One of the people we’ve really come to appreciate in Metro Detroit is the man behind Chow Down Detroit, Seoung Lee. While there are plenty of people posting food photos online, Seoung has built something much more valuable over the years. He has become a genuine supporter of local restaurants, bakeries, cafés, and family-owned businesses throughout southeastern Michigan.
As a professional photographer with a background from the College for Creative Studies, his work immediately stands out. His photographs don’t simply make food look good—they tell the story of the people behind the meal. Whether it’s a neighborhood bakery, a new food truck, or a longtime family restaurant, he gives each business an opportunity to be discovered by thousands of hungry Metro Detroiters.
What impresses me most is that his enthusiasm feels genuine. You can tell he simply enjoys finding great places to eat and introducing others to them. His love for food began years ago by photographing nearly everything he ate, and that passion has grown into one of the area’s best-known food resources. Korean cuisine may be his personal favorite, but his reviews cover virtually every kind of restaurant across Metro Detroit.
In recent years, he’s gone beyond reviewing meals. He’s helped restaurants with marketing and even launched a “restaurant rescue” series, shining a spotlight on businesses facing difficult financial times while still giving honest opinions about their food. That’s the kind of community-minded effort that deserves recognition.
As someone who believes our communities become stronger when we intentionally encourage local businesses, I appreciate what Chow Down Detroit represents. Every positive post has the potential to introduce hundreds—even thousands—of people to a restaurant they otherwise would never have visited. That’s good for restaurant owners, good for employees, and good for all of us who enjoy discovering hidden gems.
Metro Detroit has one of the most diverse food scenes in America. We have incredible Middle Eastern, Polish, Italian, Greek, Mexican, Korean, Indian, soul food, barbecue, and so much more. People like Seoung Lee help tell those stories one meal at a time.
If you’re looking for your next dining adventure, I highly recommend following Chow Down Detroit. You’ll discover everything from classic Detroit favorites to small neighborhood treasures you may have driven past a hundred times without ever stopping. Thanks, Seoung, for reminding us that great food is also about great people and great communities.
