In search of a new favorite Southeast Asian spot?
Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top Southeast Asian restaurants around Detroit, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of the best spots to venture next time you're on the hunt for Thai and Vietnamese fare.
1. Takoi
Topping the list is Takoi. Located at 2520 Michigan Ave. in Corktown, the Thai spot is the highest rated Southeast Asian restaurant in Detroit, boasting 4.5 stars out of 332 reviews on Yelp.
From its humble beginnings as a food truck in 2014 and following a fire last year in which police suspected arson, per Hour Detroit, Takoi rose from the proverbial ashes and rebuilt its brick-and-mortar location. The modern restaurant has a constantly changing menu that features Thai salads, noodle and curry dishes, wok-seared cashew chicken, pork shank with five spice jus and smoked duck ramen.
2. Go Sy Thai
Next up is Midtown's Go Sy Thai, situated at 4240 Cass Ave. The restaurant — with a second location in Capitol Park — has proven to be a local favorite and boasts four stars out of 251 reviews on Yelp.
"Great for takeout, but also great for lunch and eating in. ... Go Sy Thai satisfies the taste buds and that just keeps me coming back here!" Yelp reviewer Mehdi A. said.
The counter-service eatery offers vegan, halal and gluten-free options along with lunch specials. On the menu, look for rice, noodle and curry dishes like the keaw warn with bell pepper, peas, eggplant, green coconut curry sauce and choice of protein.
3. Pho Lucky
Midtown's Pho Lucky, located at 3111 Woodward Ave., is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the Vietnamese spot four stars out of 170 reviews.
With alternate locations in Novi, Southfield and Redford — this joint specializes in Vietnamese noodle soup and serves up spring rolls wrapped around shrimp, ground pork and vegetables in garlic sauce, along with a selection of vermicelli bowls, rice plates and, of course, phó.
4. Flowers of Vietnam
Flowers of Vietnam, a Vietnamese spot in Southwest Detroit, is another go-to, with four stars out of 68 Yelp reviews. Head over to 4430 Vernor Highway to see for yourself.
Located inside the former Vernor Coney Island and helmed by Detroit native and chef George Azar, this establishment features traditional dishes like fried salt and pepper shrimp with scallions and cilantro, barbecued baby octopus and fried tofu with banana blossoms and forbidden rice.
