The best food in metro Detroit according to Maryam Khan of Khana

In 2023, Khana came in second place on season 16 of the Food Network’s The Great Food Truck Race. While Khana is actually not a food truck, it has acted as a pop-up in metro Detroit since 2018. It’s currently a top-four finalist in Hatch Detroit’s pitch contest, and Khan is fighting hard for the top spot with hopes to take home the $100,000 prize with the goal of opening a brick-and-mortar for Khana soon.

“As a Detroiter who admittedly often complains that we live in a food desert[^1], writing this list of metro Detroit restaurants that I adore reminded me that while we may not yet have the quantity of other metropolises, we do not lack the quality, nor do we leave very much to be desired in terms of diversity,” Khan says. “If America is a melting pot, then Detroit is the secret seasoning that gives it that OOMPH; disregarded by some, but deeply appreciated by those who recognize its immeasurable contributions to the big picture. I hope you all discover a gem or two to add to your rotation of go-tos. A word of advice from me to the reader: make a habit of dining alone every so often with a seat at the bar. Some of my favorite dining experiences have come to life in this indulgent way. Cheers.”

You probably already know a few of her picks—coughSheWolfcough…coughGrey Ghostcough—but there are a few surprises that I need to check out. Anybody got any places Khan forgot to mention?

[^1]: Sorry, Maryam, but when Detroit is accused of being a “food desert,” it’s for its lack of fresh foods and supermarkets, and not for a (nonexistent) lack of restaurants.