photo: Christina Mitchell
I first discovered Bissap Baobab over a decade ago (has it been that long?), when I was in grad school at San Francisco State University. It was eye opening to see how the Senegalese restaurant brought people together. The name is fitting because “Bissap Baobab” means hibiscus tree, which is traditionally the center of the community.
I have good news: the Oakland Bissap Baobab had a soft opening and community celebration on Sunday. There was a free buffet of samples from the menu and live music. They got me up to dance, but luckily, there’s no video. I don’t THINK there is, anyway.
The new location offers the same favorites served in San Francisco, like Yassa (lemon, onion mustard sauce) and Mafe (curry peanut sauce), but the owner also added several wraps (Tofu, Chicken, Tilapia, Beef, $8.50) to the Oakland menu for lunch on the go. I tasted the Tofu Wrap, which features homemade black eyed pea tofu. It has a lot more flavor than regular tofu, but the texture was kind of gritty. Still, vegetarians and veggie lovers should definitely try it. By the way, all of the meat is natural and halal, and the chicken and lamb were both tender.
photo: Christina Mitchell
They also serve homemade juice! I tried the tart Hibiscus-Ginger and sipped my way through two glasses. Can’t wait til they get their liquor license. Just sayin…
381 15th Street, Oakland
510-817-4722
Tues – Sun, 11am – 3pm
Dinner will be added later.
Christina Mitchell
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I’ve seen this place and never really took an interest but this may have changed my mind.