Detroit’s vibrant street food scene just got a flavorful upgrade with the arrival of Paradise Street Eats. Launched by the team behind the popular Paradise Biryani Pointe in Dearborn, this new food truck is bringing an exciting menu of Indian fusion street snacks to downtown Detroit and beyond. Just in time for the Memorial Day weekend celebrations in Greektown, Paradise Street Eats opened its doors, or rather, serving window, to eager diners.
Food lovers can now find Paradise Street Eats dishing out a tempting array of innovative street eats. The menu features creative combinations like butter chicken tacos, a delightful fusion of Mexican and Indian flavors, and chicken tikka kati rolls, where succulent chicken tikka is wrapped in soft paratha bread. For vegetarians, the za-atar cheese dosa offers a unique Mediterranean twist on a South Indian classic. The food truck is conveniently located at 1200 Randolph from Monday to Friday, operating between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m., making it a perfect spot for lunch or dinner. On weekends, Paradise Street Eats takes its culinary offerings to Belle Isle, providing delicious eats with a scenic backdrop.
The Paradise Street Eats venture is the brainchild of partners Ali Wazne and Srinath “Ziggy” Kalmadi. Wazne, a Lebanese American, is the driving force behind the successful Paradise Biryani Pointe in Dearborn, while Kalmadi, who is Indian, brings his experience as a multi-franchise owner in Michigan. This partnership blends diverse culinary backgrounds to create something truly special for Detroit’s food scene.
Paradise Biryani Pointe, the parent brand, is renowned as the largest Indian restaurant chain in the United States. It specializes in Mughlai cuisine, a rich and flavorful style of cooking characterized by dishes like biryani, kebabs, haleem, and chicken tikka. Mughlai cuisine’s roots are deeply embedded in Central Asian and Islamic culinary traditions. Wazne’s Dearborn location, opened in 2019, has already garnered attention for its innovative menu adaptations catering to the local Lebanese American community. This includes Indian-style falafel, naan bread seasoned with sesame seeds and za-atar, and Tandoori pizzas featuring tomato masala and paneer cheese. Importantly, Paradise Biryani Pointe and Paradise Street Eats are committed to serving halal food, catering to a wide range of dietary preferences.
Wazne explains his approach to fusion cuisine, stating, “When I first started working in the Indian kitchen it took some getting used to, getting familiar with the different kinds of ingredients. Once I became a little bit more confident in the Indian food dishes, and the Indian ingredients it became a little bit natural to kind of blend the two together and draw inspiration from what the Indian chefs were doing with their recipes and their tastes and maybe [what] I’m a little bit more familiar with what I grew up with in Dearborn, and the U.S.” This culinary philosophy of blending familiar flavors with Indian techniques is at the heart of Paradise Street Eats.
The grand opening of Paradise Street Eats was not just a launch but also a celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The event saw support from prominent figures, including Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and U.S. Congress members Rashida Tlaib and Shri Thanedar. Thanedar’s presence was particularly notable as he is the first Indian American elected to Congress from Michigan, highlighting the cultural significance of this new food truck venture.
While Paradise Street Eats is making waves with its Indian fusion, it’s worth noting other exciting developments in Detroit’s food truck and restaurant scene. Detroit 75 Kitchen, a popular southwest Detroit food truck, is expanding to a brick-and-mortar restaurant near Oakland Mall in Troy. Known for its delicious garlic cilantro fries and innovative sandwiches, Detroit 75 Kitchen’s expansion is highly anticipated. Similarly, Taqueria el Rey, a beloved taqueria, is back in action with a food truck after a fire incident. They are serving their signature grilled chicken, tacos, and burritos at various locations, including Batch Brewing Company and a new spot on Vernor Highway, with plans for a permanent location in Lincoln Park.
Paradise Street Eats is more than just a food truck; it’s a culinary adventure that brings the rich flavors of Paradise Biryani Pointe’s heritage to the streets of Detroit, offering a unique and delicious experience for everyone. Whether you are craving innovative fusion snacks or the authentic taste of biryani-inspired flavors, Paradise Street Eats is a must-try destination in Detroit’s thriving food scene.
