In the vibrant heart of Oakland, a culinary story is simmering that’s as rich and diverse as the city itself. Weyanti Ahmed, a 46-year-old chef and restaurateur, has transformed her lifelong passion for cooking into Y’s Choice, a soul food restaurant that celebrates her multicultural roots and family legacy.

Raised in West Oakland after migrating from Sudan, Ahmed learned her cooking skills standing beside her mother in the kitchen, absorbing traditional Tigrayan cooking techniques and flavors. What started as home cooking for her five children has blossomed into a thriving restaurant that defies traditional culinary boundaries.

Y’s Choice isn’t just another soul food spot. Ahmed’s menu is a testament to her diverse heritage, featuring everything from Habesha-influenced dishes to Halal burgers inspired by her late Turkish father. Her two daughters, Kylah and Niajah, now work alongside her, helping to run the family business.

Before becoming a professional chef, Ahmed worked various jobs, including nursing and desk work. It was her children who ultimately convinced her that her home cooking was worthy of a professional pursuit. “I knew I liked cooking, but I didn’t know it was my passion,” Ahmed reflects.

The restaurant, now located on San Pablo Avenue, is more than just a business. A striking mural of Ahmed’s mother, Hiwot, greets customers, symbolizing the deep familial connections that drive her culinary vision. Ahmed is committed to maintaining authenticity in her cooking, refusing to cut corners or compromise on taste.

With Oakland recently being rated the top food city in the country by Condé Nast, Ahmed sees her restaurant as part of the city’s rich, evolving culinary landscape. “There are so many options here; if I had to go anywhere to eat, I would go to Oakland every time,” she says.

Today, Ahmed balances running her restaurant, raising her children, and honoring her mother’s memory. Her journey from home cook to restaurateur proves that with passion, hard work, and a little bit of family support, anything is possible.