“To start off, I’ve never had Haitian food and didn’t know what to expect. After going to T’Chaka for lunch, I’m pleasantly surprised. Glad that I got a taste of Haiti. Food, service, ambiance, and decor is amazing.T’Chaka is located next to Swan’s Market in Old Oakland. Outside - there’s a colorful bright yellow sign with potted palm plants so place is hard to miss.Server was extremely friendly, helpful, and accommodating.Decor and ambiance - very colorful and vibrant. Haitian flag stood out to me. A lot going on with the paintings, fish tank, vases, wall fixtures, etc. Definitely feels like you’re walking into a local mom and pop restaurant that will serve authentic cuisine. A bit pricey - around $20 for each entree but the quality and time spent makes it worth.Unfortunately, I am pescatarian so I was unable to try the Oxtails, Jerk Chicken, or Griot. What a tragedy. But my co-worker said Oxtails were flavorful and delicious, went well with the fixings. She finished the whole plate and cleaned the bones off!Shrimp salad itself was flavorful - with passionfruit dressing. They also did not skimp on the shrimp - HUGE PLUS. As exotic as the dish sounds, the flavors went well together. Shrimp was well seasoned with a tangy, sweet, yet savory flavor. The passionfruit dressing itself was light, refreshing, and not overly sweet. Nice palette of flavors, definitely Caribbean-esque.Cocktails and dinner: I would especially recommend coming for their dinner menu or Saturday special and drinks. Cocktails looked very intriguing and would go well with menu offerings.I would definitely recommend this place. Haitian food is super underrated! Take advantage of going during Restaurant Week!“
“To start off, I’ve never had Haitian food and didn’t know what to expect. After going to T’Chaka for lunch, I’m pleasantly surprised. Glad that I got a taste of Haiti. Food, service, ambiance, and decor is amazing.T’Chaka is located next to Swan’s Market in Old Oakland. Outside - there’s a colorful bright yellow sign with potted palm plants so place is hard to miss.Server was extremely friendly, helpful, and accommodating.Decor and ambiance - very colorful and vibrant. Haitian flag stood out to me. A lot going on with the paintings, fish tank, vases, wall fixtures, etc. Definitely feels like you’re walking into a local mom and pop restaurant that will serve authentic cuisine. A bit pricey - around $20 for each entree but the quality and time spent makes it worth.Unfortunately, I am pescatarian so I was unable to try the Oxtails, Jerk Chicken, or Griot. What a tragedy. But my co-worker said Oxtails were flavorful and delicious, went well with the fixings. She finished the whole plate and cleaned the bones off!Shrimp salad itself was flavorful - with passionfruit dressing. They also did not skimp on the shrimp - HUGE PLUS. As exotic as the dish sounds, the flavors went well together. Shrimp was well seasoned with a tangy, sweet, yet savory flavor. The passionfruit dressing itself was light, refreshing, and not overly sweet. Nice palette of flavors, definitely Caribbean-esque.Cocktails and dinner: I would especially recommend coming for their dinner menu or Saturday special and drinks. Cocktails looked very intriguing and would go well with menu offerings.I would definitely recommend this place. Haitian food is super underrated! Take advantage of going during Restaurant Week!“