T'chaka a Taste of Haiti

Best Haitian food in the Bay Area hands-down! This was our first time trying Haitian food and it did not disappoint. Oxtail meat fell off the bone, jerk chicken spice was perfect. All the sides were more than what we could've asked for. Service was friendly, quick and welcoming. Will definitely return soon

Great experience at T’chaka, we were sat immediately and provided our drinks. We were able to talk with the chef personally about the food and recommendations and I chose the Griot (pork bites). They were fantastic and reminiscent of pork carnitas bites from Hispanic cooking, not entirely cooked super tender but semi firm chunks with super delicious and crisp exterior. It came with rice and beans on the side as well as fried plantains both sweet and savory. The sweet being just sweet like fried bananas and the savory reminding me almost of a hash brown in texture and shape. Filling portions and well rounded meal. Would definitely make a stop back here

I’ve seen this spot a few times and had been wanting to try! I decided to pick up an order tonight. I got the jerk chicken combo and it was sooo tasty. The chicken literally falls off the bone, and I looove the plantain. I would definitely like to go back and try the oxtail and legume dishes! Service was great even for pickup, while I was waiting 4 people made sure I had been helped and one person offered me water. That kind of service is rare these days :’)

what a fantastic find! i ordered the oxtail, and it was cooked to perfection ~ melt-in-your-mouth tender. the accompanying coleslaw was a delightful surprise; it's genuinely delicious, but do be aware it carries a subtle spicy kick. for me, it was ideal, but those sensitive to heat might want to note it. beyond the amazing food, the service was excellent. my server was attentive, and despite being a saturday lunch, our meals arrived quickly. highly recommend and will certainly be returning!

Such a gem! I randomly stopped into T’chaka: A Taste of Haiti and was completely charmed. The space is peaceful and inviting — one of those places where you feel instantly comfortable, like you could stay for hours. The people were incredibly kind and welcoming, and the whole experience had a quiet, soulful warmth to it. The food was so flavorful, comforting, and easy to digest — clearly made with care and intention. And the prices? So affordable it honestly surprised me. A truly lovely spot — I’ll absolutely be back.

Cozy, home style cooking. The chef couldn’t have been sweeter. The oxtail stew is a must try. Perfect portion size and super tasty.

Truly tasty! We got the jerk chicken wings and the flavor and spice level was perfection. Service was friendly and relaxed. Can’t wait to go back and try more!

Delicious food! I'm not Haitian so I can't vouch for the authenticity, but I loved it. We came in on a Sunday at noon and we're happily surprised to see they have a brunch menu. We got the tostones with pork, oxtail and grits and ackee and saltfish. Portions were large and everything tasted great. A nice mix of many flavors. My favorite might have been the ackee and saltfish, but it's hard to say. Service was a little slow, but they seemed maybe short on waiters for how many people there were. Downtown Oakland is a little sleepy on Sundays, so I was surprised to see so many people there but I guess it's just that good. We sat outside with our dog which I'm always glad to have the option for. We definitely want to come back and try their dinner menu!

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!

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 we We 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

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.

Can't believe how long I waited to eat. Unbelievable. It was Haitian Independence Day so can give a little extra time. But over an hour. My 1 year old was irritated if I know how long we would have to wait I would have brought us all snacks. Food was alright.

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.

FLAVORS FOR DAYS! We dined on Valentine's Day and had the best meal. We tried the Accra, Jerk Wings, Mussels and Clams, Shrimp entree and Whole Snapper -- wow, what an incredible meal! We'd order every dish again and can't wait to go back.

We stopped in on a Wednesday night. The jerk shrimp and chicken was very good. Servers were quick. The location in Swan's Market is very nice and the atmosphere is relaxed. I like that you can hear each other talk! The fried calamari was a little overdone, but that is a minor note.

When I heard a Haitian restaurant made its way to Oakland, I HAD to try it out. I visited for Oakland Restaurant Week. I ordered the jerk chicken combo for dinner. The chicken was so tender and well seasoned. As for the ambiance, it's such a nice interior and they played Haitian music which was a plus. I would have liked to see Diri Djon Djon and the pikliz with more heat but overall it was a good dining experience. The owner checked in on me which was nice and made the experience better. There's also a patio if you're in the mood for outdoor dining. See my TikTok here: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZPRTfoef1/

Walked past T'chaka for past year and the night I tired it, it happened to be during their 1 year anniversary weekend! The restaurant was very busy, but the service was good. I sat at the bar and enjoyed the passion punch, which packed a little punch. For dinner I ordered the jerk shrimp, which was good and very flavorful! I appreciated how one of the chefs came to check to make sure I enjoyed everything and made sure I had the correct plantains! Overall great experience and I will be sure to go again!

I took a trip to Oakland and I found out about T'chaka. Yay, Haitian food to the rescue! When I travel to other cities, I'm always curious to know if there's a Haitian Restaurant around. I guess that was my lucky day for a taste of Haiti. It was good to know that it's in the heart of Oakland and opened last year. As soon as I entered the restaurant, I felt at home...smelling the pleasant appetizing aroma of Caribbean spices. Oooh yeahhh! I received a warm welcoming from staff. Oooh niiice! I was in a veggie mood and ready for a home cooked meal. I ordered my favorite traditional Haitian dish, legumes. While I waited, I enjoyed listening to the Kompa music and enjoyed looking at the decor. When my server approached me, I was delighted to see the presentation of the food. Look at that deliciousness! I can tell they put a lot of effort into it. So fast forward - The flavors were on point...jasmin rice and green/yellow plantains were on point. And lo and behold, the beautiful chef behind this fresh delectable masterpiece walked out the kitchen to check on me. I was all smiles at that point. She immediately knew I was a happy customer. Merci beaucoup! I'll be back. :-) FYI - To those who are unaware, Tchaka or Chaka is a nutritious Haitian stew associated with family time and festivities.

Recently took my mom out to dinner at T'chaka. This was my second time here, so it was an opportunity to try a few new dishes! I ended up going with the jerk combo (includes chicken and shrimp), as well as rice & peas and plantains. We also ordered some calamari to start. The chicken was very moist and flavorful and the sauce added a great kick. The calamari was fried crispy with plenty of flavor in the batter. I was also picking up some spice with the calamari, but I'm not sure what they put in there. The ambience is solid and the staff are very friendly/attentive. The owner regularly came by to refill our water and ask how the food was. Top marks for both food and service. Excited to visit again to try the goat!

The food was amazing. If you're going with a group, I suggest you do family style! Every meal was a hit! The service was also great which and efficient. Would definitely be back!

Come for brunch a few weeks ago.. Brunch turned into lunch.. they didnt open at one so I had a drinks next door.. no problem my friend was running late so it was perfect Once we came in we sat at a table and someone let us kno were drink menu and the specials.. mimosas with fresh fruit juice soo yummy.. the waitress was so nice and gave us great service. We shared the jerk wings which I will request to add some extra spicy next time.. i ordered the oxtails they were soo good falling off the bone good.. my friend ordered the shrimp and grits it was ok.. could have had more flavor.. after talking to the staff I definitely need to go check out there other location for more hatian dishes.. this location offers a smaller menu which is fine.. can't wait to come back once they get comfortable in this location.. definitely could come just to sit at the bar or with a big group..

I cannot recommend this place highly enough. The food was delicious, the portions were large, and the service was exceptional. Overall we were impressed by the quality, flavor, and value, but the cherry on top of the experience was the two incredibly kind and warm women who were clearly the chef and her daughter. We bought a whole jar of the spicy slaw- it's delicious on everything.

I'm skeptical of any Caribbean food in the bay area, but this was the best I've had by far. The is the first time jerk chicken gave me hiccups from the heat. The entire plate was very flavorful and spicy. I'll be back! Only minor drawback was the lunch menu is more limited than the dinner menu, so we weren't able to try everything we wanted.

T'chaka opened where Miss Ollie's was. Interior upgraded with subdued lighting, aquarium with live fish, music in background. Lotsa dining choices inside and out. Haitian food their specialty. Was given menu, seated upon entry. Know what i wanted from perusing same on window. Offerings (lunch): jerk chicken, pork sandwich, jerky's, T'chaka salad, vegan legume, griot, creole oxtails, jerk wings, cocktails, drinks, desserts.. Eats: creole oxtails (18) lunch, medium heat -didn't taste spicy at all. Not complaining, just saying. - small salad of cabbage, carrots, etc. yum! -plantains so smooth. Rice similar to "dirty rice" amaze.. -oxtails were chopped into smaller pieces than usual. Had to use tongue to discover bone bits. Meat was slightly dry, needed more heat? Meat was semi-juicy. My tummy really enjoyed the eats, great comfort food! Drink: passed since all have high levels of sugar. Wasn't in mood for alcohol. 4.5 stars- staff was helpful answering questions. Came in 2ish. Was able to finish in time for my 3 o'clock appt. Note: Haitian food has some similarities with U.S. creole style food . Would order Griot if i came again.

What a wonderful addition to the Oakland food scene! Growing up in Oakland there was never much Caribbean food, fortunately that's changing a little bit but I don't know if many, if any, Haitian spots, I'm glad that's now changed. My friend and I came here on a Saturday night around 8pm. The restaurant was fairly full and they asked if we had a reservation, they sat us in a spot where they said a reservation hadn't shown up so it's possible a reservation for next time would be helpful. The restaurant is brightly decorated with vibrant colors and nice but somewhat casual atmosphere. The man who greeted us noted they had one cocktail, and no other hard liquor but the drink was a punch with passion fruit, ginger, lime and rum, we both decided to get it, it was addictive and almost too easy to drink. We also decided to share two entrees, the menu had many Haitian staples so it was hard to. choose just two things! We ended up getting the griot (fried pork bites), and stewed oxtail. Both were delicious but the oxtail was utterly heavenly, with the meat fall-off-the-bone tender and perfectly seasoned. Each dish was paired with a little pikliz, rice and beans, and both sweet and savory plantains, which were all wonderfully executed, flavorful and went perfectly with the main courses.

Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere:3 T'Chaka A Taste of Haiti, hooked it up for lunch. Good portions, though a bit pricey. Place seemed cluttered, could use a spruce-up, but the service was on point. Coming from the East Coast, I'm used to West Indian, especially Jamaican-inspired oxtails, but this Haitian spin was a pleasant surprise. Got takeout on a rainy day--food was comforting, and the sides? Top-notch. Would definitely recommend.

After Kingston 11 closed down it was discouraging that Oakland had lost such a great Caribbean dining experience. This hole is now being respectfully filled by T'chaka (pronounced Chaka). The Haitian cuisine offered here was excellently prepared and features several stewed and slow cooked proteins that melt off the bone and loaded with complex flavors. The tostones (crispy plantains) are the excellent choice to pair with the different sauces and proteins for a superfood experience. You'll be surprised with what your taste buds are exposed to on every bite, the side salad has a little kick! I will be coming back soon.

The food was fantastic here. Very relaxing environment with 90's R&B playing in the background. We had: - Jerk wings - very flavorful with a spicy kick. - Griot - Haitian fried pork bits, very crispy - Oxtail - succulent, falls off the bone. Highlight was the salad (substituted for rice and beans), which was very fresh and had a tangy dressing with tropical fruit flavors.

10/10 - I went into T'chaka this afternoon for a late lunch with a friend. I've been eyeing this place for months - I think this is the areas only Haitian restaurant and I crave some Haitian food every now and then. Starting with service - it seems like a family run restaurant and this adds to the charm of the restaurant. Feels like family. The host/server was patient and kind, the chef also sweet! The decor is also nice - nice Haitian art, bright colors it's very warm and inviting. Now the food - so I am the daughter of a Haitian parent who cooks amazing food... the griot was sooo good. And the rice and beans. It tasted like home. 10/10. I also got the voudou cocktail - it was very good not too sweet and very refreshing. Can't wait to come back!

I absolutely love this restaurant. My husband is Haitian and I'm a good cook but I can't cook like they do here. The food is so authentic and delicious. The first time my husband tried it, his eyes watered a bit. The service is warm, kind of like you're eating at your families house. The restaurant has an authentic feel, really takes you to a different place. If you're new to Haitian food like me or missing a taste from home like my husband, I highly recommend this place!

As someone who grew up Haitian, this restaurant feels like an embrace from home every time I visit. The food is so authentic and comforting, it brings me back. But the real joy is introducing my non-Haitian friends to these flavors--they're always blown away! Last time, I was there with my brother and a friend, and of course, we greeted the owners who are always so welcoming. We even ended up inviting a young lady who was sitting alone at the bar to join our table. What started as a casual dinner turned into three hours of great conversation, delicious food, and just an amazing time. If you're looking for a place with incredible food and a vibe that feels like family, this is it.

Wonderful food and great ambiance!! There is a bar and cute sitting area if you need to wait for a table. Both indoor and outdoor seating. I have to go back so I can try different options and combinations!!

I love Jamaican food, and now I love Haitian food. The flavors were amazing. Had whole snapper and wife tried oxtails. We had fried goat on the side. T'Punch to wash it down. I wasn't even done eating and I was thinking about coming back the next day with more family. You gotta try this food. Amazing!!

This place is awesome! My friend got the vegetarian platter and she raved over the delicious flavors. I got the oxtails. They were smaller than I am used to, but they were absolutely scrumptious. Everything on the plate was delicious. The service was excellent too!

Delicious food. Friendly service. Wonderful drinks. Located in a super cute...historic part of Oakland. Had the oxtails. They were served with rice and beans, sweet and savory plantain plus pikliz. Very generous portions. The rhum punch was perfect. Can't wait to go back.

First time trying this place and was very pleased! Until today, I wasn't aware there was a Haitian restaurant in the East Bay. I had the Jerk Chicken w/Rice & Peas, and plantain's. For my appetizer I tried the Lazo croquettes. Very delicious and reminded me of the stuff back east. Very good food, service, and ambiance overall. I definitely recommend this place.

First time eating here and the food was delicious! I had the jerk chicken and it was some of the best cooked chicken I've had at a restaurant! Flavorful and well-seasoned. If spicy foods don't agree with you they can give you options on the spice level! My friend had the vegan option which was a stew. She said it was delicious. That will be the next dish I try when I go. And the portions were great for the price. I had to get a to go box. If you are near 9th Street in Oakland check them out. And I think you can order online too.

I had the vegan legume lunch special and my wife had the jerk chicken plate. Everything was excellent, full of flavor, perfectly cooked, lots of consideration for different textures and layers of flavoring. Really excited to go back and try more of their offerings!

My family and I visited this restaurant this Haitian restaurant for the first time. The food was fantastic! Everything was so delicious. The drinks, the presentation, the service. I truly give them a five stars as far as Haitian restaurants go. Thank you for a nostalgic experience!

Came here on a whim and loved it. We had the jerk chicken and ox tail. Melted in our mouths. So flavorful and the pickled cabbage with a spicy kick was just the perfect side. Will come back for sure!

This place was indeed the best food I had in Oakland in a long time. As a native of Oakland I have been to plenty of restaurants. I'm so happy I decided to give this place a try. I got take out and it didn't disappoint food was nice and fresh. I definitely be going back. Besides the delicious food I want to mention both the ambiance and customer service was phenomenal. Mackenley was wonderful with his service and made me feel so welcomed.

Aside from being the only Haitian restaurant in the Bay Area, Caribbean Spices is now known as T'chaka. It is my go to when I simply do not want to fry a plantain or make some fresh pikliz. Since 2014 when their food truck was their only location I would often drive anywhere they were to enjoy a tasty classic Haitian dish that tasted like I was back in Port au Prince Haiti visiting friends. I drove to the their San Rafael location to learn they had permanently closed. I did recall the owner telling me he was moving his restaurant to Oakland. Although I live further out from them both I would pass the Oakland location and drive to the San Rafael location for the ambiance. After visiting the Oakland location a few times I did notice that I had received larger portions at the San Rafael location than I do at the Oakland location. The food is always fresh. The homemade fresh drinks are always a 10/10. I like the Hibiscus Ginger more but I always end up with the Pineapple Ginger drink. I don't eat Griot (fried pork shoulder marinated in citrus and spices) but when I did again, I felt like I was eating a home cooked Haitian meal back at friends houses in New York, Miami, and Haiti. T'chaka is my go to when I am unable to get to these places when I want some Caribbean cuisine. I prefer savory plantain with Haitian food and sweet plantain with Spanish food that's just my cultural preference being that I have traveled to the Dominican Republic and to Haiti and that's how it's usually done when eating in those Countries. Just a lil' fyi for those introducing their tastebuds to something new. Enjoy!

Everything we ordered is good. I like brown rice, they are so tasty just the rice alone. There are some spicy sauces you can request, they are good too.

It's so hard to find authentic, tasty Caribbean food in Oakland and I'm so glad we found T'Chaka! My husband is Haitian and I am Jamaican so we know what good Haitian food should taste like and they did not disappoint. Food: We ordered the fried goat, calamari, meaty tostones, passion fruit juice and sorrel ginger juice, and a shot of the Kremas. Everything was flavor full, hot, and oh so good! The food is well seasoned and everything tasted like. Haitian grandmother was cooking in the kitchen. So good! Service: Everyone was super friendly, food came out in a reasonable time, and it's always a plus to hear Haitian Creole being spoken out here. I would definitely recommend T'Chaka if you're in Oakland!

Wow. I don't even know where to start. We got the fried fish meal. With each bite I saw God. Perfectly salted, crispy, and delicate. My only regret is not getting a 2nd order.

My friend had me check out this restaurant. I'm glad she did. It's super close to my place, and the quality of the food and service was excellent. I had the pork sandwich and a lovely cocktail while I waited.

The waitress is so rude she was literally grabbing food from off th e table before we were done then tirened the lights off. We sat down at 5:45 pm they don't close till 7 pm I said I'm waiting on another person she gon say they better be here by 6. I will never step foot in here again. Food was decent but customer service was trash never have I felt more rushed and irritated when trying to get a good meal.

The food was . Amazing customer service and tons of flavor in their jerk chicken . Definitely coming back.

Great service and good! Team there was all friendly and very helpful! Ordered the wings, fried fish, fried pork, the weekend soup I forgot the name. All amazing!

Several friends and I had a horrible experience and would not recommend this restaurant to anyone. The food is trash. The customer service was horrible. We received lipstick marks on the glass rim and bugs floating in one of them. The chicken had no flavor and was cold, and other appetizers were nasty. The drinks are watered down for the price.

I finally had the pleasure of trying T'Chaka last night- and WOW. I ordered to-go - my dish was ready and packaged within 20 minutes of ordering. The gentleman I ordered with was extremely friendly and pushed my order through even though it was 30min to closing. I ordered the jerk combo and the Griot- both were amazing. Extremely flavorful, authentic and the perfect amount of spice - not too much & not too little. If you're unable to travel to Haiti to explore the cuisine there, this is your next best option. They are truly that good and you can tell the food is made with passion and love. A warning however - this place is so good (& rare), it can very well become addicting. We are so lucky to have this type of restaurants in Oakland. I highly, highly recommend visiting this place at least once- the chances of being disappointed are slim to none. I'll be back, over & over.

The food was fabulous, the setting very pleasant and the friendliness of the service we received was outstanding! We will be back!

Amazing food and the staff were so friendly and accommodating. Don't be afraid of spice, they will make adjustments for you that don't sacrifice flavor. My group tried the jerk wings, Akra, and Calamari appetizers and they were all really great but I preferred the jerk wings (again can be made non spicy). Then we ordered the Griot, Oxtail, and Legume with pork. Everything on the plates was amazing with the perfect spices. Oxtail was a major standout.

First time trying this place... lit! Ordered: Goat, Oxtail, Snapper, Griot. Goat- marinated right, seasoned perfect, picklies a good compliment. Snapper- fresh, crispy- peppa sauce! Griot- citrus marinade, picklies, onions. Oxtail- flavor was ridiculous, tender, fall of the bone, not too fatty. Will be back and would recommend, 100%