T'chaka

Came on a Sunday with a large party for dinner. Luckily, there was quite a few number of parking spots right outside. The service was great and very attentive. This is my first time trying Haitian food as weWe started with three appetizers - the wings (4/5), Akra (5/5), and a spicy coleslaw (4/5). The wings were crispy and not dry. They had a slight spice to them. The Akra was also a very interesting texture - similar to mochi and this was also very crispy. The Akra was also seasoned well. Lastly, the coleslaw helped to freshen up the palate and it was actually the spiciest dish out of the appetizers we got. For the mains, I was able to try the oxtail (4/5) and the griot (4/5). The griot was seasoned well but was a tad dry. I'm not sure if it is usually cooked that much but it was crispy. It was also very easy to eat since it was all meat and no bones. There was a slight sauce underneath it and it paired well with the rice. Some pieces had small pieces of fat that was good with the meaty parts. The plantain was also on the crispier side, but was still good. The oxtail was very soft and the sauce was on the thinner side. I do think I prefer a thicker sauce like at Coconuts in Palo Alto. There was a good amount of meat as well on the oxtails.

I came by here because I've heard of it. And I've gotten some decent food from places long gone. That being said, I really wanted to like the food. Unfortunately, I didn't.The guy working behind the counter was totally nice and took my order. I asked for a restroom and had to go out into the market to find one. I found it because he gave me the directions and the code. I then returned for my food.I ordered the jerk chicken and the griot. They came with rice (with a smattering of beans, a hot cabbage dish, and a savory and a sweet piece of plantain. I also got a couple of drinks to go with the meals and excitedly told him that I was coming home for lunch.I grabbed the drinks which came in a cute carrier and left. The first problem is that one of the drinks fell on it's side during the ride home. And it leaked, weakening the carrier. It broke on our kitchen floor, so I spent the next 10 minutes cleaning up. My husband hurt his hand and wasn't fast enough for my liking.Then we put the food on plates to eat and it was OK. I don't know what I was expecting from griot since I've never had it before. But the main flavor to me was salt. We rice was OK. The cabbage was spicy. I gave my husband the sweet plantain and he liked it. I ate into the savory one and it was quite flacid.Then I had the jerk chicken, which was not as flavorful as jerk chickens past. It tasted of chicken with a heavy dose of salt. Again, the plain Jane rice, the spicy cabbage, and plantain. I gave him all of mine from this.I will say that I probably won't come back again. I keep reading reviews where people have a fantastic experience. I wish that would have been my experience. Unfortunately, it wasn't.

Service was friendly but not fast. We were there in their first anniversary and they gave us complimentary champagne. That was nice. Nice to sit outside. Would have been nicer if the dirty table had been wiped off for us. Tostines appetizer was good. Slightly spicy. The Goat curry and fried goat were both good. Not a ton of meat in the curry-- probably 50% bones and fat. The fried goat was better-- and the "fry" treatment is more like pan seared. With both were served yummy plantains. Our friends had a whole fish and vegetable stew. Both were nicely presented. Bathroom Grade B it's the shared public restroom for swans market. Not my favorite kind of food so I'm not sure I'll return but I would recommend if others want Haitian or a restaurant in the area where talking, eating and drinking are easy and the menu marked with dietary restrictions

I ordered the Ox Tail--highly recommend! Very tender and nicely paired with the rice.

Came here on a whim and very glad I found it! I got the oxtails which was very flavorful and great texture. My friend loved his pork sandwich too. Will definitely be back!

Look no further this has been Haitian approved. My dad and I visited this weekend. The food was delicious. The service was outstanding. The place had beautiful art work and designs. Looking forward to going back! Thanks (:

Of course I had to come to the only Haitian restaurant up here, duhhh! The lady welcomed me immediately and I just sat at the bar for a quick lunch. The place is nicely decorated with pieces from Haiti. There's plenty of table space inside and out. There's street parking available and you just pay the meter a small fee. I ordered legumes with beef. Waited about 15 minutes. I ate some there and took the rest to go. The meat was tender and juicy. Vegetables were great; a bit salty at first but it paired well with my rice. Passionfruit juice was A1 so I doubled up on it for the ride out. The price is a bit different than what I'm used to in Florida for the quantity but I understand the Cali charges so no biggie. I was only in the area briefly and had to run to an appointment. Next time I will swing by for dinner and chat more with the folks there. My next try will be the oxtail. I heard great things. Antouka, loved being able to support my people. I'll see them again I'm sure. Go check them out.

Soup Joumou for new years is a must for Haitians and diaspora... didn't disappoint. Happy surprise that they have Prestige, it's hard to find in the Bay Area.

T'Chaka is, without a doubt, one of Oakland's best restaurants. The food is consistently outstanding, with exceptional quality in every dish. The staff are warm, welcoming, and always ready to help. Some of my must-try favorites include the Akra and Griot, but I love exploring their menu by trying a new main dish each time. Their drinks are equally top-notch, perfectly complementing the bold, mouthwatering flavors. The flavors at T'Chaka are simply breathtaking, and every visit leaves me happier than the last. I highly recommend this place!

Stopped in for a work lunch on a Thursday. The service was fast, friendly and helpful. The food was delicious! We had the jerk chicken and there were several clean plates. I would definitely be excited to come back.