Travel Muse Magazine

You can travel the world on your taste buds as you eat your way around the city of Ann Arbor. It shouldn’t be a big surprise that there’s a variety of international cuisine here, given that the University of Michigan is said to have the largest international student population of any U.S. research university. There are upwards of eight thousand students that come from more than 145 countries here on any given year. As a result, the students, visitors, residents and tourists of A2 are rewarded with almost whatever they might fancy… or at least something in the relative ballpark of those regional flavors. So do pace yourself. Below is a list of just a few of the so, so many international foods offered… not to mention all the fusion places that take several awesome foods and put them all together (like the Korean+BBQ at Ricewood and Momo Sushi, which serves up a fusion of Asian delights). I dare say, there may even be more international flavors than American ones on offer around town. This is great, whether you want to start experiencing cultures of the world via foods or want a little taste of home, if you’re from abroad. Here’s a sampling…

Cuba – For a taste of Cuba by way of Miami, head to the Ann Arbor classic that’s super yum: Frita Batidos. Of course they’ve got fritas, or more properly called frita Cubanas, which as a style of burger that comes from Havana. And, as the name implies, they’ve got batidos (a milkshake-adjacent blended frozen sweet drink) here. But they’ve also got the Cuban plantains fried up plain or as a nacho-like snack. And for dessert and a taste you’re probably more familiar with as associated with Mexico or Spain, the churros are excellent. In fact, dare I say the very best in Michigan.

Palestine & Lebanon – Jerusalem Garden serves up delish Mediterranean-Middle Eastern food. The founder was born near Jerusalem and lived in Jordan before moving to the U.S.. They have all the things you’d think (& love) from shawarma to hummus and lentil soup to baklava. This is one of my personal favorite restaurants in town. Portions are big, so you can share or have a second meal the next day.

Morocco – New on the A2 food scene is Mynt House. Further out, down in Ypsi, there’s also Casablanca for Moroccan plus Middle Eastern eats.

Ethiopia – Blue Nile is another downtown restaurant serving African cuisine, this time Ethiopia. They’ve got the classics from doro wat spicy chicken stew to Ethiopian coffee.

China – TK Wu is my favorite of all Asian in town, particularly their chicken lo mein and chicken fried rice. They have classic Chinese-American, as well as “authentic Chinese” sections of their menu.

Germany – Metzgers is a long-time Ann Arbor German restaurant. Or go all in with a little road trip up 23 to the super cute German town of Frankenmuth that looks like it’s in Europe and also has the alleged world largest Christmas store.

France – LaSerre is a high-end experience French brasserie. If you fancy a drive up north (4 hours up), there’s a great crêperie all the way up in Charlevoix called That French Place.

Jamaica – Jamaican Jerk Pit smells so good, it makes you hungry just walking nearby on the northwest side of Central Campus. The spices float out on breezes and call you to eat that spicy sweetness that can only come from jerk marinades, sauces and rubs.

Mexico – Miny’s, Tmaz Taqueria and Taco King are solid Mexican options in A2. But, the actual best Mexican I’ve had in the area is actually a little hole in the wall place in a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it strip center between Howell and Brighton called La Finca. They’re so small they don’t even have a website. It’s worth the drive!

Ireland – Conor O’Neill’s Pub was designed in Ireland, so says their website. It’s definitely cute in there and feels like you’re swept across the pond into a friendly, beer-loving place with Guinness signs and beers galore for sure.

England – Teahaus has a monthly full English tea. You have to make a reservation and they don’t happen every single month. Several bars also have fish and chips, should you just be craving that part of the British foodie experience.

India – There are so many Indian restaurants in town. Some ones to try: Namaste Flavours right by Central Campus or near North Campus, check out Cardamom.

Japan – Sadako has a great price on lunch bento boxes, which is my favorite here. It’s so cute inside too, with a small sushi area and dining room, all a close walk to/from campus on the southeastern edge and very near the natural history museum.

Brazil – it’s a chain… but there’s a Texas de Brazil churrascaria and steakhouse in Ann Arbor near the mall.

Other places to check out that cover even more parts of the world:

Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary & Austria – Amadeus Restaurant

Nepal, Tibet & India – Everest Sherpa

Vietnam – Paris Bahn Mi

Italy – Mani Osteria

Korean – Miss Kim’s

Nigeria – Fork in Nigeria food truck. Check their socials for where they’ll be each week/weekend.

Peru – Culantro

Spain – Aventura

Taiwan (+ Szechuan Chinese) – Asian Legend

Countries you can visit via food in Ann Arbor:

Know of any other places that should make this list? Let us know by leaving a comment below!