Coming here for a casual lunch was a great opportunity to experience the flavors of native American foods. Located in the Fruitvale area right next to the BART station, you will need to be mindful of where you park. Since we were here on a Sunday afternoon we were able to utilize the BART lot for free. The interior is bright, simple and open space with several tables. We chose to dine outside under the giant tree covered patio. It's a nice relaxing space, and the owners do a good job of keeping the panhandlers from bothering the diners. The girls running the store on this Sunday were super sweet, attentive and helpful throughout our stay. The four of us shared several dishes and all were really quite good. Everything was very fresh and well prepared. Know before you go... Wahpepah's Kitchen specializes in true native American cuisine. The food is simply prepared, fresh and local which means the menu may change depending upon what is available locally as the seasons change. I love that aspect, and their commitment to sourcing fresh local products. Of all the items we ordered, I personally loved the bison frybread and bison tacos (meat eater here), the mushroom and pumpkin seed mole and the Three Sisters veggie bowl were also great. read more

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Small shop but gets crowded fast! We had reservations, so we were good to go! :-) Every single thing we ordered was delicious. We tried: Hibiscus Tacos Bison Meatballs (A personal favorite!) Kickapoo Bison Chili Hibiscus & Corn Silk Tea (So refreshing!) Interestingly, the meal reminded me of flavors from different parts of the world--it's amazing how cooking styles diffuse globally. The frybread has strong similarities to a Cantonese fried dough called ham chim peng (sometimes served plain like this, or stuffed with red or sweet lotus paste). The bison chili also vaguely reminded me of a hearty minestrone soup, albeit with a richer tomato base. Our absolute standouts were the meatballs and the corn silk tea. Definitely a spot worth checking out, just make sure to book ahead! Service was good. read more

can't believe i have bit posted my review! been dozen times and each time has been delish and a bit hit with anyone brought with. Location is convenient that it's in the commercial area immediately next to Fruitvale BART but can be loud if sitting in the otherwise nice patio. inside is like a quiet oasis filled with sounds of people enjoying the food. Parking can be challenging. Worth it for the food tho. personal faves: tostadas, mush, three sisters, tacos, breakfast/brunch. F&F faves: buffalo meatballs, buffalo sticks, read more

Date: 3/8/2026 Time: 1:45 PM 68° Warm My male companion and I were at FansFest 2026 at Fruitvale Village. He and I were searching for this restaurant. He couldn't find the location of the restaurant on his mobile phone, so I called to find out where were they located. (Location is near the BART Station. It used to be a Chinese restaurant.) He was eager to try the bison stew. We didn't arrive at the restaurant until 1:45, 15 minutes before they were closing. Perusing the menu, we decided to order two bowls of bison stew. The choice of side was fry bread, tortilla, tortilla chips or cornbread. Since it was almost closing time, the waitress brought only one bowl of bison stew and the frybread. They ran out of the stew. My date didn't get cornbread. He was disappointed and somewhat wasn't feeling like having anything. Well, I don't operate like that - eat and don't share what I am having. Mama taught me better. The waitress brought a small bowl and a serving utensil, so my date and I could enjoy the stew and frybread. When I am blessed, the blessing is shared. My date and I never had frybread. He wasn't sure about the frybread. Myself, I am adventurous in eating something that I am willing to try the first time. The bison stew and frybread were bomb-diggity delicious. So tasty and perfectly seasoned that I wanna slap the cook and his/her mama. (Figuratively speaking. LOL) Minor drawback: Flatware was not provided. I can't slurp hot piping stew from the bowl. Asked and we received. It was all good. Return visit: Mos Def, and I am not talking about the rapper. That bison stew is hella delicious. There are no words to describe the frybread, as it left me grinning from ear to ear. Besides, there are other items on the menu I would like to enjoy, and savor the flavorings of delicious food. Bon appetite! read more

Wahpepah’s Kitchen - Salad Near Me - Oakland, California

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I've been wanting to try Wahpepah's Kitchen since it opened! I love trying Native American cuisines, and this is so easy to find, just right in Fruitvale Plaza right in front of the Fruitvale BART station. Service was friendly and prompt. I came walking in on a Friday afternoon with no reservation around 1pm, and was promptly seated and told I can sit anywhere I want. Portions are HUGE! That surprised me, and everything was worth the price. I enjoyed: Bison steak--steak is delicious, gamey, and chewy. The elderberry vinaigrette was delicious. Whatever I didn't finish for the salad, I ate it up with the frybread. The potato wedges were sooooo bomb! Frybread--I'm a sucker for flatbreads in any cuisine (like the Chinese/Taiwanese scallion pancakes, Indian naan, Middle Eastern pita, Ethiopian injera, etc), so despite the frybread's controversial and traumatic history (google to learn more), this is a must-order for me at any Native American establishment. Methiikwaki Piipihskihii (Cornbread)--Northern ute corn bread, with a side of maple cream. The blue cornbread was delish! Even though this is listed as a side, I finished this last for dessert. Restroom is outside, which is a bit of a hassle. I will definitely be returning to Wahpepah's Kitchen for more! read more

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Last two years we've driven from Santa Rosa for my son's birthday and it's always worth it. The bison fry bread tacos are amazing the fry bread is warm and fluffy with just the right crisp on the outside. The bison steak with blueberry sauce was delicious; I tried a piece and it was tender and well balanced. My son loves bison, and this is his favorite spot. We'll definitely be back. Service is good and the ambiance is casual. Would love to see some fry bread desserts added to the menu that's the one thing missing. read more

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Love the bison soup and meatballs. Everything has a pure and clean taste to it. No msg no added fake flavor enhancement - no mysterious fillers. I can't say enough good about the food. Bison in the soup was tender and the vegetables perfectly cooked. Not overly salty - just perfect. The bison meatballs were so flavorful too. No fluff, no filler - just pure meat - very, very special. If you are used to McNuggets it might be shocking what real food tastes like. The blueberry sauce it came with was bright and colorful and full of flavor. The cornbread a bit different and so soft it crumbled so easily. Beyond the excellent quality food is a friendly family that runs the restaurant. Fast, efficient and friendly - in a very warm and welcoming space. Eat inside or out on the patio or do take out like I did. It is convenient to Fruitvale Bart - in fact it is the closest store to the exit of the Bart train. If you are in the neighborhood before 2pm be sure and stop by. read more

Wahpepah’s Kitchen - Bison soup - Salad Near Me - Oakland, California

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I have enjoyed this eatery's food on two separate occasions and both experiences were great! The first was at the 2-Spirit Festival at Fort Mason where they had a tent selling fry bread tacos. That was the perfect meal for the chilly day and I immediately fell in love with fry bread! My second experience was at the restaurant location in Oakland where I was able to try more items from their menu. I came with another vegan friend and we both enjoyed every dish! I highly recommend if you like fresh ingredients in your food. read more

Wahpepah’s Kitchen - Miinaki - Blue Corn Mush - Salad Near Me - Oakland, California

Wahpepah's has been on my list for a while and I'm glad we finally did. We ordered the Mushroom Pumpkin Seed Mole, the Bison Frybread Taco, and the Blue Corn Mush. The pumpkin seed mole was rich, the mushrooms had good char on them, and the corn tortillas that came with were nice and soft. Overall, the flavor was a bit on the lighter side and I would've personally preferred a dash more seasoning in general. I ended up leaning pretty heavily on the chili oil and hot sauce that came with the frybread taco to give it the extra kick. Husband really enjoyed the frybread itself (how could you go wrong with fried dough?), but said he wished there was more bison meat. We both quite enjoyed the blue corn mush, which was just the right amount of sweetness. It was basically like the dessert version of polenta and rounded out the meal nicely. Both of us were worried at first that there wouldn't be enough food, but the richness of the meal really stuffs you up by the end. Environment was pretty relaxed overall and service was attentive and prompt. Parking was tough -- we were looking for close to 30 minutes. If you can take the BART there, I'd definitely recommend it. read more

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This was the first time I've been to a Native American restaurant. I love Native American frybread and bison, both which are served here. I had the bison frybread taco. That was really good. The frybread made to perfection. The prices are reasonable especially considering how much food is on a plate. The service was great. The restaurant is located in a small mall, adjacent to the Fruitvale BART station. Parking. Good luck! I parked in a garage around the corner. I definitely recommend this restaurant. read more

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This food is incredibly unique, delicious, and inspired. I wish more like this place existed and that it had a dinner service here. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable and the art in the restaurant is unique. Every dish offers something new and great care is taken to respect and highlight culture and care for sustainability and the environment. It's very conveniently located next to the bart station too so please consider here next time you go out! I can't recommend it enough! read more

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I have been wanting to coming here for years and finally made it! There are so few indigenous restaurants around. The bison tacos were incredible. I got them on the recommendation of the server - I was planning on getting the fry bread tacos, but I'm so glad I got these. The tortillas were like nothing I've had before and were incredible! The bison flavor was amazing, too. The corn silk tea and potato taquitos were interesting but not my favorites, personally. Not bad just not to my taste. read more

Wahpepah’s Kitchen - Bison tacos - Salad Near Me - Oakland, California

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Everything here is fantastic. We got the three sisters bowl, the deer stew, salmon tostada, and the mushroom tacos. We also got the fry bread and acorn crepe. The two drink options were also very delicious :) it was a good combo of trying very different things off the menu to get a good tasting of what they have to offer. read more

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Really great! Got the chili and cornbread. Fresh and flavorful, and it is really close to BART.

What a food experience! First off, we didn't even drive here, we just took the Bart and it was right outside of the Fruitvale exit. So that's a huge plus. We did make reservations because there were four of us and it does get busy because they are only open for a short timeframe. In any case, onto the food! We got there a few minutes early and we got seated right away. The only thing about our seats was that the majority of it was in the sun and that day, the sun was sunning (super bright!). The decor was simple and if you sit near the wall with the display, you can read and look at things. The servers were all so friendly and they didn't bother us much. They brought water when they saw that we were running out so they were definitely attentive. We ordered two sides and five entrees. The sides were Ohpeniya (Potato Wedges), which were pretty good since there were various types of potatoes. It was also soft in the inside and crunchy on the outside. The dipping sauce was like a chili oil but not spicy. We also got the Manoomini (Hand Harvested Wild Rice Fritters). These were so so good. I wished it was a meal because it was cooked well and the flavor was excellent. Nothing was overpowering one and the crema was excellent sauce to dip the fritter in. Would definitely order this again. As for the mains, I got the Chaakisii Memeethaki (Salmon Tostada). This was huge. It's so filling because of the potato that was in there. Btw, the potato was basically a chunky mash and I loved it because it gave another texture to the dish. There wasn't much salmon on it but the amount I got, it was cooked well and properly. I wish there was a bit more salmon. Also, even with the heavy toppings on top, the tostada kept its crunch. It didn't get soggy at all. This was a really great dish. The other entrees that were ordered were the Three Sisters Veggie Bowl (I didn't try it but it looked so good), Miisiikwaa Keetaheehi (bison fry bread taco), Chipaeesiihooni Aapikooni (Wild native mushroom pumpkin seed mole). The mole was very mild and while it all worked together with all the items in the bowl, this was just okay for me. Overall, the food was excellent. The other dishes, from what I've been told, were also very very delicious. I wish I did try the fry bread but I got full with the two sides and my tostada. I would definitely come back again because of the different options that they had. I do like that they have a lot of dishes that are vegetarian friendly. Love it here, I need to go back already! read more

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After finding an indigenous food restaurant via a friend's recommendation, I'm happy to say I made a trek here. There's a lot of things on the menu that could be challenging and a few more approachable options. But you do get a selection of new flavors and cooking that you're just not going to find elsewhere. From bison tacos to fry bread, it's all just a really great and fresh flavor waiting to be had. Don't miss the hibiscus tea either. read more

Wahpepah’s Kitchen - Rice fritters. - Salad Near Me - Oakland, California

A small group of us came here for lunch on a Saturday afternoon and we each ordered something different. We had the Kickapoo chili with fry bread, a bison fry bread taco, the steak and fries, a salmon tostada, the Three Sisters Veggie Bowl, and the wild mushroom and pumpkin seed mole. Of course we had to try each others' dishes to taste everything; is this a female trait or do males do it, too? We oohed and aahed at each dish, but I could've used a bit of salt on a couple of them. The mushroom and pumpkin mole was especially delicious and the Three Sisters Veggie bowl was the most colorful. The fry bread was very good and great for sopping up a lot of the sauces. My dish was the salmon tostada. It was really good, but the sweet potato definitely took front stage and the salmon had a very minor role in the dish; in fact, there was so little salmon that it wouldn't have mattered much if it wasn't included. We all shared the blue corn mush that they listed as part of their "sweets". Truthfully, I would've been happier having it at breakfast than as a dessert; it just gave me a craving for something that was more of a dessert in my mind. In fact, one person immediately went and got some beignets at another shop when we were done at Wahpepah's Kitchen. The venue was very clean and beautiful with the mural and painted columns. Lots of things to keep your eyes occupied while there. I believe they had regular chairs at tables, too, but we sat at a table with benches on either side. The table was a bit wobbly, so we kept sloshing our water and drinks when someone would accidentally hit the table. Everything was good enough that I definitely wouldn't balk at returning. Very unique and definitely worth a try. read more

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When people are rude, I wish they could be nicer. Like the woman at the counter today. Saturday, February 21, 2026. I walked into the kitchen and asked the woman at the counter if they still have the special that they've had since the SNAP benefits shut down she said, "We don't have that!" And handed me menu, "It's not on the menu anymore." If I could go to a restaurant in this economy and spend money from the regular menu, I wouldn't have to ask for the for the special. I will never ever ever go to that restaurant again. read more

Wow felt like I had big meal at home so cozy and food tasted so fresh and wholesome so impressed will definitely come back here again! Highly recommend! Ordered buffalo stew with fried bread and dear meat skewers so yummy. read more

Wahpepah’s Kitchen - Salad Near Me - Oakland, California

Food with looking fabulous on line so I have to check this place out. The ambience was very catering to the customers, placing clean and service was quick and warm with hospitality. read more

Wahpepah’s Kitchen - Salad Near Me - Oakland, California

I've had my eye on Wahpepah's Kitchen for a long while now, and finally got to experience them when I came out to the Bay with my partner for a hockey game last week! The food is so good--I've never had anything quite like it, except for the frybread. Very unique and very cool to eat from an entirely indigenous menu. It's beautiful inside. Really bright and the art work on the walls and columns is absolutely stunning. We started with the Manoomini, the rice fritters, and they were a delightful balance of savory and sweet. We also tried some iced teas (and they were patient and kind enough to remake mine because I was a bonehead) which were delicious! Definitely try the corn silk and cota Indian teas. For entrees, we ordered the Chipaeesihooni Aapikooni, the Wild Native Mushroom Pumpkin Seed Mole, and the Miisiikwaa Keetaheehi, the Bison Frybread Taco. Both were excellent! I'll never forget that pepita green mole! We closed the meal out with the Mehtekomini, the acorn crepe. The flavor was great, but I wasn't crazy about the texture. It was springy like mochi. That's just a personal preference though. There are just two reasons I couldn't give the full five stars. First, it's expensive. That's definitely reflected in the quality of the ingredients. But I couldn't make this my regular lunch spot, because of the prices. Secondly, Fruitvale's kinda rough around the edges. Everyone kinda keeps to themselves though, especially around lunchtime. I'd definitely come back for the next seasonal menu change. read more

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Cute location in fruitvale near the Bart station. Great service. Honestly the food was really good -- great flavors but seemed to miss cohesion in the dishes overall. Definitely worth a visit, especially for trying new food and ingredients. Chokecherry soda - it was good. Light, not too sweet. Spouse says it tastes a bit like the preserved plum drink at Chinese places. Definitely worth trying. Pumpkin seed mole - Yum! The pumpkin seed mole was delicious! Great toasted pumpkin seed flavor and delicious perfectly cooked mushrooms. Definitely worth getting! Came with a couple of blue corn tortillas that were a bit dry and overpowered the sauce. My biggest complaint here is the beans. While they were perfectly cooked, they seemed plain and lacking flavor, and when eaten with the mole just overpowered it so it tasted like bean. The dressed lettuce on the plate was very good, with a slightly sweet dressing, though didn't seem to really go with the dish. Didn't really seem like a composed dish overall. But the mole is so good it's worth getting. Bison Flatbread - the flatbread was absolutely perfect! Could've used a bit more bison and it definitely tasted like ground bison (I saw some comments that it didn't). Comes with salsa (yummy), chili oil (also a great pairing), and pickled jalapeño (definitely the best accompaniment). My biggest complaint again is the beans that unfortunately detract from the bunch and just make it taste like plain beans. Unfortunately the toppings overall seemed more like just some toppings on a flatbread than it seemed like composed dish. This was the only item I ordered I would change. If I'd known I probably would've gotten the flatbread and deer sticks instead. Or maybe the bison meatballs. Cornbread - the cornbread was surprisingly moist considering that full grain cornbread is usually more dense. It definitely tasted like blue corn, though a bit too bitter when not rated with something else. The maple cream on top was great when you got enough with a bite to offset some of the bitterness, but I definitely could've used more. Overall this was a delicious side and I would recommend trying. read more

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Who doesn't love Native American food? Anyone? Every time I look at Native American dishes, they're quite similar to Mexican dishes, in a whole new perspective. But what's apart from Mexican eats was the one thing that I remembered the most was the fry bread. Looked large, crispy, and fluffy on the outside, it's good to decorate what's on the puffed up dough, such as strawberries and whipped cream. At Wahpepah's Kitchen, I barely waited to see what I love to try. Pumpkin Seed Mole, with shiitake mushrooms, black beans, leafy greens, and a pair of homemade corn tacos; hard to describe how it taste like, so I say creamy and nutty in good quality flavors altogether. Blue Corn Mush with various berries for dessert; tasted like steel cut oatmeal and less sugary. I have yet to discover more on Native American food of its Native language. The service here in Wahpepah's Kitchen went well, with women who look like they came from the indigenous land of another time. Wish I could try game meat dishes one last time, but the number of bison herds, deers, and venison are still limited. That's why I still opt for plant based dishes to satisfy. If anyone wants to experience Native American dishes in Wahpepah's Kitchen, now's the better time to make reservations. Walk-ins are welcome as long as there's enough tables to dine. read more

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The presentation of the food is excellent and the menu is truly unique. My favorite things were the maple latte and the frybread taco (even though it's a little hard to hold!). The cornbread was a little dry but still tasty, and the acorn crepe was a perfect dessert to share. read more

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Wow- such a great meal in an unassuming restaurant. The mole with greens and beans sounds basic but it was fine dining for sure! Homemade tortillas, amazing mole sauce, fresh seasonal ingredients. Definitely coming back! read more

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Great food and friendly staff! So great to have a Native restaurant in the bay, so lovely and reminds me of my grandma's cooking! read more

This was my first time here, was recommended by a fellow native. I really like the open big windows in the restaurant. The service was fast and friendly. My favorite that I tried was the sweet potato. The bison Indian taco was ok. I asked for something spicy and the woman was nice and brought me two sauces in a bottle. The hibiscus drink was more on the tart side. I like it a little bit more sweeter so the gave me maple syrup to add and it was perfect. Super refreshing and had a cute flower as a garnish. If you haven't tried native food please come here and try. They have many other options. Like bison stew and other authentic recipes. Overall the ingredients were fresh and made to order! read more

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This was our second time at Wahpepah's Kitchen and it was just as incredible as I remembered. The dishes were different than our previous visit, which showcased the chef's creativity. Every dish was inspired and emphasized the freshness and integrity of each ingredient. The fry bread was stand out delicious and was especially tasty when dipped in the bison chili stew. The flavor combinations are pleasantly unique. And finally, the interior is vibrantly colored and compliments the delicious food. read more

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We tried the deer sticks, wild native mushroom pumpkin seed mole, bison frybread taco, and smoked rabbit tacos off the restaurant's spring menu which changes seasonally. We took some of it to go, cuz there was so much we wanted to try. Our faves were the deer sticks and the bison frybread taco, so much flavor without being salty, the frybread not too oily, just fluffy and delicious. The jalapenos that came on the side added just the right spice, and all of the sauces that came on the side were really good too. We weren't exactly disappointed with the smoked rabbit tacos, but the handmade tortillas are what shined in this dish. This unique restaurant is located at Fruitvale Village, with a bright and inviting atmosphere, and both indoor and outdoor seating available. They take reservations online, so it was easy to make lunch plans here on a Sunday around noon. We received excellent service from the staff, answering our questions, and helping us to anything we needed during our visit. Overall, we had a positive experience and really liked the diverse menu options, and combination of flavors and quality ingredients used. Wouldn't hesitate to return, just need to check the changing menu to make sure my faves are being offered. read more

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the restaurant has a beautiful ambiance and the service was chill as well. i loved the menu, the bison frybread taco was amazing. their blue cornbread was so delectable, it was so subtly sweet and the sauce was great too. read more

What a unique food experience! As a James Beard Rising Chef for 2022, you can expect the food to be high quality. The menu is very vegetarian friendly and healthy. While you might think that means it's not as tasty, it is quite the opposite. Everything was more flavorful than you would imagine by reading the ingredients. Minus half star because sadly they were out of 3 out of the 4 main entrees almost 2 hours before closing. Minus another half star for the location at the Fruitvale Bart Station, which can be more eventful than you'd want your time to be. Definitely worth a try if you're in the area! read more

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The food here was great quality. I do think all 3 of the things I tried were a little bland. I'll try more things on the menu before considering it a pattern, though. However, I was trying to stick to vegan/vegetarian options, so perhaps the meat options are where the flavor is at, but that's just a guess. The Cornbread (Piipihskihii, $6) was a little dry and lacking in flavor, although the maple drizzle saved it. I wanted more of the maple drizzle to add that moisture and flavor. The Sweet Potato Hibiscus Taquitos (Ihskopihpeniiya Peeskoneiihi Taquitos, $14) were good, but bland as well. They definitely needed a little bit more on the inside than just butternut squash to punch it up a notch. The Acorn Crepe w/ fruit was pretty good, although again, just a little dry and bland. I will definitely come back and try other items before finalizing my opinion. We came on a Sunday morning for lunch and there was no room to sit for an hour they said. It was also very cold outside, but even the outdoor seating wasn't available for an hour. So we just had to order our food to go. read more

The ingredients and item descriptions were so cool and we had really high hopes for this place. Unfortunately, overall was quite disappointed by the overall execution, we both felt the flavors were on the blander side throughout our meal (deer sticks, bison meatballs, blue corn mush, and sweet potato taquitos). That combined with the smaller portion sizes and higher end pricing left us unsatisfied. Was glad we tried it out though! read more

Wow- this place is super cute and has some really delicious food! The stew was piping hot and exploding with green chili flavor- YUM. I'd never had frybread before and this might be the best flatbread I've ever had. And it was HUGE. 7" diameter at least. I don't know if frybread is always made this big, but I am so full of crisp-on-the-outside-and-fluffy-on-the-inside bread goodness that I need to take a nap now. I also got some items to go (deer sticks and cornbread) and will definitely be back again to try the red chili and some tea. 4.5 stars! read more

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You know how you want to try new foods? Yeah? Well, that is where I was at today and it did not disappoint. Words like "indigenous," "of the earth," and "reclaim" piqued my interest that I made the trek out to fruitvale for this little gem. F O O D I didnt think I would be eating vegetarian today, but I did. I ordered the cornbread and the mole. The combination of sweet and savory was well pronounced. I didnt miss eating meat. The corn bread was tasty and looked beautiful with the maple drizzle on top. The mole was presented beautifully with the tortillas and the hue of the pepitas. It was great to see the mushrooms be highlighted. It reminded me more of soup though like a "cream of..." something. The hibiscus tea was not overly sweet; I wouldnt get it again and just stick with water. S E R V I C E There was only one server and she was very attentive. I asked her what was popular and because the menu has a few items, she was able to talk about the popular ones and the ones that she likes. A M B I A N C E Note you are in the fruitvale BART station and the location is not easy to find if you are driving and using directions. Located at the opposite end of the street, it is hidden from view. I parked in the non-valet garage which was pretty cheap. Indoors, the mix of art from pottery to murals to dried flowers made this place stand out. I appreciated that the server gave me a number and said that i could choose anywhere to sit. Now what I was not prepared for was the price. Be advised it is pricey for what seems like a quick sit down restaurant. Support local, support indigenous and be grateful for the ability to live off the land. read more

Wahpepah’s Kitchen - Hibiscus tea and cornbread - Salad Near Me - Oakland, California

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Indigenous restaurant that is very mindful in choosing Indigenous food sources with the chef's techniques. The menu and experience gives you a glimpse into a culture that I unfortunately was not familiar with growing up in the East Bay and eventually moving to Southern California (in my personal experience, I seriously have never been exposed to Indigenous cuisine save for the occasional fry bread stand I would see at some fairs, etc.) That's why when I learned of this restaurant from my friend originally from Oklahoma, who is Indigenous herself, I knew I had to try this spot run by Crystal Wahpepah, a member of the Kickapoo nation. Especially since this spot is located in the East Bay (right next to the Fruitvale BART station). I've actually tried to come here a few times before when visiting my family in the area - the first time it was closed for Native Am Heritage Day (totally makes sense), then it was closed in December (not sure why it was closed - should have been open according to the hours listed), but finally got to go when I came up for a family birthday. I took BART from the Oakland airport straight here as soon as I landed! (Third time is the charm) So....the menu isn't super extensive, but there are lots of options. And from the photos, the food looks absolutely beautiful. I was so excited so I had a problem narrowing down what I wanted... it was finally between the salmon tostada with some sides or a starter or the bison stew with the fry bread. I settled on the latter. I also wanted to try one of the drinks. Since it was cold outside, the comforting bison stew and hot mint tea was perfect. The stew had great flavors from fresh ingredients. So comforting and delicious. The tea had a nice froth to it and was slightly sweetened. Also a nice comforting addition to my meal. The fry bread reminded me of a flat, larger version of the Chinese doughnut you eat with porridge. Nice, slight crisp on the outside and chewy in the middle. Such a great accompaniment to the stew. Definitely would love to come back and try the salad and the tostadas...well pretty much would like to try the entire menu. Parking and service: on one of my previous visits, I was able to park a block away. On the time I was able to go in and used BART, the restaurant is literally right there when you exit the BART stop. Just a note: while I felt fine and safe, I also don't want to give a false sense of security. There are security guards in the area and the restaurant closes on the early side. I think the service was solid. The folks were friendly, but just know this feels more like a family run cafe. read more

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Even though I knew nothing about Wahpepah's Kitchen before my friend suggested coming here for lunch, I was immediately sold. Any restaurant recommended by friends automatically make my list of places to try and it certainly didn't hurt that Chef Crystal Wapepah was a James Beard award finalist. However, what really got my excited was learning that they serve indigenous Native American cuisine. More than it just being severely underrepresented in the Bay Area and beyond, but the everything about it just looked so good! While the area around Wahpepah's Kitchen admittedly doesn't have the best reputation, it'd be a shame if it deterred folks from coming here - it's truly a gem! Skimming through the menu, seeing dishes like tomales, taquitos, and tostadas may give the impression that the food here is similar in profile to Mexican cuisine, Wahpepah's flavors and offerings are truly distinct. Bison Meatballs? Deer Sticks? Smoked Salmon Tostadas? I mean it when I say that literally everything on the menu sounded amazing! What's more, the menu changes seasonally, so while some items seems to be consistently offered, like their Deer Sticks, the rest constantly offers something new to discover! -- CORN BREAD (Methiikwaki Piipihskiihi) - Heirloom White Corn Bread, Ground Juniper Berries, Maple Cream...$6 (https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/wahpepah-s-kitchen-oakland?select=hZsCmKp33XnwywryCU8Nhw) Not the best I've had, but this was pretty solid! The cornbread had a slightly crispy top yet was super moist on the inside (not nearly as crumbly as you might expect). I liked how the taste of it was also just slightly sweet, but the maple cream was a little too sweet (though it was tasty). -- DEER STICKS (Peesekithi-A) - Two Skewers of Charred Deer Meat Marinated in Indigenous Seasonings, Anaheim Pepper, and Choke Cherry Dipping Sauce...$18 (https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/wahpepah-s-kitchen-oakland?select=sHqYhz5hpP01TqSRklcTbA) I'd never had deer before this, so I wasn't really sure what to expect, but I thought this was pretty good! The chunks of deer were very juicy, not at all gamey (I assumed it would be), and tasted like a more tender/less meaty version of beef. -- SMOKED SALMON TOSTADA (Pahteewi Chaaskisii Memeethaki) - Hard Shell Tortilla, Refried Beans, White & Sweet Potato Mix, Cedar Smoked Salt, Pepita Crema, Pickled Onions, Watermelon Radish, Sliced Jalapenos, Cilantro, Maple Chili Oil...$16 (https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/wahpepah-s-kitchen-oakland?select=gufdYxmQ_1HYw2lRzQsn-g) Not only did this one look amazing, but it tasted even better! The shells were super crispy, the beans and potatoes added some heft without making this heavy, and the toppings added a bit of freshness and flavor. The salmon was the star though - smokey, flavorful, and just straight up delicious. -- CHEYENNE RIVER SHORT LOIN BISON SALAD (Miisiikwaa) - Seared Short Loin Bison with Mixed Greens, Honey Pecans, Golden Beets, Blueberries, Goat Cheese, and a Passmaquoddy Wild Blueberry and Honey Vinaigrette...$25 (https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/wahpepah-s-kitchen-oakland?select=hEsj60RXCXlwqb5DQQxfFA) To be honest, I had minimal expectations for this one (it's salad), but this was terrific! The chunks of bison were meaty, flavorful, and super tender. I liked the mix of cheese, fruits, and nuts too, helping to make a very fresh and filling salad. -- BERRY FRYBREAD (Miinaki Keetaheehi) - Frybread with Mixed Berries and Coconut Whipped Cream Topped with Maple Sugar...$12 (https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/wahpepah-s-kitchen-oakland?select=w607sDhuKe6Tg7Mq5wjgRw) I wasn't too crazy about this one, but that was at least partly due to just being so full! The bread had a nice, crispy exterior and a soft, piping hot interior. I also liked the mix of berries too, which wasn't overly sweet and how the cream had a subtle maple sugar flavor. As impressive as our meal was, though, the service here was was just as amazing! Our server was super friendly, happily answered our questions, and checked on us often. With regards to street parking, I can see what others mean about how it can be challenging around here. Given that, we heeded the advice of other Yelpers and headed straight to the Fruitvale BART parking lot, which had plenty of available spots on a Saturday afternoon. Between how awesome our meal was and how there were a few other dishes that caught my eye, I'd most definitely like to come back for more. The Bison Meatballs seemed especially interesting, but the Bison Stew on the current menu sounds perfect for this cold weather! While I do wish Wahpepah's Kitchen was a bit more conveniently located to where I am, they're worth going out of the way for to get something so unique and delicious! read more

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The bison taco was good, can't say I can tell it was bison but the frybread is excellent - like the best version of chalupa bread. Good chili oil too. Taquitos taste pretty good, and the chokecherry soda is awesome. Acorn crepes have a unique nice texture that's awesome Very nice waitress, turns out it's a family business from the front of house to kitchen. They source from other Natives in the US - Awesome read more

Sioux Chef Brainchild of Native American Chef Crystal Wahpepah of the Kickapoo tribe, Wahpepah's Kitchen features Native American cuisine that gives prominence to Indigenous ingredients served in some traditional and not-so traditional ways. Her cuisine and ethos had caught many eyes and landed her a spot on Food Network's "Chopped" (S28:E7 "Tortellini Trials") back in 2016, which lead to her turning her catering business into her first brick-and-mortar opening here at Oakland's Fruitvale Station in late 2021. The Good: *Dog-friendly outdoor seating *Menu is small but robust and has a bevy of vegan and/or gluten-free offerings. *Service was friendly and prompt *Produce sourced from Indigenous farms in the Bay Area that changes with the season, as does the menu depending on what's available. *Three Sisters Veggie Bowl was really delicious and had a nice marriage of textures and flavors. *Corn Silk Tea was unique but familiar tasting with nice corn flavor and subtle sweetness. *Blue Corn Bread is worth the hype. Soft and chewy with a nice stone-ground crunch and big mildly sweet corn flavor. The Maple Cream is a nice touch, as well. *Acorn Crêpe was fantasticly earthy, soft, and chewy with a delicious raspberry filling. The price tag is a bit high but worth it. The Meh: *Bison Stew was decent and became tastier as I ate it. However, when you consider the high price and the fact that I barely received no more than a half-dozen chunks of bison, it really wasn't with the nearly $25 price tag. *Limited street parking, but I guess there's a parking garage (cost?) one can park at, as well. The Ugly: *The restaurant location is, uh, kinda sus... The armed security guards are always a dead giveaway. TLDR: Overall, probably more like 3.5*, but there was enough here to make me want to return again at some point to try more of their dishes. read more

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Wahpepah's Kitchen was a different dining experience because they serve Native American dishes. I have had better fry bread tacos in DC. Their fry bread taco was missing chili and lacked toppings that other restaurant fry bread taco have. Plus they didn't have a few items I wanted to order. No bison chili and no corn bread. The parking was hard to find. I drove around for 15 minutes and couldn't find street parking available. Ended up parking in the small parking lot next to the restaurant that charges $3 an hour. read more