What to Eat in Michigan: 20 Iconic Foods & Drinks (No-BS Guide)
Planning to try Michigan foods on your next trip? This guide to famous and iconic Michigan foods and drinks rounds up what the state is known for—from city comfort dishes to fresh lakeside catch shaped by immigrant traditions—with exactly where to try each. We also include a few unique (and delightfully weird) Michigan foods. Short, scannable, and road-trip friendly.
The Upper Peninsula has a distinct food scene—pasties, cudighi, smoked whitefish—so we gave it its own space; get the full list in our UP Michigan food guide.
How we chose: statewide love • road‑trip access • year‑round availability (or clearly marked seasonality)
Iconic Michigan Foods at a Glance
Detroit‑style pizza • Coney dogs (Detroit) • Flint‑style coney • Frankenmuth chicken dinners • Olive burger (Lansing) • Wet burrito (West MI) • Whitefish (fried/smoked/chowder) • Traverse City cherry pie • Apple‑cider donuts (fall) • Paczki (Fat Tuesday) • Superman ice cream • Boston Cooler (Vernors float) • Sanders Bumpy Cake • Better Made chips • Faygo • Vernors • Shawarma & garlic sauce (Dearborn) • Zingerman’s deli sandwiches • Polish pierogi/platters • For Upper Peninsula picks, see the UP Michigan food guide • Planning your route? Browse our Michigan attractions for can’t-miss stops near these eats.
What to Eat in Michigan: Iconic Foods & Where to Try Them
1. Detroit-Style Pizza
What is Detroit‑style pizza? Rectangular, thick‑and‑airy pan pizza with a crispy bottom, caramelized cheese “frico” edge, and sauce ladled on top (aka Detroit square pizza).
Best places to try Detroit‑style pizza: Buddy’s Pizza (original), Loui’s (Hazel Park, Michigan), Cloverleaf (Eastpointe, Michigan).
Why is Detroit-Style Pizza iconic: Born at Buddy’s in 1946 using blue-steel auto pans; that caramelized edge and corner slices made it a Motor City signature.
2. Detroit-Style Coney Dogs
What are Detroit-Style Coney Dogs : Snappy hot dog on a steamed bun topped with bean-free chili, mustard, and onions (aka Detroit coney dogs).
Best places to try Detroit-style coney dogs: American Coney Island (Downtown Detroit, Michigan), Lafayette Coney Island (Downtown Detroit, Michigan), and Duly’s Place (SW Detroit, Michigan).
💡 Pro Tip: Going with a friend? Grab one coney from American and one from Lafayette—they’re next door—so you can taste the rivalry in a single stop.
Why are Detroit-Style Coney Dogs iconic: Greek-immigrant staple that began as a hot-dog pushcart at Michigan & Lafayette in the 1910s—plus the side-by-side American vs. Lafayette rivalry that makes it a Detroit rite of passage.
3. Flint-Style Coney Dogs
What are Flint-style coney dogs? A Koegel’s Vienna hot dog topped with a dry, finely ground loose-meat sauce (no beans), mustard, and onions.
Best places to try Flint-style coney dogs: Starlite Coney Island (Burton, Michigan), B-Dogs Specialty Hot Dogs (Davison, Michigan).
💡 Pro Tip: Order your Flint coney “all the way” with mustard and onions for the full experience
Why are Flint-style coney dogs iconic? This drier, spiced topping dates back to the early 1900s, built around local Koegel’s meats. Flint’s version is distinct from Detroit’s chili dog—leaner, meatier, and fiercely tied to hometown pride.
4. Frankenmuth Chicken Dinners
What are Frankenmuth chicken dinners? Family-style fried chicken feasts served with mashed potatoes, dressing, buttered noodles, and endless sides.
Best places to try Frankenmuth chicken dinners: Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth (Frankenmuth, Michigan) and Bavarian Inn Restaurant (Frankenmuth, Michigan).
Why are Frankenmuth chicken dinners iconic? In “Michigan’s Little Bavaria,” these all-you-can-eat meals have drawn road-trippers for generations. The dueling Zehnder family restaurants serve over a million chicken dinners a year, making Frankenmuth one of the state’s top food destinations.
💡 Pro Tip: Visit on a weekday for a more relaxed meal—Frankenmuth fills up fast on weekends, especially during Christmas season and fall festivals, when the town transforms into a holiday postcard.
5. Olive Burger (Lansing classic)
What is a Lansing-style olive burger? A griddled beef patty topped with a creamy green-olive and mayo relish (sometimes mixed with chopped olives right into the sauce).
Best places to try an olive burger: Weston’s Kewpee Sandwich Shop (Lansing, Michigan), Olympic Broil (Lansing, Michigan).
Why is the olive burger iconic? Born in Michigan’s capital city in the mid-20th century, the olive burger’s briny punch makes it a quirky local favorite that has stayed rooted in Lansing’s diner culture.
💡 Pro Tip: Ask for extra olive sauce on the side—it doubles as a tangy fry dip that locals swear by.
6. Wet Burrito (West Michigan)
What is a Grand Rapids wet burrito? A giant flour tortilla stuffed with seasoned beef or chicken, beans, and lettuce—then smothered in red sauce and melted cheese, served knife-and-fork style.
Best places to try a wet burrito: Beltline Bar (Grand Rapids, Michigan) is often credited with creating it in the 1960s, along with other local staples like Cantina Mexican Grill (Grand Rapids, Michigan).
Why is the wet burrito iconic? Grand Rapids claims the invention, and the saucy, cheesy style has become a West Michigan comfort classic that locals crave and road-trippers seek out.
7. Lake Michigan Whitefish (fried/smoked/chowder)
What is Lake Michigan whitefish? A mild, flaky freshwater catch served as fish & chips, smoked fillets, or creamy chowder—Michigan’s signature lake-to-table fish.
Best places to try Lake Michigan whitefish: The Cove (Leland, Michigan), Vierling Restaurant & Marquette Harbor Brewery (Marquette, Michigan), and waterfront fish shacks along Lake Michigan.
Why is Lake Michigan whitefish iconic? This Great Lakes staple—whether fried golden, smoked over hardwood, or simmered into chowder—is tied to Michigan’s working waterfronts and fishing traditions.
8. Traverse City Cherry Pie
What is Traverse City cherry pie? A tart Montmorency cherry pie with flaky crust—plus spin-offs like cherry salsas, jams, and candies.
Best places to try Traverse City cherry pie: Grand Traverse Pie Company (multiple Michigan locations) and roadside stands during summer harvest season.
Why is cherry pie iconic? Traverse City is the Cherry Capital of the World, and the National Cherry Festival has celebrated the harvest every summer since the 1920s.
💡 Pro Tip: Plan a July visit during the National Cherry Festival—you’ll find cherry pies, parades, and even pit-spitting contests all across town.
🛍️ Take-home idea: Cherry Republic (Glen Arbor, Michigan) sells everything from pies to cherry salsa—perfect souvenirs if you want to bring the flavor home. You can also order online and have cherry goodies shipped.
9. Apple‑Cider Donuts (fall)
What are Michigan cider-mill donuts and cider? Warm, cinnamon-sugar cake donuts paired with fresh-pressed apple cider—especially in September and October. But cider mills are more than just cider: expect hayrides, pumpkin patches, petting zoos, apple orchards, corn mazes, and shelves full of fall treats like caramel apples and pies.
Best places to try cider-mill donuts: Yates Cider Mill (Rochester Hills, Michigan), Franklin Cider Mill (Bloomfield Hills, Michigan), Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill (Armada, Michigan), and dozens of family-run mills statewide.
Why are cider-mill donuts iconic? Visiting a Michigan cider mill is the definition of fall road-tripping—historic barns, autumn leaves, the smell of cinnamon sugar, and hot donuts with cold cider in hand. It’s not just a snack, it’s a seasonal ritual.
🛍️ Take-home idea: Many cider mills sell jugs of cider and bags of donuts to go, and some (like Blake’s) even ship hard cider, gift packs, or donut mixes online.
10. Paczki (Fat Tuesday only)
What are pączki? Rich, deep-fried Polish pastries filled with jam, custard, or cream—traditionally eaten the day before Lent.
Best places to try pączki: New Palace Bakery (Hamtramck, Michigan), Polish Village Café (Hamtramck, Michigan), and metro Detroit bakeries every Fat Tuesday.
Why are pączki iconic? A pre-Lent Polish tradition dating back centuries, Pączki Day in Michigan (especially Hamtramck) has grown into an all-morning party with lines around the block, music, and parades.
💡 Pro Tip: If you want the real Hamtramck experience, arrive early on Fat Tuesday—many bakeries sell out by mid-morning.
11. Superman Ice Cream
What is Superman ice cream? A bright tri-color Michigan original—typically red, blue, and yellow scoops. Flavors vary by maker, but expect a mix of fruity, bubblegum, or vanilla-style swirls.
Best places to try Superman ice cream: House of Flavors (Ludington, Michigan), Guernsey Farms Dairy (Northville, Michigan), and local parlors across the state.
Why is Superman ice cream iconic? This Michigan invention has debated origins (often tied to Detroit’s Stroh’s), but no matter where you lick it, the colorful swirl is pure nostalgia in a cone.
💡 Pro Tip: If you’ve got kids in tow, don’t skip it—Superman ice cream is a Michigan childhood tradition. Sharing a cone is fun, but handing each kid their own swirl is a guaranteed road-trip win.
12. Boston Cooler (Vernors float)
What is a Boston Cooler? A Detroit soda-fountain classic made by blending Vernors ginger ale with vanilla ice cream—basically a Michigan-style float with extra bite.
Best places to try a Boston Cooler: Detroit-area ice cream shops, diners, and coney islands. Some spots like Ray’s Ice Cream (Royal Oak, Michigan) are especially known for it.
Why is the Boston Cooler iconic? Despite the name, it’s pure Detroit—born near Boston Boulevard in the 1900s and fueled by Michigan’s own Vernors ginger ale.
💡 Pro Tip: Want the true flavor? Make sure it’s Vernors—not just any ginger ale—or it’s not really a Boston Cooler.
13. Mackinac Island fudge
What is Mackinac Island fudge? Rich, hand-paddled chocolate (and dozens of other flavors) made fresh on marble slabs—an island tradition since the late 1800s.
Best places to try Mackinac Island fudge: Ryba’s Fudge Shops (Mackinac Island, Michigan), Joann’s Fudge (Mackinac Island, Michigan), and Murdick’s Fudge (Mackinac Island, Michigan) are legendary, with shops both on the island and on the mainland.
Why is Mackinac Island fudge iconic? Known as the “Fudge Capital of the World,” Mackinac Island draws visitors who take the ferry just to buy fudge. Freshly made with an irresistible aroma that fills the streets, it’s a sweet souvenir tied to Michigan travel itself.
🛍️ Take-home idea: Fudge is sold in neat boxes perfect for gifts, and nearly every Mackinac shop ships nationwide—so you can relive your island trip from home.
14. Sanders Bumpy Cake
What is Sanders Bumpy Cake? A devil’s food chocolate cake topped with rows of buttercream “bumps,” then covered in a rich chocolate ganache.
Best places to try Bumpy Cake: Sanders Chocolate & Ice Cream Shops (multiple Michigan locations) and bakery sections in many Michigan grocery stores.
Why is Bumpy Cake iconic? Created in Detroit in the early 1900s, Sanders turned a simple chocolate cake into a Michigan classic with its hidden buttercream ridges under glossy chocolate.
💡 Pro Tip: Want to surprise a Michigander away from home? Sanders ships Bumpy Cakes nationwide—one of the sweetest ways to send a taste of Detroit.
15. Better Made potato chips
What are Better Made potato chips? Detroit-made classic potato chips that come in flavors from plain to BBQ to Red Hot.
Best places to try Better Made chips: Grocery stores statewide, Eastern Market stalls (Detroit, Michigan), and gas stations across Michigan.
Why are Better Made chips iconic? Born in Detroit in 1930, Better Made grew from a neighborhood fryer to Michigan’s go-to game-day snack—with a cult following that still swears by the crunch.
🛍️ Take-home idea: Grab a variety pack to sample flavors—or order online, since Better Made ships nationwide.
16. Faygo
What is Faygo? A Detroit-born soda brand with dozens of nostalgic flavors—classics include Rock & Rye, Redpop, Moon Mist, and Cream Soda.
Best places to try Faygo: Grocery stores and party stores statewide, and coney islands throughout metro Detroit.
Why is Faygo iconic? Founded in 1907 by the Feigenson brothers, who adapted frosting recipes into soda flavors, Faygo became a Detroit staple and a symbol of local pop culture.
🛍️ Take-home idea: Faygo variety packs make a fun Michigan gift. You can also order cases online through Faygo’s official shop.
17. Vernors Ginger Ale
What is Vernors ginger ale? A bold, barrel-aged ginger ale with a sharp, sweet bite—served ice-cold, in floats, or straight from the can.
Best places to try Vernors: Everywhere in Michigan—from grocery stores to diners—and it’s the key ingredient in a true Boston Cooler.
Why is Vernors iconic? Created in Detroit in 1866, it’s one of America’s oldest soft drinks. Generations of Michiganders swear by it not only as a refreshment but also as a home remedy—sipped hot with lemon for sore throats, or flat to calm an upset stomach.
🛍️ Take-home idea: Vernors is easy to find in Michigan groceries, and you can also order cases online from The Vernors Store or even Amazon if you need that Michigan “zing” shipped to your door.
18. Shawarma & Garlic Sauce (Dearborn staple)
What is Dearborn shawarma with garlic sauce? Marinated Middle Eastern roast meats—often chicken or lamb—shaved from a spit (a rotating vertical grill), wrapped in fluffy pita, and served with toum (the airy, garlicky sauce that Michigan locals crave).
Best places to try shawarma in Dearborn: Al-Ameer (Dearborn, Michigan), a James Beard America’s Classics award winner, plus countless Lebanese-owned restaurants across the city.
Why is shawarma iconic? Dearborn’s Arab-American community made shawarma and toum part of everyday Michigan food culture. Today, it’s one of the state’s most beloved comfort foods, found everywhere from food trucks to family restaurants.
💡 Pro Tip: Order extra garlic sauce—locals use it not only on shawarma but also as a dip for fries, bread, and even pizza crust.
19. Zingerman’s‑Style Deli Sandwiches (Ann Arbor)
What are Zingerman’s-style deli sandwiches? Piled-high classics stacked with premium meats, cheeses, and house-made condiments on artisan bread baked fresh in Ann Arbor.
Best place to try Zingerman’s sandwiches: Zingerman’s Delicatessen (Ann Arbor, Michigan) — the flagship that launched a whole family of food businesses.
Why are Zingerman’s sandwiches iconic? Since 1982, this Ann Arbor original has turned Michigan into a national sandwich pilgrimage—drawing food lovers from across the country for its overstuffed deli creations and legendary Reubens.
20. Polish Pierogi & Platters (Hamtramck)
What are Hamtramck’s Polish pierogi & platters? Dumplings stuffed with potato, cheese, or sauerkraut—often served alongside kielbasa, stuffed cabbage, and other hearty Polish favorites.
Best places to try pierogi & platters: Polish Village Café (Hamtramck, Michigan), Polonia Restaurant (Hamtramck, Michigan), and local Polish markets in the city.
Why are pierogi iconic in Hamtramck? The city’s Polish heritage keeps traditions alive through family-run restaurants, bakeries, and annual festivals. Pierogi, kielbasa, and stuffed cabbage remain at the heart of Hamtramck’s cultural identity.
💡 Pro Tip: Plan your visit during Hamtramck’s annual Polish Day Parade or Paczki Day—food, music, and street celebrations turn the city into a Polish food festival.
👉 From Michigan’s Upper Peninsula: pasties and cudighi are UP legends—see our full UP Michigan food guide for what to order and exactly where to try them.
Michigan Foods to Bring Home (Souvenirs & Gifts)
- Mackinac Island fudge — Hand-paddled, marble-slab fudge in dozens of flavors, boxed up to take home from the island or from mainland shops in places like Petoskey and Charlevoix.
- Traverse City cherry jam, salsa, or dried cherries — Tart Montmorency cherries packaged sweet or savory, straight from the Cherry Capital.
- Sanders hot fudge & Bumpy Cake — Detroit dessert classics; keep refrigerated for best taste.
- Better Made variety pack — Crunchy Detroit potato chips in cult-favorite flavors.
- Faygo sampler — Nostalgic Detroit soda flavors like Rock & Rye and Redpop.
- Vernors 6-pack — Bold, barrel-aged ginger ale with that unmistakable Michigan “zing.”
- 📦 Shipping tip: Most of these brands ship nationwide, so you can order more when you get home—or surprise someone with a Michigan gift box.
Heading north? The UP’s got its own flavors—see the UP Michigan food guide.
Michigan Food FAQ
What foods is Michigan known for?
Detroit-style pizza, coney dogs (both Detroit and Flint styles), Frankenmuth chicken dinners, Great Lakes whitefish, Traverse City cherry pie, cider-mill donuts, pączki, and Superman ice cream. Michigan is also home to snack brands like Better Made chips, Vernors ginger ale, and Faygo pop.
What are unique or “weird” Michigan foods?
Olive burgers (a Lansing favorite), wet burritos from Grand Rapids, Boston Coolers (a Vernors + vanilla ice cream float), Superman ice cream, and Fat Tuesday pączki. They may sound unusual if you’re not from here, but they’re Michigan traditions.
What foods are made in Michigan?
Better Made potato chips, Faygo and Vernors sodas, Sanders sweets (including Bumpy Cake and hot fudge), and Koegel’s or Dearborn meats. Up north, Traverse City produces cherry jams, dried cherries, and salsas. Pantry staples like Kellogg’s cereals (Battle Creek) and Jiffy corn muffin mix (Chelsea) also trace back to Michigan.
What foods should I try on a Michigan road trip?
Start with Detroit-style pizza and coney dogs, add a Frankenmuth chicken dinner, chase it with cider donuts in the fall, and finish with Traverse City cherry pie or Mackinac Island fudge. That’s a no-BS starter list for eating your way across the state.
Bookmark this Michigan food guide for your next road trip loop. See a must-try bite we should add? Send it our way—this page stays updated.
No-BS Note: We do our best to keep everything accurate and up to date, but Michigan’s food scene is always evolving. If you spot something we missed or got wrong, feel free to reach out — we’re all about making this guide as helpful (and tasty) as possible.
Things to do in Michigan
Michigan Deals and Discounts
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula Food Guide
