Taste Your Way through Temescal

You’ve just arrived in the Temescal neighborhood of Oakland. If I’ve guessed anything right, you’re here to eat. Before you get started, I’d love to point out that while strolling through this neighborhood, you'll immediately witness the cultural diversity of the community reflected in the restaurants, bars, and eateries present. On this tour, we’ll specifically focus on the Asian inspired eateries. From Vietnamese and Korean, to Burmese and Southeast Asian, pique your taste buds with the various scents and flavors. I hope you have a curious appetite because you’re definitely in for a treat!

1. Co Nam

3936 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA 94609

Co Nam has been making waves in Temescal since its debut. Considered a "quan nhau," this restaurant marries a Japanese izakaya, a Spanish tapas bar, and an American craft cocktail bar. Inspired by the word “nhau”, which translates to drinking and feasting for no particular reason, a "quan nhau” is a tavern of sorts, normally one that spills out onto the streets and hits its peak around dinner time. Catch their Vietnamese street food dishes paired with a beer or cocktail for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner.

Co Nam

2. Saucy Oakland

3932 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA 94609

The Saucy Oakland restaurant is already making a statement in Temescal with their pan-Asian comfort food. Prior to opening their brick and mortar location, Saucy hosted pop-ups, private tastings, and events. Their pan-Asian comfort food is perfect for noodles on the couch or happy hour with family. The restaurant menu includes saucy wings and hamachi shooters that will not disappoint!

Saucy Oakland

3. Daol Tofu & Korean BBQ

4301 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA 94609

While tofu is in its name, that is not the only dish that this restaurant serves. If you pop into Daol Tofu, it’s probably for their yummy kimchi fried rice, bo sam, or casserole hot pot. The best part of Daol Tofu is the banchan, or 12 small side dishes they serve with your meal."

Daol Tofu & Korean BBQ

4. Kansai

4345 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA 94609

Voted Oakland’s best late-night happy hour spot, Kansai is the place to be for late-night grubs Sunday through Thursday. This is your chance to order sake bombs and a sushi spread at a discounted price. Kansai is great for a shared meal with friends, family, and kids, too. Whether late night or a regular afternoon, your sushi cravings will absolutely be met.

Kansai

5. Burma Superstar

4721 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA 94609

If you walk 3 blocks ahead, you’ll officially reach the part of Temescal that is most often raved about. This is where you'll see really good Italian food. It's where you'll get American food at Bakesale Betty's. It's where you'll see tacos at Cholita Linda and ice cream donut sandwiches at I Scream Donuts. This is where you'll see yummy Burmese food. This is the action.

Burma is most notably known for their Tea Leaf salad but the greatness does not stop there. Their menu is packed with options for the meat-eaters and vegetarians alike. Recommended menu items include the garlic noodles, the samosa soup, any of their salads, and the sesame beef.

Burma Superstar

6. Hawking Bird

4901 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA 94609

Hawking Bird was started by Oakland native, chef James Syhabout. In addition to owning Hawking Bird, Chef James owns the Michelin-starred Commis restaurant and Hawker Fare. If you’re eating at Hawking Bird, you’re there for their quality and tasty chicken dishes. Sink your teeth into vibrant flavours of South Asia!

Hawking Bird

Street Salad Logo This experience was crafted by Jena Dominique, a prominent Bay Area voice and tastemaker. She is a creative entrepreneur that focuses on community and place. As an Airbnb superhost, the founder of StreetSalad.Co, and creator of the Oakland Postcard Scavenger Hunt, Jena is an expert experience curator. From the hyperlocal postcards she photographs, to the StreetSalad walking tours she leads, Jena’s specialty is producing multimedia content and activations that shift the perspective of Oakland. Her combined knowledge of local landmarks, contagious energy, and vibrant self-expression are sure to expand your perspective.

Jena has been designing and leading experiences in Oakland for the past three years.

More Tours and Things to Do

Get the latest COVID-19 updates here