Ep 3. Michigan Mealin' and Dealin'

In the season 5 episode 3 of Cheap Eats, titled "Michigan Mealin' and Dealin'", host Ali Khan takes viewers on a culinary journey through some of the best cheap eats in Michigan. Michigan is known for its diverse cuisine, and this episode showcases just a few of the delicious options available.

Ali begins his food tour in Detroit, where he samples one of the city's most iconic dishes: the Coney dog. The Coney dog is a staple of Detroit cuisine, and Ali visits two of the city's most popular Coney dog establishments to get his fix. Along the way, he chats with locals about what makes the Coney dog so special and the history behind this classic dish.

Next, Ali ventures outside of Detroit to Plymouth, a charming small town with a thriving food scene. Here, he visits a family-owned BBQ joint that has been serving up delicious smoked meats for over 30 years. Ali tries a variety of meats, including brisket and ribs, and is blown away by the flavor and tenderness of the BBQ.

From Plymouth, Ali heads north to Flint, where he tries a unique twist on a classic dish: the Flint-style Coney dog. This version of the Coney dog features a meaty chili made with beef heart and a sprinkle of Greek seasoning. At the Coney Island restaurant in Flint, Ali chats with the owner about the unique history behind this style of Coney dog and what makes it so beloved by locals.

After his Coney dog adventures in Detroit and Flint, Ali heads back to Detroit for some innovative Vietnamese street food. At the Detroit-area food truck, Nu Deli, Ali tries a Banh Mi sandwich stuffed with barbecued pork belly, an egg omelet, pickled veggies, and a spicy sauce. He also tries a delicious pho noodle bowl and learns about the story behind this inventive food truck concept.

The final stop on Ali's Michigan food tour is Grand Rapids, where he discovers a hidden gem of a burger joint. At the Cottage Bar, Ali tries their signature burger, which features a beef patty topped with a mixture of ground beef and onions that has been simmered for hours in beer. He also tries their famous Olive Burger, a regional specialty that features a beef patty topped with green olives and a tangy sauce.

Throughout the episode, Ali showcases the incredible variety of cheap eats available in Michigan and highlights the stories behind each dish and restaurant. From classic Coney dogs to inventive Vietnamese street food and everything in between, there is truly something for everyone in Michigan's food scene. Whether you're a local or just passing through, this episode is a must-watch for anyone looking to explore the best of Michigan cuisine.