Solo Travel Series: The Food Adventurer with Chef Leo Chen

Traveling solo in Ann Arbor means the adventure is completely yours, and knowing where to start makes all the difference.

The Food Adventurer

We reconnected with our friend and local chef Leo Chen (@ChefLeoChen) to share his insider tips on where to find some of the best flavor in Ann Arbor.

In Leo's Words:

For the solo traveler who needs to be inspired by a beautiful foodie experience, you must make Ann Arbor, Michigan your next destination.

Start your mornings at Curious Coffee with Mike (the owner) who will inspire you to sit and enjoy that brief moment of stillness while sipping on your beverage of choice.

Next make your way to Q Bakehouse & Market for a chance to enjoy all or some of the delightful Asian inspired pastries, cookies, cakes and savory bites.

If you aren't full just yet, make sure you save room for Ricewood BBQ and Detroit Street Filling Station. You won't be disappointed!

If you’re already visiting Ann Arbor, these are a few local tips and favorites I recommend:

What is your must-try local dish or restaurant?

• An insider tip as a local: Get the rice bowl at Ricewood BBQ. It is the best barbecue in Michigan, started by two brothers - Frank and Gabe ten years ago with a food truck parked in the backyard of YORK Food and Drink. The uniqueness is the bed of steamed rice, drizzled with house-made Finadene (mild, medium, spicy), topped with fresh tomatoes, scallions, house-made kimchi, pickled onions, pickled cucumbers, and topped with your choice of smoked brisket, szechuan smoked chicken, smoked tofu, vegetables, pulled pork, pork ribs or pork burnt ends. If you love burgers, they make the best smoked brisket burgers and smoked chicken wings with a rotating sauce every month. The mastermind behind most of the sauces is chef Dylan Thompson. The countertop seating makes it comfortable to dine alone.

Where is the best place for a solo meal?

• The best place to get a solo meal in Ann Arbor is Detroit Street Filling Station. This cozy and warm quaint space has options to sit indoors, open patio, and outdoors for parties of all sizes. It's 100% vegan and it was this restaurant that made me think differently about vegan food, in a positive way. I would recommend everything, but my favorites are Lumberjack Salad, Buffalo Cauliflower wings, and Banh Mi. They have a great selection of mocktails and cocktails as well. Behind the restaurant you can enjoy music at North Star Lounge (vegan bar), owned by the same people. This restaurant is in a great part of downtown Ann Arbor, within walking distance to many other delicious food adventures such as Zingerman's Deli and Monohan's Seafood at the Kerrytown Market.

Favorite Food-Focused Event in Ann Arbor?

• I absolutely love the Ann Arbor Farmer's Market, it gives early entrepreneurs a platform to show off their talents, their craft and their interpretation of how food should be enjoyed. Over the past ten years, I've seen the list of vendors grow and what started off as the originals: Tantre Farm, The Brinery, Kapnick Orchards, Roos Roast, Seeley Farms has grown to include more diversity of people and produce. It's an exceptional place to explore alone, especially on a Saturday. 

Lastly, I would love to hear from you! Give me feedback about your foodie experience around Ann Arbor and what other places you enjoyed: @chefleochen

About the Creator

Hello! I’m Chef Leo Chen and I am Taiwanese by birth, Korean at heart. I love cooking Korean comfort foods and learning more about my Taiwanese culture through family recipes. When I am not cooking, my wife, Kyunghee, and I love to hike, travel, and find local hidden gems for good eats. I enjoy reading cookbooks and watching Korean drama. I love eating as much as I love cooking. I also enjoy spending time with our puppy, Rosemary. Visit Meogjia.com to learn more.