Oct 14, 2026 - Food and Drink
Trying fast-casual Waka in Detroit's Eastern Market
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Waka's building and the eggplant chapati meal. Photos: Annalise Frank/Axios
👋 Annalise here, after trying the new fast-casual spot from the owners of much-loved East African restaurant Baobab Fare.
The big picture: Waka replaces the long-closed Russell Street Deli in the heart of Eastern Market, near Supino Pizzeria.
- It started as a food truck from Hamissi Mamba and Nadia Nijimbere, serving skewers and sandwich wraps with delicate, buttery chapati flatbread.
The vibe: Waka's ambiance is bright yellow, open and friendly. It echoes Baobab Fare, but with its own flair.
Dig in: I ordered the eggplant chapati with slow-cooked beans and a side of fried potatoes ($14).
- I adore Baobab Fare's eggplant, so I knew I'd be happy. Each ingredient sings.
- The wrap also stayed together better than I recall when I ordered from the food truck in the past.
Yes, but: The portion felt a little small and I wasn't full. I have a big appetite, though, so others may be just fine.
If you go: 2465 Russell St.
- 11am-9pm Monday-Sunday.