In the vibrant Bay Area, mahjong has experienced a resurgence, transforming from a traditional 19th-century Chinese tile game into a cultural phenomenon fueled by community meet-ups, Facebook events, and restaurant game nights.
With this backdrop, the owners of Baba’s House, Jenn Lui, Eman Garcia, and Alan Chen, have creatively rebranded their community event space into a speakeasy named ’13 Orphans,’ aiming to share their diverse Asian-American identities.
Lui reflects on the inspiration behind this unique name, drawn from the mahjong hand known for its rarity and prestige.
“We wanted something that really spoke to us within our culture and our community,” Lui said about the choice to create a dedicated theme centered around mahjong’s spirit and significance.
The trio previously hosted numerous events in what is now the speakeasy, and they were eager to focus on a theme enriched by their Asian heritage.
A central element of the speakeasy is the cocktail menu developed by Lui, who draws upon traditional Chinese herbs and flavors inspired by her grandmother’s cooking.
Collaborating with Bay Area mentors, she engineered a 13-item cocktail menu blending age-old ingredients with modern bartending techniques.
Among her signature creations is the Wintermelon Tonic, juxtaposing a 2013 Gongmei aged white tea with Pei Pa Lo syrup, a traditional Chinese remedy, complemented by a celery salt ice ball for an added kick.
Each cocktail on her menu reflects a narrative, like the Awakened Lotus, combining a 2014 Yunnan Sheng Pu’er Tea base with a playful, Mahjong tile-shaped jelly fashioned from coconut milk and pandan.
In a parallel creative vein, Eman Garcia has crafted a food menu reflecting his Filipino heritage while integrating innovative, trendy dishes that complement Lui’s cocktail offerings.
Referencing the Tagalog term “pulutan,” which describes small dishes served with drinks, Garcia carefully designed shareable plates that retain the essence of both Chinese and Filipino cuisine without forgoing their unique identities.
Signature dishes include Garcia’s mushroom gyoza, a delightful dumpling filled with a mix of shimeji mushrooms, summer peppers, and Toyomansi sauce, finished with a topping of smoked trout roe.
Another standout dish is the Nami Dofu, a tribute to Garcia’s dog, showcasing silken tofu adorned with chili oil, pickled vegetables, and crispy alliums.
Garcia notes, “I’m still kind of learning what people want to have up there, and just developing it as we go, which, to me, is really exciting.
The process not only keeps things fresh for him but also ensures their offerings resonate with community preferences.
In addition, Garcia plans to bring back his pork-belly and shiitake mushroom dumplings, hand-folded and brimming with flavor, underscoring his commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
Amid the drinks, culinary delights, and the lively atmosphere of Mahjong tiles clattering, the ethos of community remains at the forefront of 13 Orphans.
Chen emphasizes the importance of creating a welcoming environment that fosters connection among guests, a principle that has guided their previous endeavors.
“Hospitality is number one for us, and it really shines through in what we do,” Chen states, highlighting their dedication to customer experience across all their ventures.
The atmosphere at 13 Orphans is designed to be more than just a speakeasy; it embodies a cultural hub where the essence of mahjong comes alive and stimulates lively engagement among visitors.
Through the synergy of fierce competition, cultural resonance, and the joy of community gathering, 13 Orphans invites everyone to share in a collective celebration of culinary arts and cultural heritage.
The initiative stands as a testament to the power of food and games as tools for connection, reflecting the trio’s commitment to their shared backgrounds and the vibrant community they serve.
By merging the traditional with the modern, and honoring their roots while embracing innovation, Lui, Garcia, and Chen have created a unique space that not only serves food and drinks but also fosters an authentic community experience.
image source from：berkeleyside
