Balkan House has become known for serving cuisine from across the world with halal meat, and it is now undergoing some changes.
It was recently reported by Detroit Free Press that the owners of Balkan House have closed their Hamtramck location at 3028 Caniff Street. Along with this, a new location is in the plans for somewhere in Midtown, Detroit. An address is not yet being released, but it will be opening sometime in 2026.
Juma Ekic owns the restaurant with her husband Hassanen Al-Hassuni. They infuse flavors from the Balkans, Germany and the Middle East. Signature items include the doner kebab, chevapi which is sausage links in Lepinje bread, the doner bowl, mixed meat platter and grilled chicken salad.
Ekic and Al-Hassuni are looking at properties in Midtown but are waiting until more information is finalized. Their Hamtramck restaurant was in the city’s north side near the Sanctuary Detroit bar. Ekic told What Now Detroit the goal has always been to move to a location within city limits.
“It doesn’t look like anything will happen until summer 2026,” Ekic said.
Along with the new location planned, the hours for the Ferndale location at 314 W Nine Mile Road will be extended to 10 a.m.-10 p.m. every day. It is in the suburb’s downtown across from Bangkok Cafe and near the Coeur restaurant. Their food cart will also be operating in various locations around the city.
For more information on Balkan House, visit their Instagram @balkanhouse_313.
