Kendejah Restaurant
San Leandro
(335)
San Leandro
(335)
335 customer reviews
Kimo B.
"For 50 bucks? I'd put my face in the soup and blow!" Â - George Costanza, SeinfeldDa Scene: Â I'm quietly catching up on things in my office and one of my staff IM's me "there's Ox Tail on the corner". Â 1) They NEVER ask me to lunch, but I can't be that much of an ass if they give me the heads up on the good stuff, right? 2) It's winter, cold and 1pm, running on a handful of supplements and a coffee, I decide to go for it. Â Bright red truck, you can smell the goodness as you approach. Dougy is in front of what I assume is his business, his restaurant's mobile version - food truck. Â Your senses soar as you approach the goodness...He's talkin' to folks as they stroll buy offering tastes of anything on the menu. Â While there were many options on the truck menu (vegetarian too) my Mission was clear Ox Tail.Da Grub: Â Dougy steers me towards the combo plates and advises "if you want to really feel the flavor of the Ox Tail, go with the standard Red Beans & Rice, save the Jollof rice for chicken or snapper plates". ALRIGHTEE-THEN, I wanna feel the Ox Tail, heck I'd mainline the stuff if I didn't worry about my life expectancy! Â Got a 2nd order with fried plantains for the wife - she's not in Oakland anymore so didn't want to have to explain why I had Ox Tail for lunch and she was outta luck... Really good stuff! Â Lovingly simmered slow to perfect tenderness (like I do!), any longer and it would fall off the bone. Gravy is uncomplicated, and rich, loose enough so it soaks right into the red beans & rice. Â I'll admit I wish I had gotten some greens, a little bitter & crunchy would've been nice. Â When you can't simmer your own Ox Tail for 1/2 a day you know where to go.Da Service: Â In the truck the food is all there, just needs to be plated. Â Super quick and convenient, I'll pass the word on to my Kaiser Permanente folks, Kendejah is the real deal. Â Dougy was a cool cat and chatted with me while the grub was gettin' together. Â Looking forward to trying the restaurant since is literally 5 minutes away from Bishop O'Dowd... those "no-cook" nights will be better soon... Tell Dougy that Joey sent ya! More...
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Arturo C.
First off I would like to say that the place was delicious and thanks Dougie for the great experience an excellent customer service. Soon as I answer the door as soon as i enter the door i was acknowledge,welcomed and offered a seat. Since I was getting to go, the necessary for me to sit down but since he offered I took it what I was waiting for my food. I soon as I order I would say less than 10 minutes my food was ready all of the oxtail with the rice it was delicious couldn't finish it good size portion more than you can eat for the price that you paying for and I Â eat more than the average person does. Even though my food was to go, Â I decided to eat there afyer all and was talking to the lady that I gave a ride there is she was the one who recommended me the place since I do Uber and I end up eating there. Great music in the background very nice colorful place in the inside at a good location I mean what more can you ask for at least 5 Stars if I can give 10 I would. Thanks again we'll be coming back to this place and now I have a new taste for West African food!!! Amazing!!! More...
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Novelty B.
We were in the area and decided to try this place, having no idea what Liberian food was. It was a great decision!The food was excellent: satisfying and homey without being too oily or heavy. My favorite was the oxtail stew and the joloff rice. The staff was incredibly nice. They had Liberian music videos on, which was fun to see, and didn't prevent us from having a conversation. Plenty of seating, clean bathrooms, great all around. I plan to return! More...
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Emily E.
Awesome restaurant really friendly service. Â I was happy with the food and the service. Â This restaurant also has an interesting history and explains the historical perspective of Liberia and the food.
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Brooke F.
Y'all better find this food truck or go to the restaurant cause this is the best oxtail and jollof rice in the bay. I ran across this food truck today in downtown Oakland and the man outside gave me a sample of the oxtails, chicken and rice and omg it was delicious. I just had lunch otherwise i would have tore up a whole plate! I will hunt this truck down next time I'm in Oakland and need lunch. More...
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Remy T.
Oh. My. DAYS. We ducked in here after work on a rainy night. I'd never had Liberian food, so I kept closer to home with some oxtail stew over rice and beans. Split a jumbo order that fed two hungry people. The gravy was rich and delicious. The cornbread was warm and moist and dense and just sweet enough. And they have my favorite Bundaberg ginger beer! Service was incredibly quick and friendly. Nice neighborhood atmosphere, with good lighting and background music. We will definitely be back! More...
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Cadence And Cole W.
We saw the truck around Lake Merritt, at Off the Grid and we finally decided to try it. The service is amazing. Have never had Liberian food before and Dougie made some great recommendations. Kept the order simple with Jollof Rice & Chicken Gravy Combo. This plate comes with plantains that are delicious, the chicken was covered in a tasty sauce and there was plenty of jollof rice to go around. Reasonably priced for the amount of food you receive and with friendly service you can't eat it. If you've never had Liberian food give it a try! More...
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Candi B.
Incredible food. Went with a group for the first time a few months ago and I've been completely addicted since.
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Tamika W.
Goat soup with fufu was good. Nice hostess/waitress/buser. Girl was doing it all! Nice area to watch videos or have an conversation after dinner. Nice little hole in the wall
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Nazim H.
Dougie the owner is the man awesome awesome restaurant awesome food so happy that theres a place like this in the bay such a blessing I pray that this restaurant get super pouplaur because it really deserves it much love and blessings thank you for a wonderful meal GOD Bless you all.
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Chidiebere Sumo
Enjoyed the food and the service. I have been looking for a Liberian restaurant for awhile and I'm glad I found this one. Thank you for the great dining experience.
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Zakiya M.
Food is BOMB!! I wish they gave more oxtails for the price i only got 3 oxtails and at least 3 servings of rice and beans
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Semuteh F.
Was craving Liberian food and have been meaning to try Kendejah for a while! My sister and I (both originally from Liberia and Vai) came here with a childhood friend who was interested in trying our food. We came on Saturday-their traditional dishes change daily. We ordered Torborgee andpeanut soup with fufu and some jollof rice. Portions are huge and food was delicious! Torborgee was some of the best I've had and the fufu was cooked perfectly. The jollof could have used some heat but I tend to like my food with pepper. It's better than any jollof you'll eat from another west African restaurant (Nigerian and Ghana jollof can't hold a flame to Liberian jollof). Our server brought us pepper sauce which is VERY HOT but I loved it-you just need a tiny bit.Service was kind and the vibe is authentic. Plus they have a food truck and do catering! These Vai girls will be back for sure! More...
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Arely L.
Chicken gravy with Jollof rice combo is so good we came back for seconds. We found them tonight at Friday's at OAK museum. We met Dougie and honestly? He's got a new customer for life. Chicken was juicy. So much rice!!! Honestly don't know how I'm fitting this much food in my belly. More...
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Chuck Scanlon
friendly staff, great portions and very tasty.
Reviewed on Facebook
Tattiana B.
Man I don't know what they do to the food here but it has crack inside it because it is addicting the shit so good make you wanna slapp yo momma lol
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Tony K.
First came across their food truck by Lake Merritt, we ended up visiting their restaurant in San Leandro. Â The ox tail stew was tender and delicious. Their chicken jollof rice was amazing. The fried red snapper was very fresh, crispy and flavorful. And the potato greens with smoked turkey and chicken was fabulous. Â They have special items for each day of the week.The decor is very nice, as is the cool African pop music video on the TV.We went there a bit late and they sold out on several items, including the fufu. Just more reason we've got to go back very soon. More...
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Lisa T.
Ordered the oxtail dish and jollof rice. Both were good, would come back again. Friendly staff as well.
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Cari A.
Spotted the Kendejah On Wheels food truck. Â They were parked on the Durant side of Unit 1 at UC Berkeley. The owner is a Cal alumni and really friendly- let my coworker and I try a sample. Â I came back the following day and ordered their oxtail combo for dinner. The prices are a little bit higher than other food trucks but the portion size is generous and the food tastes great!Pros:-friendly staff-oxtail is good. Â The sauce over their rice is perfectionCons:-a bit on the higher end in terms of cost (combos are $15.99-$24-99). But you should treat yourself every now and then :) More...
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Emeka V.
In the bay area for work and was in the mood for African food. Looked up some places and eventually decided to come here. Never had liberian food and always skeptical about non-Nigerian jollof . After much pondering, I ordered the Jollof rice with plantains and oxtail. It was so so good. The oxtail was soft(seamlessly falling off the bone) and really tasty. The rice exceeded my expectations. Not as spicy as nigerian jollof but was a tasty and didn't disappoint. Plantains were also on point. The waitresses here are so attentive, patient, and nice. Would recommend and return whenever in town . More...
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Nefertina Abrams
Wonderfully prepared, fresh and healthy food. A warm , Beautiful atmosphere with lovely waitresses who are prompt and attentive. A very endearing dinning experience. I can't recommend this restaurant highly enough. Go and see for yourself, take your family, friends, date everyone... you won't regret it. More...
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Amy K.
Delicious beans and rice, vegetarian gravy, plantains, and hot sauce (from fresh green chiles-yum!). The best meal ever from their cart by Lake Merritt. Thank you!
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Biggg J.
Great road trip for me. Â I enjoy the cassava leaf and rice, but everything appears to be good. Â Another road trip from Sacramento in the works. Â Oh cassava life only on Wednesday & Friday. More...
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Ralna Cummings Accius
Wonderful authentic Liberian cuisine! Comforting and cozy atmosphere! Great customer service!
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Brian D.
Really good. I really recommend the fufu and soup (it's goat). There's a couch with a TV steaming Liberian music videos so the kids can leave you alone!
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Charity M.
Was recommended by a friend, & babyyyyy I'm glad I went! Armani was a great server! Her customer service was bomb. Dougie (owner) has a great personality as well! Not to mention the food was bomb! I had the veggie Jollof, Potato Greens, & red gravy. It was delicious! I will try the crab next. I'm pretty sure it's going to be bomb! Amazing experience overall. Loved everything about this visit! More...
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Kenya M.
If you are looking for some good food and great vibes this is the place for you. Â The Jollof rice with chicken and plantains was delicious. The pepper sauce provided the perfect amount of heat for those that need a little spice in they life. Â I had a lovely time with the owners and customers alike.It felt like I was hanging out with relatives I hadn't seen in a while, like the kind of cool relatives we actually don't mind visiting. Everyone was very welcoming and friendly. Â I will be back soon! Thanks for your hospitality Dougie and Family :-) More...
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Rod M.
Was it myspace that had that flag game? My memory doesn't quite recall but I think they had a flag game where you had to quickly select the correct flag and association. What does that have to do with Kendejah? Â Well..my friends Kendejah is a restaurant in the Pelton Center in SL who's owner I'm guessing is from Liberia (I wrote Peloton when I first typed it which means I'm probably due for a Spin class). Â Anyways, I remember seeing the flag but I knew nothing about the history of the country. You don't hear about Liberian restaurants too often so my interest was piqued when I popped in here recently.I really really (did I say REALLY) enjoyed reading about the country and it's history. I won't spoil it too much for you but I enjoy these small touches that different cuisines put into the design of their restaurant.The lady at the front cashier was very sweet and hospitable. I enjoyed the music videos they had on the flat screens, very festive and positive vibe here. I went with the oxtail and upgraded to the Jollof rice. Â Super duper flavorful and the jollof rice was a nice compliment and I'd say for sure to make sure you pay the extra 2/3 bucks to get this. Definitely worth a return visit and would recommend to others to give this place a shot. If you like my reviews, consider "following" my profile for reviews all across the SF Bay Area. Why "follow" someone? Â It causes the person you follow's reviews to tier to top when you pull up a business. I find this very handy when researching venues. Â Also have a link on my profile page to my newly created gram.Rod's Review grading scale explained. Essentially I personally base it on the likelihood of a return visit and I try to be stingy with 5 star reviews since they should be "special" in my eyes. Price/Value also play a role. Just because a steak is $75 doesn't make it a 4 or 5 star venue nor does a $1 taco unless it's delicious. 5 stars - "I'll go out of my way" (approx 6 % of my reviews) Â 4 stars- "If I was in the area I'd go here and would recommend", (approx 38% of my reviews) Â 3 stars "Maybe if was nearby", (approx 37% of my reviews) 2 stars -"Would likely not return, Only if you want to go", (approx 16% of my reviews) Â 1 star -"No thanks, even if I was hungry", (approx. 3 % of my reviews) More...
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Sandra Chin
Excellent customer service
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J C.
Yum!! Oxtails and good peeps!! Went twice in one day once!! Shop local.
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Joe J.
Absolutely amazing West African Restaurant. Â The service is great and the food is spectacular. Â You have to try the Potato Greens !!!!
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Sabira A.
If I could give this place more stars, I would. Everything was delicious. The waitress/cashier was delightful. The music videos playing in the background were entertaining. I ordered the joloff rice. I have had many different African countries' versions of this staple dish, and I have to say that Kendejah's is one of the best. It tasted homemade. The waitress suggested that I add a slice of cornbread to the mix, and boy am I glad she did. It was right up there with my grandmother's cornbread. It had the perfect texture, and a little something different and special in the recipe. The plaintains were cooked perfectly, not overdone, not steeped in grease. I also added some of their signature pepper hot sauce to the joloff rice. So good! I will come back because I need to try everything on their menu. More...
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Janessa S.
Showed up with a rather large group midday on a Friday and the welcome and service was exceptional. We ordered a variety of dishes for our group to try and we were not disappointed. The Jollof rice, Cassava Leaf and Palava Sauce with rice were all extremely tasty. Â The atmosphere here is great, the food and service were better. More...
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Diva S.
I had my mouth watering ready for Goat soup. I was told by the owner I just missed last bowl.. So my guest and I order something else. . Never go wrong with the Ox tails and bean with rice and a whole fish prepared dish.. It was delicious just remind the server or the owner to bring out the home made hot spice.. I think you only get it if you ask.. The food is worth going even if the service needs improvement. Your greeted there the entire experience with smiles.. Just may forget or bring out late utensils and hot sauce.. If you can be patient on that you will enjoy the atmosphere , people and The Food More...
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Myra B.
First time here and I have to say the food was delicious. I ordered the jollalofrice from their daily menu and it was so flavorful and the chicken was tender. You can also ask the staff for recommendations... the sweet waitress Nia is very knowledgeable of everything on the menu. Definitely coming back and if your looking for comfort food this place is a must! More...
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Ricky Williams
Good food friendly service
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Kelsey J.
When I say everything here is amazing, I mean EVERYTHING! You cannot go wrong with anything on this menu and the service makes you feel right at home! I take anyone who visits me here to eat. They have the best vegan options too! More...
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Creash G.
My husband and I had a great experience at Kendejah! Nia our waitress was wonderful. I had the potato greens and rice and cornbread which was perfect! My husband had the oxtails and they were good as well. I wish I could eat here regularly but it's far from Richmond. I hope they will consider having a restaurant in my area. I was able to meet the chef MiMi. I had to give her a hug(I'm not a hugger) because the food warmed my heart. I can't wait to try the red palm butter stew! More...
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Nicole C.
Delicious food, friendly service. Lovely chicken and pork dishes, savory, not too heavy. Very helpful with dietary restrictions (vegan choices). Owner is vegan and can change almost any dish to satisfy your needs. Lots of variety. More...
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Whitney H.
Based on recommendation from waitress I ordered the palm butter with rice. Food came out fast and hot. The sauce itself was extremely flavorful and I would definitely order again. Next time I would try the jollof rice which looked really good. Other than the food being good, I think what sold me on this place was the waitress and other customers. Very welcoming people and an overall good vibe. More...
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Sarina S.
The food is superb! Service is amazing! I drive 45 minutes to stockpile for the week. The restaurant is always clean, warm and inviting. I grew up in New York and when I moved to California I needed great cuisine. I took a shot driving to the restaurant and I was not disappointed. More...
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John B.
( Potato Greens & Rice speaks for itself must try if not anything else ) yelp insists I add more  nice seating arrangements, very welcoming located in the Pelton Shopping Center near Washington Ave in San Leandro. Usually if I cannot find a park in the strip, Washington or Parrott St has not failed me yet  6-0 without a struggle. From personal experience the food is definitely worth the price More...
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Bill Hooghuis
Authentic West African food.
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Beth G.
Doug brought the Kendejah On Wheels food truck to our event in Berkeley, and I can't recommend them more highly. Â The food was fresh, delicious, quickly served, and attractively presented. Â I had crispy, sweet fried plantains that were the best I've ever had in my life, and the rice and beans were just right. Â The truck itself is beautiful, including some (not-too-loud) festive music, and gave our event a relaxed, festive feeling. Â Their presence made for a lot of happy attendees. More...
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J O.
Everything is good here. You trying to eat good and trying to eat big. Come here. The owners got jokes too! My sister and I had a great time dining here.
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Natalie L.
Soooo Goood!!! I highly recommend this place. It's super delicious, fresh, and the owner is amazingly friendly. There are great sized portions, it's easy to share, and I will definitely be back.
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LaMarco C.
Excellent authentic Liberian food. I had the green potatoes dish. It was full of flavor and a large prtion size.....definitely enough to share. Was able to met the owner who is a very cool visionary. Glad I stumbled across this place. Definitely will return when I am back in the area. More...
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Sharee g.
Second time around, much better service than the first time! Can never go wrong with the red snapper, it's so good I don't see myself ordering anything else but it. My friend was gonna be basic and get the chicken, but with a nudge from the server he ordered the Palm butter special. Very flavorful, their version of gumbo. It even had cute lil crab legs in it! Can't wait to go back again. **Bonus, not so crowded place to watch the Warrior games! More...
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Holly J.
Run, don't walk to this yummy restaurant in a strip mall in San Leandro. Although the location is unassuming, the food is high profile. My parents, husband and kids all loved their dishes and mine was perfection. The service is also friendly and helpful. They explain the dishes in detail and make recommendations based on your stated preferences. Yes! Thumbs up! More...
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Layne C.
A must try for anyone looking for superb service, fantastic food, and a restaurant that is all about roots, remembering where they came from and are headed onward and upward!
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