We hit up this little joint after a day hike when our whole group was completely famished, and it did not disappoint! It's tucked away in a bit of an unexpected location, but that's exactly where you find the best hidden gems. ​The restaurant was busy, which is always a great sign, and the staff behind the counter were fantastic--super warm and genuinely caring. You could just tell the food was going to be incredible. ​I ordered the fried plantains and the Nigerian chicken stew, which is a killer combo of Jamaican jerk chicken topped with a traditional stew, served with their special rice and cabbage. The chicken had just the right amount of kick and those incredibly deep, slow-cooked flavors. Truly one badass bird, and the sides held their own, too. ​Of course, I couldn't run away without trying dessert. I brought home a piece of raspberry lemon butter cake and a piece of chocolate butter cake. Even out of a to-go box later on, they were phenomenal. This place is warm, inviting, and serves up serious comfort food. Highly recommend going out of your way to give them a try! read more

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Between a sweaty day of drinking and my inaugural World Cup game, something needed to give. Wah Gwan was my answer to fill that caloric void and set the table for hours more of saturated celebration. Entering this cove of Caribbean meets Nigerian, I was pressed by the woman behind the counter. According to her, I would only get plantains. In response I mustered my best antagonist energy to match. Sure enough the menu opened up before me! Remember kids, it's press or get pressed... While she offered the last oxtail, I couldn't muster yet another slab of meat in KC that day. Instead, it'd be a mackable Rasta Pasta for this white boy. After a serving of P's and Q's, my dish arrived in kind. Lucky enough to dine alone I employed my best ravenous dog impersonation, breathing all of three times in the next ten minutes. It was as if world peace actualized, even for just a moment, in that bliss of now. Four big WAHGWANS from me! read more

Wah Gwan - Rasta Pasta with Shrimp - Caribbean Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

This place has been highly recommended to me and today I finally gave in. When I first entered, there was an overwhelming smell that I couldn't shake off. After being in for some time, you kind of get used to it but it's still there. The lady at the front who might've been the owner was very friendly and was making conversations and joking. She definitely made it more welcoming. I came about an hour before closing and they were already taking down the grill so there wasn't any plantain or Rasta pasta. There was however oxtail and that's what led me there. The oxtails were delicious and tender! It came with jollof rice and cabbage. The rice was decent, nothing too crazy that makes it stand out from the rest of the jollof rices and the cabbage was not my favorite but it did go great mixed with the rice and oxtail. I also enjoy the Jamaican sayings written all over the place. Reminds me of growing up with the elders and hearing their "wisdom". I'd come back, the food was good! read more

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Great food, service was good & the atmosphere was warm & friendly. I enjoyed Brown Stewed Chicken. It was so yummy. I got to try my friend's Rasta Pasta with chicken. Dang. She brought home the last Jerk Chicken order in the restaurant to her hubs. #lucky Do have a slice of cake. I enjoyed a rum lemon raspberry slice. 10/10 recommend. read more

Wah Gwan - Stewed Brown Chicken with Peas & Rice + Cabbage. - Caribbean Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

I never have a bad experience with Wah Gwan. I have enjoyed every meal that I've had there. I also enjoy the sorrel soba every time that I'm there. I had the beef suya. It is delicious. I also had the jollof rice and it's delicious. They have some of the best cabbage that I've ever had. The server was very engaging. There was a different server than I usually see. She really made the space feel like home. I loved the way that she connected with the people dining. read more

Wah Gwan - Beef suya with jollof rice and cabbage - Caribbean Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

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You will definitely have second thoughts when you pull up to this restaurant. Why? Because it's located within a string of shabby rundown looking store fronts. But look past the outside, and you will be glad you took a leap of faith. Wah Gwan's eccentric decor is very relaxing and the music playing puts you in a good mood. The customer service is top notch, the waitress was super nice and engaging. I encourage everyone looking for a great Caribbean meal to come here. Jerk chicken- Comes with two pieces of tender well seasoned chicken, and a side of rice and cabbage. Completely satisfied with this entree. Oxtails- Nice serving size of oxtails that is seasoned really good. Oxtails could've been a little more tender for my liking. But still good enough to enjoy my meal. This entree as comes with choice of rice and cabbage read more

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What a gem! From the delicious shrimp curry, flavorful rum punch and vibrant decor this was a great spot to celebrate a friend's special night. The owner made good recommendations, service was friendly and prompt and it was so welcoming. read more

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my husband and I went there for lunch yesterday, he wanted something from their nirgerian part of the menu but mostly everything was out. The rice was a little to spicy my taste I can't do a lot of spice and it was already made and tasted like they just warmed it up. I did kinda like the jerk chicken although there was pieces of chicken skin or something on it, and when we placed our order they didn't ask us what we wanted to drink so they gave us tap water into these small little mugs. Very disappointing read more

If you want the tastiest authentic flavors of Jamaica and Nigeria then this is the pace to be. The atmosphere reminds me of being at someone's home surrounded by friends and family laid back enjoying great food and beautiful artwork in an island setting in the heart of Kansas City. Located right on 63rd and Troost Ave. across from where the old Walgreens used to be. There is parking in the back and on the street in front of cafe. The owner is there always serving her customers. The food is always fresh and tender with an explosion of flavors and tastes that tantalizes the tastebuds. There is a wait for the food but if you want fresh then it matters not. Some things that are served egusi and fufu, curry goat, jerk chicken, seafood, oxtails just to name a few! Hurry and get some because she is always selling out. They always give plenty of food so much you can't finish it all! read more

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The greens had sooo many stems in them and they weren't cooked right they were kind of dried out and a little chewy. The flavor was okay for the greens. The sweet potatoes were good some of the pieces was a little stringy and the jerk chicken just tasted like baked chicken and was a little dry. read more

Wah Gwan - Jerk Chicken - Caribbean Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

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Went here for the first time over the weekend and we will definitely be back! We ordered the jerked chicken with jollof rice as well as the curry chicken with rice and peas. We also got slices of lemon raspberry cake and another cake (can't remember . I really enjoyed the seasoning and kick of the jollof rice. The chicken with both dishes was very tender and came apart with ease. The people taking our order were very friendly and I loved the atmosphere for the short time we were in there (full disclosure, we ordered our food at the counter to go). Eager to come back and try some more items from the menu! read more

Finally got to visit Wah Gwan. When you first enter, you feel like you're transported into a jerk but on the island. Decorated beautifully and very quaint. You can dine in or carry out. Service seemed to be a challenge, but they constantly apologized. I wasn't bothered by it at all. Everyone was still polite. I ordered the jerk chicken plate, beef patty and pineapple drink. The meat was fall off the bone good. Packed with so much flavor and heat. Rice was fluffy and the cabbage was cooked well. I haven't had Jamaican food since I moved to KC. I will definitely visit again. read more

Wah Gwan - Jerk chicken dinner - Caribbean Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

You must try this place. It's the best Jamaican cuisine I've had thus far. Everything I tried tasted amazing. I didn't have a chance to try their veggie pattie, but I will on my next trip. The service was excellent. I enjoyed the good vibes. And it was so decorative and clean. A wonderful place to get a comfort bite. read more

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Great food, Great ambiance, and a cozy vibey "third space" where I can plug in my laptop and hangout for awhile. I wish they had a Happy hour to add to the flavor of this carefully and thoughtfully curated happy place! When you come in, you are welcomed to a vibrant and colorful, almost hypnotic space. The intoxicating aromas from whatever is going on behind those metal double doors is insane! You really have to experience this place! I highly recommend the Oxtails with cabbage and jollof rice. Hands down!! One of my favorite places to take my friends visiting KC for the first time, or who have never been to this amazing culinary gem! Go get it now! read more

Wow--what a surprise! Don't be fooled by the humble exterior--walk through the door and boom, you're in Jamaica. Full stop. We went on a Saturday night, and not only was the food incredible, but there was a DJ spinning tunes and the whole place was rocking. The vibe is cozy, authentic, and jammin', man. The food isn't lightning fast (feels like it's cooked to order), but ohhh is it worth the wait. Our server--sweetest lady ever--was funny, playful, and just radiated good energy. Maybe the owner? She mentioned her husband was the one making the drinks. Dynamic duo! Now the food: the curry chicken was melt-in-your-mouth tender with flavor that honestly blew me away. The jerk chicken? Unreal--perfect texture, perfect spice, 100% authentic. I've been to Jamaica, and this was the real deal. Heaven on a plate. K had the shrimp pasta and wouldn't stop raving about it. Bottom line: you'd be a fool to sleep on this spot. Absolute gem. read more

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Ambience was beautiful, the lady who took our order was the sweetest. I ordered the curry chicken with rice and peas, and cabbage. It was delicious. They do close early so I suggest going before 5pm. I do plan on going back. read more

Wah Gwan - Caribbean Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

AMAZING food here, can't believe it took us so long to try. They need to be more well known! Everything we had was so flavorful and service was great! Honestly great prices for how much food you get, made with high quality ingredients. read more

Wah Gwan - Oxtails plate, curry chicken patty, rasta pasta with shrimp, egusi soup with fufu. - Caribbean Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

This place is a true example of overhyped reviews... Spent about $80 for two oxtail meals and a beef party and have never been so disappointed in my life... The oxtails were tough and the beef patties were burnt and lacked the flaky, buttery crust and had such little meat that it reminded me of a smash burger on the inside... Extremely disappointing for the price... Yeah atmosphere was cool and the attendant was pleasant but that all means nothing when the food is trash read more

First time here on Mother's Day. When you walk in the door, the delicious aroma of food cooking stands out. And the flavor is above and beyond. Wing, who waited on the three of us, is definitely in her element. We will be back! read more

Stopped here for lunch one Saturday. The place is small, but it wasn't busy. We asked the woman working for recommendations and followed them. We got a beef Pattie and the oxtail. Both were delicious! The oxtail was SO tender. My husband and I split both and it was the perfect amount of food. Our server was so kind! Definitely will be back. read more

Wah Gwan - Beef Pattie - Caribbean Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

Amazing food and amazing owner. We love trying new foods so we found this place online and tried it out. The ambiance of this place is perfect you get beautiful cultural pieces and lovely plants filling the walls. The owner brought out our food and showed us the proper way of eating it (very grateful for her) and omg one bite in and I was in love!! I will be back and ordering the chicken curry and fufu oh lord I've been having dreams about that plate! 10/10 read more

The Nigerian chicken stew with jollof rice was decent although the chicken was slightly overcooked. The beef patty was decent. On the bright side, the staff was friendly and my food got out relatively fast after ordering. read more

Wah Gwan - Caribbean Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

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Wah Gwan was amazing! As a vegetarian, it is hard to find restaurants with vegetarian dishes (meaning dishes for vegetarians, not meat substitution dishes). Wah Gwan has a vegan section on their menu and it was amazing! The honey garlic tofu was amazing and it came with a side of cabbage and rice and peas. I will come back to try all of the other dishes. The only negative was that they were sold out of their vegetarian patties, but it should be restocked soon! Anyways, if you want to try a new place, please try Wah Gwan! read more

Wah Gwan - Honey Garlic Barbecue Tofu with cabbage and rice and peas. All seasoned, all amazing!!!! - Caribbean Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

This is my favorite spot. Great food and service every time. It's an overall experience. Oxtails are top notch. Pineapple ginger soda is a great addition to any meal. Ask for a slice of the rum cake to finish it off. read more

Egusi with fufu was so so good! This place did a great job and it was very flavorful. I felt welcomed and my food was ready as soon as I arrived and was still hot! My only note was that there were some small bones in my meal,but I wasn't sure if that was normal for the style of food?? They have lots of options and I can't wait to go back and try more!! read more

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The Service is great, nice people, lots of options and vegan options too. Good food... off the charts Good mood and nice art very colorful. Nice ambiance read more

Wah Gwan - Beef Pattie and sorrel - Caribbean Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

The customer service is nice and the food is amazing. I live in Florida and was visiting in the end of August and return back 2 months later just so that I can have it. read more

Jamaican and Neigirian food. The owner is also the cook. Food is delicious, feels home made. In particular oxtail was cooked to perfection, very tender and flavorful. Ask for Sorrell which is a very refreshing drink, homemade with hibiscus and ginger. Service is great. Place is clean, bathroom spotless. The owner knows exactly what needs to be done. read more

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This has been on my list for a while so my friend, a vegan, went with me for my birthday. We got there around 11 on a Saturday morning. It was just us. The music was fun and it had a nice ambiance. You order at the counter and they deliver to your table. Our 2 veggie patties came out really quickly. Tasted like a very yummy chicken pot pie without the chicken. Excellent crust. Then we waited for what seemed like a very long time for our entrees (we arrived not long after opening so maybe they weren't fully prepped for the day). My friend got the barbecue tofu and I got the Rasta pasta with shrimp. The flavors on both were excellent, though I had several extremely fibrous broccoli stems in mine that were inedible, so I had to spit those out, because chewing wasn't doing anything. That said, service was very friendly and food was GOOD. I'd definitely go back if I found myself in the area again. I just couldn't give 5 stars as there were some minor issues but my friend and I thoroughly enjoyed our meals. read more

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I stopped in for my first time the other day, and I will definitely be back. I was fortunate enough to speak with the owner Tan for quite a while, and she is fabulous. I love conversing with other passionate people, who create food for the body and soul. They made me the most delicious oxtail I've ever had, and perfectly seasoned jollof and cabbage. Thank you Tan and staff for a lovely experience! read more

Wah Gwan - Oxtail with Jollof and Cabbage - Caribbean Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

Not going to lie the navigation and parking lot made me skeptical of where my husband was taking me, but I immediately felt welcomed as soon as we walked into the door. Very clean and everything is made to order. They have a big assortment of chilled non-alcoholic beverages. The walls are filled with quotes and each bench has a different fabric; also VERY comfortable cushions!!! We ordered two ginger drinks, a beef pattie, curry chicken, and beef suya; both meals came with plantains & cabbage. The curry chicken had a good flavor, definitely falls off the bone. I wasn't a huge fan of the peas in the jollof or peppers in the cabbage, but I easily picked them out. I would like to think of myself as a plantain connoisseur and this is the reason I couldn't give 5 stars! They either weren't ripe or fried enough. For those that are unaware perfect plantain is mostly black and is like a very sweet treat when fried just right! Last but certainly not least is the beef patty. If I could base my review solely off this it would be 5 stars no hesitation!!! Doesn't get any better than a spicy beef filling inside of a flaky, buttery crust! I had to buy a couple more to take home and enjoy later. I will be back to try other things on their menu and you shouldn't let the parking lot scare you from doing the same! read more

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I came across this restaurant as I do most of the new places I try through social media. It's definitely a gem in the area for sure. Nigerian/Jamaican food is new to me and I've been wanting to try oxtails for a while now. This place did not disappoint! There were only two members of the staff there when I went, the cashier and the cook/owner who were both very friendly and welcoming. I was pleasantly surprised that the owner brought me my food to go herself. It was hot when I made it back to my office for lunch about 15 min away. The oxtails- as I've never had them before, I can't say take my word for it, but they were full of meat and fall of the bone tender. Everything was so full of flavor including the cabbage. I was a bit disappointed not to have the option for the plantains as those are my favorite, but I understand they are not in season right now so I got the cornbread which was tasty as well. I can't wait to try a new item on their menu! read more

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I had the oxtail and it fell right off the bone. My partner is Jamaican and was surprised to have oxtail this good here in the Midwest. It was delish! He had some form of chicken which was also good but not as good as the oxtail Additionally we had the beef Pattie which was valid and not too spicy and flavored well. I ended up letting him eat 2 of the four tails, my mom 1 and I had one. I could have ate them all but they were too good not to share. (He was jealous I ordered them and he didn't) The atmosphere was very aesthetically pleasing. It was Good for pictures and there were interesting things to read everywhere. The lady at the counter was also very personable and pleasant. read more

Wah Gwan - Seating area - Caribbean Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

The food was Amazing!! We went for my cousins birthday. The music was perfect. The staff was attentive and patient, as this was our first time eating here. We enjoyed every minute of it. Thank you for a great experience. We all will be back. read more

Wah Gwan - a bottle of beer on a table - Caribbean Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

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wanted a harty caribbean island vibe found this place and its topped rated in kcmo. our order consisted of 1(beef patty),1 order of brown stew chicken, 1 order of brown stew chicken. foodgasm was 100% i cant wait to go back! the total was $60.00. the atmosphere was amazing and portion size was reasonable. the service was amazing, quick and fast! read more

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Found this place while I was just driving around. I'm glad I did. This is a Jamaican & Nigerian fusion place. The place is very welcoming. We were immediately greeted at the front desk where you order. The menu has the classics. I choose Jerk Chicken, Beef Suya Skewers, and jollof rice. It was the best way to test all the cuisine. The beef Suya was good but different than I've had before. I was used to the dry rub & onions on Suya. This had more of a wet seasoning but still good flavor Jerk chicken: 2 legs & a thigh. Great flavor. Falls off the bone so very easy to eat. It was a nice size portion. I took the thigh home the next day, and it still had good flavor when eaten as a leftover Jollof rice. Looked great. Good flavor w a little heat I enjoyed my meal. I'm just a black woman so I can't give the "how does this compare to my mom/aunties cooking", but it's still one of the best places for food I've had in KC. Great ambience & can easily sit a group read more

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My fiancé and I are currently on a cross country road trip from Idaho to Ohio. On our stop in Kansas City, we decided to eat at this restaurant. This spot was a vibe. They had a mix of Jamaican and Nigerian music From the time we walked in the door until we left we were treated with such hospitality and kindness. The ladies up front were so nice and took their time to give us some good suggestions and answer our questions about the menu. My fiancé ordered the Egusi stew with goat and I had the oxtail. We also ordered a beef patty (of course) and their beef skewer. We were so hungry, we forgot to take pictures of our appetizers lol. Everything came out in a timely manner and the taste was amazing. The oxtail was so tender and fell right off the bone. The egusi goat stew was rich in flavor and wonderful texture. We also got some sorrel drinks. read more

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Do yourself a favor and get the Beef Suya meal. Simply amazing. It elevates beef and peanuts to a transcendental experience. The jollof rice and cabbage are perfect accompaniments. The staff and service are exceptional. read more

yum I have only had Jamaican food a few times in my life but this blew me outta the water! We got beef patty, jerk chicken, oxtail and a pink ting (grapefruit soda). The meat comes w rice and peas, cabbage and corn bread. Bruhhhhhhh!!!! Fire. All of it was good. Jerk chicken was spicy and so flavorful. They didn't have any veggie patties or plantains when we went (around 3pm on a Sunday). Can't wait to try the plantains next time. The owner was really sweet, helpful and generous - she made us feel special by delivering food to our table by name. After we cleaned our plates, I told her I haven't tried Nigerian food yet so she brought out the sooyah (don't know how to spell it) on a stick - for free! WOW!!! It was an amazing experience of flavors, fantastic. Music videos playing w good music, loved the decor, cool chess set and hanging chair. read more

Wait hol' up! Went here for Jamaican food and they ALSO had Nigerian? Bet! Got some patties, the chicken was fire! Washed it down with Kola champagne. They were out of curry goat so I got the oxtails. Best I ever had! I'm from Philly so used to good Jamaican, this was exceptional. Plus I got fufu with my oxtail, made to perfection. My daughters got the Rasta Pasta. It was amazing. Too spicy for the 5 year old but the 8 year old loved it! And the ambiance made me feel like I was in West Africa. The only downside was that we had to wait a looonnnggg time to get our food. But the food, environment and service was way too good to knock off any points. I mean, it's slow food so go expecting to take your time. read more