Crystal Wahpepah is an enrolled member of the Kickapoo nation of Oklahoma. She was born and raised in Oakland, California, on Ohlone land, surrounded by a multi-tribal, tight-knit, urban Native community. Crystal’s objectives for Wahpepah’s Kitchen are threefold:
(1) to acknowledge that we live on stolen land; and (2) how that acknowledgement connects to the reclamation of Native food ways (food sovereignty); as well as
(3) to educate communities and organizations on the health benefits of Native food ways using the knowledge passed onto her.
Wahpepah’s Kitchen
Wahpepah’s Kitchen · Where to find us? We are located at 3301 East 12th St Suite #133, Oakland, CA, 94601 · Further location details? · Where to park? · Parking …
Hazel M.
My first taste of Native American food was absolutely worth the 7 hour drive from LA.
Made a reservation with a specific seating request and they were very accommodating. The server was very patient and helpful with answering questions, explaining the dishes, and made a great recommendation as an alternate choice.
The items i ordered were very much an experience in sweet & savory. Very different yet also somewhat reminiscent of food I already enjoy (Mexican, Central American, Korean). The food was served fairly quickly, hot, and had a simple but attractive presentation. I shamelessly finished both the appetizer and main myself and I left feeling comfortably full with plenty of energy for the rest of my drive. Hearty yet light.
The parking garage of the plaza closes on weekends and street parking around it appears to be 1 hour only. Also, the patio overlooks the BART station so it might be a good alternative to driving.
… moreLuke Miles
Wahpepah’s Kitchen offers a unique and delicious experience for anyone craving authentic Indigenous cuisine. Located in Oakland, California, the restaurant is a gem that combines traditional Native American flavors with a modern twist. The owner, Wahpepah, brings her heritage and culinary skills to the table, making it a place where you can explore the rich and diverse food culture of Native American tribes.
One of the standout dishes is the frybread, a crispy, golden treat that pairs perfectly with various toppings like savory meats or sweet jams. The bison chili is also a fan favorite, offering a hearty and flavorful taste of Native American comfort food. Wahpepah’s Kitchen prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients, ensuring that each dish not only tastes fresh but also supports sustainable practices.
The atmosphere of the restaurant is warm and welcoming, with a deep respect for Native traditions and culture. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, making the dining experience even more enjoyable.
If you’re looking for something new and flavorful, Wahpepah’s Kitchen is a must-try. It’s not just a meal; it’s a journey into Indigenous culinary traditions that you won’t soon forget. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, this spot is definitely worth the visit!
… moreAarushi G
Good food – the fry bread was FANTASTIC, loved the cornbread w maple glaze – wish there was a bit more of the glaze cuz it got a little dry by the end. Liked the corn silk tea – very similar to the earthiness of brown rice green tea.
Stew was very very rich, not much wild rice but plenty of bison.
Lovely table set ups and plating.
… moreHilary Payton
I have been meaning to try this place for ages and it didn’t disappoint. Staff were helpful and friendly. Atmosphere was warm and friendly. And the food was not just excellent but unique and offering unexpected flavors. I loved my bison stew with fry bread!
… moreRenee Gomes
I cannot express how much I enjoyed the catered version of this incredibly delicious fare presented by a talented team of staff. I look forward to visiting the brick and mortar location during my travels to try other offerings. The Bison and Salomon was just divine, the wild rice fritter was unexpectedly sweet and the cookies are crisp and rich with delightful chocolate chips. So thankful for this offering from the chef’s.
… moreAhlam Taik
The food was very average. I expected to taste some new flavours profiles or something different as they portray themselves to be this unique Native American restaurant, but I was very disappointed. I also found a hair in my 22 dollars salad, which was really disgusting. I won’t come here again as I hate places that try to be pretentious and have extremely high prices just to find hair in your food.
… moreLisa
Had the fry bread and mushroom tacos with handmade blue corn tortillas. As a vegetarian I appreciated having several options to choose from and love the spirit of this restaurant.
… morePamela A Goodwin
I came here with my mom and daughter for lunch and truly enjoyed the experience. It is nestled inside of the Fruitvale Village where the Fruitvale BART station is, so parking was a challenge. This restaurant is small but it is clean and quiet. The menu has a lot of items that I’m going to call delicious looking. I’m also excited to go back to try some of the Bison dishes. They accept cash as well as card and the service was very professional and welcoming. The food service was pretty fast. The presentation on the plates was beautiful and the food was very enjoyable. I especially love the sauce that came with the deer sticks. The acorn crepe was also delicious!
I do not recall seeing alcohol beverages but they do have three different teas that I can remember
… moreMolly Ireland
Perfect service (fast, happy to chat about Kansas and Oklahoma) and ambience (outside under a huge, peaceful tree). Unreal food. So delicious, unique, colorful, and healthy. I especially loved that everything is naturally gluten free but the fry bread, and there are many vegan (dairy-free and egg-free) options. Everything was rich, complex, and nutritious. I wish there were more restaurants like this.
… moreShar “MP” C
This was my first experience with Indigenous cuisine and I loved it! Everything we ordered was so nicely sourced and delicious. We had the bison meatballs with blueberries, deer sticks, mushroom pumpkin seed mole, cornbread, sweet potato tostada, pinto beans, and the blue corn mush dessert and the berry pudding. Most of the menu is gluten free, which is great for gluten sensitive people. Everything was nicely seasoned and well balanced. I love how healthy and fresh the food is, and my tummy was humming a happy tune all day! I highly recommend eating here and experiencing this amazing cuisine.
… more