The Best Things I Ate on a Day Trip to Detroit (Vegan Friendly)
When you think of Detroit, Michigan, vegan food might not be the first thing that pops into your head. But on a quick day trip, I found out that this city has more to offer for plant-based eaters than you’d expect. From brunch bites to soft serve delights, here’s a rundown of my little vegan adventure in the Motor City.
First Stop: Folk
Our day kicked off at Folk a cozy little spot that’s part café, part wine shop, and all about good vibes. This place has got all the accolades (think James Beard nominated and GoodFood100 rated), but it doesn’t seem snobby about it. Instead, Folk focuses on serving fresh, seasonal dishes in a welcoming, low-waste environment. The first thing I noticed when I walked in is that Folk really seems dedicated to their community; there were flyers everywhere about them hosting local events and they even stock their shelves with cool, high-quality goodies made by local minority makers.
For brunch, I went for their Vegan Crunch Wrap — a toasted wrap with smokey tempeh “bacon” and zesty cashew “cheese.” They also had some pickled red onions and salsa verde to balance the smokey creaminess. I’ve been vegan for almost 8 years and trust me when I say this is the kind of wrap that makes you forget you’re eating vegan because it’s just that satisfying.
Because coffee is always a must-have for me, I also ordered their Black Sesame Oat Milk Latte. If you’ve never tried black sesame in your coffee, you’re missing out. This latte was creamy and slightly nutty, with a hint of earthiness from the sesame. And the best part? It wasn’t overly sweetened which is my biggest gripe with a lot of lattes I get at coffee shops.
Next Stop: Cold Truth
After brunch, we wandered around a bit, taking in Detroit’s unique blend of old-school grit and new-school charm. Our wanderings eventually led us to Cold Truth, a spot that’s redefining soft serve for the plant-based crowd. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill vegan ice cream; Cold Truth makes everything from scratch with real food ingredients and serves it in hand-made gluten-free waffle cones.
I went for the Vanilla Soft Serve with Dark Chocolate Hard Shell Drizzle and Toasted Coconut. It was smooth, creamy, and honestly, as good as any dairy-based soft serve I’ve ever had. The dark chocolate shell added a nice crunch, and the toasted coconut gave it that little extra something-something.
My friend opted for the Chocolate Soft Serve with Matcha Hard Shell Drizzle and Toasted Coconut. The matcha drizzle might sound like an odd choice, but it totally worked, adding a touch of earthy flavor that balanced the rich chocolate. Plus, who doesn’t love a little matcha in their life? It’s basically a health food, right?
Final Thoughts
Detroit might not scream “vegan paradise” at first glance, but it’s got some hidden gems that are well worth checking out. Folk Café and Cold Truth are just a couple of the places proving that plant-based eating in the city is anything but boring. So, if you find yourself in Detroit and wondering where to eat, give these spots a try. You might just find that the Motor City has a little more flavor than you’d expect—no bacon required.
Our Recipe for Trust: Why Choose Kitchen Institute
At the Kitchen Institute, we're dedicated to providing reliable and accurate information on cooking trends, tips, and product reviews. Our team of passionate food enthusiasts ensures that every piece of content is thoroughly researched and based on real-world experience. We pride ourselves on our comprehensive and unbiased product reviews, rigorous research processes, and commitment to staying current with the latest culinary innovations. Trust us to enhance your culinary journey with quality insights and practical advice.