The state of Michigan had the eighth largest population of south Asians, such as Indians, in the 2000 U.S. Census, according to South Asian Americans Leading Together. The largest South Asian communities in Michigan are in areas of Troy, Canton and Farmington Hills. These communities are among the best to find Indian restaurants in the state of Michigan, as well as in the college town of Ann Arbor -- home of the large campus of the University of Michigan.
Ashoka Indian Cuisine operates from two locations, one in Troy and another in Canton. The restaurant is a past recipient of an award for "Best Indian Restaurant in Michigan" from the Detroit News. Both northern and southern cuisines are represented on the menu, which begins with seven appetizers, like the vegetable pakora. A chef's specialty, the tikka masala, consists of cubes of chicken roasted in the restaurant's clay tandoor oven and then covered with tomato sauce. A full bar is available and features Indian beers. Both locations of Ashoka Indian Cuisine serve lunch and dinner daily. Reservations are accepted. Casual attire is appropriate. Vegetarian options are available, and the restaurant has an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet daily with both vegetarian and meat dishes.
Ashoka Indian Cuisine
3642 Rochester Road
Troy, MI 48083
248-689-7070
2100 N. Haggerty Road
Canton, MI 48187
734-844-3100
ashokaindiancuisine.com
Specializing in northern and southern Mughlai Indian cuisines, Shalimar Restaurant is in downtown Ann. Fourteen appetizers lead the menu, like the seafood roll that contains fish, shrimp, crab, onion, ginger, eggs and fresh cilantro. A specialty entree is the grilled Kashmiri lamb chops, marinated in a combination of yogurt spiced with onions, paprika, cumin, nutmeg, cardamom and fennel seeds. The restaurant has a full bar and features Indian beers and specialty cocktails, like mango daiquiris and the sangria. Shalimar is open for lunch and dinner daily. Reservations are suggested and accepted online and by phone. Business casual attire is the norm. Vegetarian dishes are available.
Shalimar Restaurant
307 S. Main St.
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
734-663-1500
shalimarrestaurant.com
Located in Farmington Hills, Priya Restaurant serves northern and southern Indian cuisine. The restaurant previously received a four-star rating from the Detroit Free Press and three-star ratings from both the Detroit News and the Metro Times. To begin a meal, the restaurant offers 18 appetizers, like the tandoori combo platter that consists of boneless chicken and ground lamb. Among the entrees is the shrimp biryani, which comes with basmati rice, sliced egg, onions and cilantro. For dessert, try the rice pudding with vermicelli. The wine list features 18 selections with most available by the glass or bottle. Priya Restaurant is open for lunch and dinner daily. Reservations are not taken. Casual attire is acceptable.
Priya Restaurant
36600 Grand River Ave.
Farmington Hills, MI 48335
248-615-7700
priyacuisine.com
