In the vibrant heart of downtown Oakland, a new bar and restaurant is setting the stage for a unique fusion of tradition and modernity.
The 13 Orphans opened its doors on May 30, 2023, located just above Baba’s House, and is quickly making a name for itself as an Asian American-centered mahjong clubhouse.
Owners Jenn Lui, Alan Chen, and Eman Garcia have transformed the upstairs space into a haven for mahjong enthusiasts, offering tea-infused cocktails and light bites inspired by Filipino and Chinese dim sum.
Guests can enjoy an array of drinks labeled as “tea-tails” that are available with or without alcohol, enhancing the social aspect of the gaming experience.
Lui, who crafts the drink menu, draws inspiration from the five elements of traditional Chinese culture.
One standout creation, the Pu’er Petrichor, features a unique blend of 2014 Shu pu’erh tea, lapsang souchong tepache, cinnamon, beetroot juice, black sugar, and pear-infused soju.
On the other hand, the watermelon tonic, representing the element of metal, combines Gongmei white tea with goji-infused soju and a traditional Chinese herbal remedy known as pei pa lo.
To bring her bold drink concepts to life, Lui collaborated with Hatching Dragon and Teaphile, both well-known in the Bay Area for sourcing quality Chinese teas.
Meanwhile, Garcia oversees the menu in the kitchen, which is designed to focus on small bites that cater to both Chinese and Filipino dining traditions.
One of the highlights is the Chinoy siu mai, a delightful combination of pork belly, prawn, water chestnut, and smoked trout roe, offering a modern twist on a classic dim sum staple.
Seating at 13 Orphans is limited, with just 16 reservation-only seats available and game tables to be booked for 45-minute sessions, making access competitive.
The name “13 Orphans” is derived from an obscure mahjong hand and reflects the owners’ love for the game.
Lui points out that their previous mahjong nights at Baba’s House were consistently sold out, indicating a strong interest in this cultural pastime.
In addition to mahjong nights, Baba’s House also hosted successful comedy shows and live music events, but mahjong has continually proven to be the crowd favorite.
For over three years, the team has also held free mahjong classes, further solidifying their commitment to the game and the community.
Lui perceives this rising popularity among younger generations, noting a generational shift as digital natives embrace mahjong while moving away from traditional binge-drinking nightlife.
She explains how, after taking over Baba’s House, the team sought to discover and define their identity within the community.
Baba’s House was inspired by Lui’s desire to honor her late father, who passed away in 2020.
It was a project that brought together Lui, Chen, and Garcia in their mission to build community and share their culinary roots.
Each of the co-owners brings a unique heritage to the table, with distinct backgrounds in Chinese and Filipino cultures, which shapes their vision for 13 Orphans.
Garcia emphasizes that this new venture enables the founders to be more intentional and deliberate in their approach to connecting with their community.
After successfully building trust and engagement through Baba’s House, the trio is now set to further deepen their connection with the introduction of 13 Orphans.
image source from：https://sf.eater.com/2025/6/4/24442552/thirteen-orphans-oakland-babas-house-mahjong-opening
