Caribbean food is delicious, and who knew that you could make it vegan? Soumya (Foodie Veggie), and I (Deanna Troy Travels), sat down with Chef GiGi Lawrence of the Connecticut eatery RastaRant, where Jamaican-inspired comfort food gets a plant-based twist. Chef GiGi opens up about starting her business during the pandemic, her recipe faves and managing perceptions of veganism.
Best Sellers
RastaPasta - Chef GiGi is the only creator of vegan cold pasta salad in the tri-state area. Her RastaPasta is infused with her "Trey sauce," which is heat-based chickpea sauce inspired by her son.
Noxtail - Oxtail is a popular Caribbean dish, so Chef GiGi was inspired to make it vegan! This dish is created with butter beans and delicious flavoring to taste just like ox with no animals harmed.
Opening a Vegan Business
RastaRant was launched in the height of Covid on January 1st, 2021, during Chef GiGi's pregnancy! She made the famous RastaPasta for her gender reveal party and the rest is history! She left her 9-5 at a non-profit organization to pursue her gift of cooking for others. She began by selling vegan meals out of her home then got a spot at Swift Factory, a center where you can rent commercial kitchen space. Now she's looking into opening her own brick-and-mortar in East Hartford!
How to transition to a vegan diet?
Chef GiGi advises that people start by educating themselves on the topic. She knows many people who started for vanity reasons, but it's not a weight loss fad! Also, making your own dishes really helps transition to vegan eating. Trust the process! It's not a linear journey.
Vegan Tips from Chef GiGi
Make Your Own Cheese: No dairy, no problem! Try the vegan cheese alternatives in the store, or make it from scratch with nutritional yeast, a flaky food with cheesy-flavor and a great source of B12.
Protein Alternatives: Jackfruit, chickpea and wheat gluten
Infusing Flavor: Soak your foods in a Dutch Pot. The slow simmer seeps in flavors!
Scott-bonnet Peppers: This is Chef GiGi's favorite ingredient! The Scotch bonnet is a fiery, fruity chili pepper that will give your dishes a sweet and spicy kick!
Would you try Caribbean vegan food? Comment on our video on YouTube! Interested in learning more about vegan food? Check out our full Sprouts and Spill podcast playlist and subscribe to my YouTube channel Deanna Troy Travels.
