Here are the metro Detroit restaurant trends to watch in 2023

Marina Johnson, Detroit Free Press
·3 min read

Food has a way of bringing people together, and there are plenty of places to eat in metro Detroit. Some restaurant, food, and drink trends never go out of style, such as the crispy chicken sandwich and cold brew coffee. However, it's pretty often out with the old and in with the new.

Handheld sandwiches, cauliflower alternatives, charcuterie boards and alternative sweeteners are just a few of the items taking over menus across metro Detroit this year, according to the 17th annual What's Hot survey conducted by the National Restaurant Association. The survey uses culinary advice from over 500 chefs and professionals in the industry.

Here's a closer look at local food trends to watch in 2023.

No matter which type of junk food you crave, there are ways to get your fix without compromising your health and diet.
No matter which type of junk food you crave, there are ways to get your fix without compromising your health and diet.

Plant-based cuisine

Plant-based foods contain ingredients such as grains, beans, lentils, nuts, fruits, vegetables, and more. Different kinds of plant-based diets include vegetarian, vegan, flexitarian, and pescatarian.

Australian Organic Products said these diets are becoming more popular due to health benefits and environmental sustainability. Animal and dairy products create massive pollution and environmental concerns which is why many are moving away from these diets. Furthermore, plant-based diets increase physical health, contributing to a strong immune system and heart.

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The Mushroom Hub is a fungi boutique offering mushroom-based products such as truffles and chocolates, chips, meat substitutes, etc. They positively impact one's immune system, brain, and gut and lower one's sodium intake and risk of cancer, according to UCLA. Detroit Vegan Soul also offers a large range of organic and plant-based options such as burgers, wraps, sandwiches, and sides.

the Detroit House of Comedy, an entertainment club, plans to open this summer in the District Detroit
the Detroit House of Comedy, an entertainment club, plans to open this summer in the District Detroit

Interactive dining

Interactive dining experiences typically include an interactive element between the guests and their environment. Traditionally, theatrical performances such as a play or a song are common. Nowadays, interactive dining comes with a twist.

For example, Cadieux Café is a Belgian restaurant in Detroit offering feather bowling, live music, and Belgian specialty foods. Furthermore, The Detroit House of Comedy brings touring headliners to the Motor City for an authentic comedy experience, with food and drink service available throughout the shows.

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Yum Village's plantain during Jerk X Jollof at Delmar in Detroit on July 21, 2022.
Yum Village's plantain during Jerk X Jollof at Delmar in Detroit on July 21, 2022.

Global foods

According to the National Restaurant Association, exploring global cuisine is a current trend for U.S. consumers. In 2022, the five areas with the most impact on U.S. menus included Southeast Asian, South American, Caribbean, North African, and West African regions. There are plenty of places in the Metro Detroit area to experience some of these foods firsthand.

Yum Village, specializing in Afro-Caribbean, sources 15% of ingredients from Haiti, the Caribbean, and West Africa to maintain the founder’s roots as a Nigerian and African American. The other 85% of ingredients come from the Detroit area. Takoi, a restaurant known for Thai cuisine, uses a delicate number of spices and herbs to craft meals from the Southeast Asian region.

Two Mexican tacos sit on the bar table inside the EM - Employee Meal restaurant in Birmingham on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023. Mexican tacos are part of the food menu at EM and their choice of meat changes daily from pork, steak and chicken.
Two Mexican tacos sit on the bar table inside the EM - Employee Meal restaurant in Birmingham on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023. Mexican tacos are part of the food menu at EM and their choice of meat changes daily from pork, steak and chicken.

Experiences/community

The 17th annual What's Hot survey conducted by the National Restaurant Association predicts experiences and local culture/community to be a top trend. To begin, individuals prioritize certain restaurants based on previous experiences they've had there or new ones they want to have. A restaurant with a unique element to offer draws in the audience craving that experience.

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Furthermore, local culture and community is an experience often sought out by restaurant goers as they try new cuisine and look for a sense of belonging. Luckily, the city of Detroit is filled with diverse populations and cuisines, and there are many restaurants to try. The Mexicantown neighborhood in Southwest Detroit has been long established and offers authentic Mexican food at restaurants such as Armando's, Los Galanes, and Xochimilco's.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Top metro Detroit restaurant trends to watch in 2023