African Caribbean Food Market - Man Must Wak

I know nothing about West African/Caribbean cooking but I stepped into this convenience store because I’m an avid home cook and wanted to see if anything caught my eye. This is a small (tiny) but well stocked store that deserves a visit if you’re into this type of cuisine. I didn’t recognize a lot of what this store offers, but I’m glad this exists for the community.

It's convenient when you need something that requires a specific ingredient for an African dish. Some of the frozen goods are a little freezer burned. And some of the prices on goods are pretty expensive, but that's expected considering the cost to transport some of those items here (still could be a little lower though lol).

Small but mighty. Great staff and plenty of options. My Congolese husband and my Nigerian self were both able to find what we wanted (pondu / cassava leaves and Ghana yam) plus more. There are also cooked meals if you like.

I bought the red pepper stew from the frozen section and it was so good! The young man at the register help walk me through making fufu from cassava flour! It was my first time and I'll be back!

Amazing selection of the greens, grains, and other hard-to-find ingredients for West African cooking

Bought a lot of things here that were very pricey which I didn't mind, but paying high price and the item not living up to par is a disappointment. I bought some dry ugwu leaves vegetables and they're filled with sand despite countless and repeated washing and the ogbono was dry out flat and never rose at all. this is a huge disappointment because paying so much for nothing is undesirable

Literally just left because the machine isn’t working. I mean is it Nepa is it network! Which one.. the young man behind the counter expects respect but delivers non in customer service. Auntie this yo bizzness listen well o customer service is first na so dis be America. Love Segi That was my second time coming to your shop. My sister owns the hair salon next door. Sarah the the beauty shop I’ve known her since I was 10. The problem here is this is a community. Last time I shopped the same young man sat there no greeting upon entry. Nothing so go back review your cameras again and find away if it’s necessary to properly train your employer on how to have customers service. The comment I made after 4 attempts of running my card. Is the the young man needs to trouble shoot on his own time. I have to go to work. Is there another method of paying. He can’t manage that he has to call you the manager first. I waited patiently and politely. What triggered this review was when this small boy told me he didn’t appreciate the disrespect. How please explain why I would come shop at your expensive over priced shop and disrespect you. Who gives money to a buisness they don’t respect. The boy never apologized he wickedly told me to have a good day. I’m a Nigerian first and respect is the first most important value system taught in our homes. So if me saying trouble shoot on your own time to the employee who is half my age is disrespectful then I’m wrong. Yet I came to support your buisness in my community that I’ve been in for 30 years. You should see there’s difference of a negative comment and feedback on how to run a successful establishment for your customers. I read your other reviews. Not everyone likes the way your front desk feels. Thanks Queen Kay.

Staff: Helpful and friendly Price: Moderate

I really hate to say this but this place will try to rob you blind.... I came here to buy scotch bonnet peppers and Jamaica curry powder. It's a small store on the corner in old Oakland. I noticed that there were quite a few items without prices listed, but cause I shop all the time, I kept a rough tally in my head. I ended up a couple of additional small items: coco bread, additional common spices, can of coconut milk. When I reached the cashier counter, the woman behind the counter called for another woman to ring me up. She proceeded to carefully ring up each items bring the total to nearly $50.00!!! Shocked I asked her to breakdown the cost of each items...a can of regular coconut milk (that can be found anywhere) she charged $8.00! I removed other ridiculously priced items from my cart as well. Don't get me wrong, I love to support small businesses but not when they are disorganized and dishonest/unreasonable with pricing.

I've been going here since I was yay high. This and the Nigerian Aunty's on E.14th is about the only places East Bay you can get West African ingredients from West Africans. It's not big, selection isn't entirely vast persay (however I've noticed more Liberian focused ingredients) but I accept it for what it is. Items are coming over seas to here the farthest Coast from the Continent so grace is usually given for items and quality. (People by spoiled meat that's dressed nicely at big box grocery stores) Price.....well I again take it for what it is. Logistics for transport are still not as straight forward as it is from other country's. I like that I can come here and get all my ingredients. Thank you guys for what you mean in the community and all these years serving the public.

Had all that I needed in an African/Caribbean market. I found this one after my first choice left me high and dry on certain items. If you're into preparing these types of meals, this spot is the place.

I've been coming to this establishment for over 10 years! Today will be last time ever shopping there again. My husband and I were looking for stock fish and picked up a package that had multiple dead bugs inside the packet. One bug was still alive. The packaging on other products is not well sealed, I bought fufu flour and didn't realize it had a hole in it. This store was better when Emeke was running it.

Had half an aisle of palm oil. Varieties of spices, flours, beans, dried fish. Didn't think I'd be able to find banku flour in the bay. Thank you for proving me wrong.

I was pretty excited to check this place out after looking up a wealth of African recipes to try cooking recently. My great-aunt is in town for her annual visit from Nigeria and can't resist reminding me every two seconds that "dis food nut fa' us" as she looks at the deteriorating state of nutrition and clucks her tongue at every haphazard, hyperpalatable option available. Anyway, she got me thinking maybe I should try out some new r ecipes, but a lot of what I looked up called for ingredients I couldn't pronounce, let alone find. It just so happened that I was leaving Mexicali Rose on Monday night when I saw a beautiful piece of art I couldn't resist taking a picture of. Stepping closer, I realized the mural was on the side of the shop's building and decided to peek inside. The smell was the first thing that greeted me, and unfortunately for my sensitive nose it wasn't a good one. However, the stuff inside kept me interested and I love supporting small, Black-owned businesses so I had a look around for just a few minutes until I realized I was running late to an appointment. In the span of time I spent, I saw produce, plenty of different flours and staples like kola nuts and palm oil. There were dry goods items near the refrigerators that I believe housed meat. All in all, a decent stock indeed.

So this is an international market what focuses very strongly on products from/by/for Ghana/Nigeria and to a slightly lesser extent west africa in general. The parking is street only, but there is a pay surface lot not even a block away, so if you can make it down broadway, you should be able to find parking. This is a smaller store, and the inventory is thus less broad then you might expect. Regardless, there is a strong focus on everything a ghanaian kitchen would need. The pricing can be competitive, there are daily/weekly specials which can be great deals. The powdered crayfish and jumbo are typically a good buy here. The chin chin and plantain chips, not so much. One of the best things is the selection of vegetables, although the pricing on those is not necessarily cost effective. Regrettably, the folks that work at the counter are sincerely not interested in you. Questions are greeted with rolled eyes and sheer disdain. Any attempts at small talk and pleasantries are punished. This can make the shopping/buying experience unpleasant While I like the stock carried,I really don't like being treated like scum when I do my shopping. Hence the three stars.

i ordered goat and jollaf rice from door dash, unfortunately all my goat was dry and basically inedible. The rice was amazing though, and the beef patty was a good flavor but also pretty dry. I want to try again though, I assume since i ordered so close to closing the food probably wasn't too fresh and I can tell the flavors were really goo.

Please do better... it's 2020 gone are those days where mediocrity should be excused or just because you are the only african store you can treat your customers so poorly. The old Asian lady who "helped"(using this word very very loosely) me seemed to be offended by just doing the basic functions of her job and basically flung my receipt at me while popping her gum, she couldn't be bothered. One would think she knows me before or i offended her.also if you are one of those people that appreciate a "hello" when you walk into a store just forget about it. I'm sure this business has regulars as i.t seems they have been around a while but what about people like me who just moved here and looked up your store... please consider this for the future.. can someone please help is this truly the only African store in the San Francisco area? I'm ready to drive an hour or more..

Hello Kay, this is from a loyal customer: I went in man must wak today before 5pm, maybe a little before 5pm, found the door open, went in for my transaction, immediately I was attacked verbally by the Filipino sales woman, very rude and unwelcoming face, saying i am closed why do you come in. I smiled and said I just have a quick transaction, moreover, door was widely opened. Two more ppl walked in to do transaction, i tried to help her and told the first person that came in that she is closed but the person came in, so did the second person. She did not mention anything, so I kept quiet, meanwhile, the door was still opened. When I was about to do my transaction, she told me that I should not have come in because she is closed ( in a rude and unfriendly manner!!), I still smiled and told her the door was open, trying to tell her that she should have closed the door to prevent ppl from coming, but she continued communicating rudely! This woman was very rude!!!, immediately I got home, called ur business number and even called the other number to discuss with you. That was really unprofessional!!! 1/12 648pm. Glad I spoke with someone, I hope similar thing will not happen again!

ACFM's motto "man must walk" is a nigerian saying man must eat to survive. ACFM is a small store jam packed with african food products and carribbean spices. items all neatly stacked and priced. pour: spotted spicy jamaican ginger beer (1.99) in fridge. -made with cane sugar and artificial flavors -tasted good, refreshing. notes: -friendly cashier said "be safe" when i left.. -'thanx, you too" i replied.

A few months ago, for a family wedding, I had folks visiting from all over the planet including a contingent from Nigeria. Mama Kaykay and her crew did the catering for us and it was awesome! She made suya, puff-puff, fried goat-meat, moi-moi, scotch-eggs and various other snacks that we used to entertain the guests! They delivered on time and everything, especially the suya was a resounding success! My uncles loved the latter so much, they had me make separate trips to get them more for the "duration" of their stay! Now that's genuine props! 5 Stars!!!

Everyone was so helpful! I will return for more of these ingredients. Hard to find roots, vegetables and meats are plentiful here! Convenient location.

Customer service is non existent. The cashier is often curt and impatient. I shop here occasionally for plantains because I can usually find some that are ripe enough to cook the same day, but I've been shorted change on more than one occasion. Today I mentioned it to the woman but I decided it wasn't worth it to go back and forth over 5 cents. However this isn't the first time it's happened but it will be the last since I'm done giving them my business.

Really sorry the neighboring African food specialty store on 8th street closed in October 2019. The prices at Man Must Wak are at least 25% higher. The frozen meats are very old and even falling out of the old plastic bags. Selection is minimal in comparison. Looks like I will have to find another source. This store is more like 'Man Must Rip You Off'

I wish I could put no stars. This store is a rip off a total rip off. I understand being the only West african themed store in Oakland but to inflate price of goods is totally ridiculous. For instance a whole box of Indomie noddles is $40. The other store who sold the samething have closed down doesnt make it right to rip people off. A box cost between $15-$20 max, making this price of $40 ridiculous. How are we suppose to cope. I will not be coming back. Awful rip offs. This is utterly ridiculous, its your business and you have the right to refuse me service. But hopefully you will also call the police on the other bad reviewers!!! Its appalling that you think its ok to dumbdown a valid concern because of your ego. There's no sentiment when it comes to business so your whole tirade wasn't necessary. Thankfully your business isnt the only source of all things Nigerian.

After driving for over 2hrs **really!!** in search of palm oil-I had resolved to go home and make my dish without it, crossing my fingers and saying a prayer that no one would notice...I turned the corner and as if my mouth were pressed to God's ear there was African-Caribbean food mrkt....with shelves of palm oil!!!! I was ecstatic!!! Of course the young man at the counter, who was very pleasant, couldn't understand my jubilation over palm oil. I ended up getting so much more than palm oil as they are well stocked in many items I've yet to see anywhere else in Oakland....with the exception of Minto's Market on Broadway/41st St (**yes I have to get a plug in for Minto's-:) This market has found a new and dedicated customer! P.S. My dinner was wonderful!

I had to make Jerk Ribs for 4th of July. This place has it all.

It's always refreshing to walk into an Afro/Caribbean grocery store that's fully owned and serviced by a strong African family. I love that the owners are dedicated to innovation and customer service. Each time I'm fortunate to shop here, I walk away with a whole experience! The love and laughter is real! Keep up the fantastic work Man Must Wak! Now I need y'all to make your way over to Vacaville! lol

Man Must Wak is conveniently located close to me. I love that there is an African food store in my neighborhood. Whenever I go, I get welcomed with pleasant customer service. The products are what I expect, no surprises. Great plus whever they have African music playing in the background. My only gripe is sometimes the vegetables are not fresh i.e. mushy onions and soft old looking peppers on occasion. Not a big deal as I generally shop at Farmers Markets for produce. But it sucks whenever I need it in emergency. I'll be coming back to Man Must Wak for goat meat and other standard needs.

I have been here a few times and everytime I have come, the Ting is in the fridge. The patties are excellent, as a matter of fact, I need to go and get some. Just called to see if they have rum cakes and they are out! This is the only carribean market I know of in the east bay, they definitely don't have one where I live. It's worth the drive.

Great selection of spices,African staples, & items.I love the large selection of spices the most as I'm an avid cook and love to experiment with different flavor.The owner is also such a kind and gentle spirit.I would definitely recommend shopping there

I've shopped here for over 20 years; they are amazingly warm and friendly with A+ customer service. You can find authentic African/Caribbean food there; they also added a catering service service lately which is so convenient for your events or if you just dont feel like cooking. Check them out, your experience there will be memorable!

This place is a lovely, black owned one stop shop for all your afro Caribbean food needs! I restock for my restaurant here occasionally and they are super affordable.

My To go place for my traditional recipes. Man must wak feels like home! Love it! And the prices are just reasonable! Thank you Kay Kay for all your hardwork to bring food across the sea to us!

This place does not smell good and the grains are not fresh. (I stopped buying when flying insects hatched in my grains). I try and support local businesses but most of these items can be found on the internet for delivery or even at Berkeley Bowl in the bulk department.

I thought I'd be the first to review this joint. I mean really, how many folks hang out outside of the Old Oakland block? Well, quite a few apparently. I didn't actually buy anything from here, but for a girl who has not yet visited the Motherland, it was quite a feast for the eyes. A whole slew of African (probably mostly West African) food products. Palm Nut oil, fufu flour, Nigerian beans, dried fish, meat pies, spices galore. This little market inspires me to do a little more culinary research into west African cooking. They also sell various DVDs that you'd probably have a hard time finding anywhere else.

This store is not as stocked as the specialty store next door but it is equally as pleasing. The items that they carry are good quality and they also carry movies (although limited in supply). The attendants were quite attentive and were willing to answer questions. The prices seemed a little bit lower than next door. You'll probably end up going into both stores and making purchases from both places.

My review is solely based on their work ethic and attitude. I bought a $10 voucher for $5 last November, 2013, and tried to use it this past weekend (it's good for 1 year). In fact, as I logged in to write this review, I saw that they still had the deal going- buy $10 voucher for $5. Well surprise surprise, the woman there refused to honor the deal because they were too many customers.... I picked up a few items and gave her the voucher to pay for them, and was surprised she still asked me for more money. I said isn't that worth $10? Her reply- "No. You paid $5 for it. Sorry. Too many customers." We went back and forth for a bit since I thought maybe she didn't understand the voucher. But no, after putting on her glasses to inspect it, she refused the deal. So I canceled my order and walked out since she avidly tried to convince me I bought a $5 deal for $5. I said isn't this false advertising? She goes "Yea, I'm sorry." Too bad the Caribbean store 2 buildings over was closed at that time. I went there right after to get the same items. In the mean time, I'm trying to get my money back for this nonexistent deal. I'm going to hope the Caribbean store has all the specialty items I need!

I was looking for some African spices and found Man Must Wak.. There was a Mongolian mother and daughter team running the store. They were so friendly and knowledge . I love that they sell their spices in small prepared packages.

Great store with a large selection of west african and other foods. Unfortunately there is a larger store next door with many of these items at a slightly cheaper price. This store however is owned by Africans and accordingly I have to show some love!

Great place to shop for every Nigerian ingredient I love!!! And the prices are reasonable too

Wow, the first time I stepped into this marked I was very impressed about the wide range of fresh and handmade foods. Palmoil, Maggi-Cubes, Foufou, fresh Yams, smoked chicken, Tilapia and Pondou. I enjoyed the "sightseeing tour" by the nice young lady. Very professional and funny. Had a great time and looking forward to my next shopping tour.

This store has the craziest things for sale. I have no idea what any of it is. Luckily, everyone is super helpful and they can tell you what to do with whatever it is.

What a change to the usual drab, dirty, and stone cold African food store. Shopping at Man must Wak was a pleasant experience. Was impressed with the variety, clean environment, and friendly staff. A must check out shopping location