummus, and fresh-baked bread. Whether enjoyed in a wrap or as a plated feast, Detroit’s shawarma game is unmatched, and it’s a must for any foodie exploring the city.

Detroit’s culinary landscape is a testament to the city’s rich heritage, blending flavors from diverse cultures into dishes that have stood the test of time. Whether you’ve spent years living in Detroit or are just moving to Detroit, exploring these iconic eats is an essential part of experiencing the city’s vibrant food scene. From long-standing family traditions to beloved local institutions, these flavors capture the heart and soul of the Motor City. No matter your tastes, one thing is certain—Detroit’s signature dishes offer something for everyone, making every bite a true reflection of the city’s unique character and history.