Vegan twins open plant-based Caribbean cafe
Vegan twin sisters, Kareema and Kaleema Shakur-Muhammad, are set to open Croydons first plant-based Caribbean cafe.
The sisters own a vegan and soy-free catering company. Offering plant-based twists on traditional Jamaican dishes, their signature dish is Curried Jackfruit, a plant-based alternative for Curried Goat.
Now theyre expanding beyond the catering business to create a permanent fixture in south London, providing vegan sustenance for people who love their Caribbean food.
The pair have been plying their trade at the Surrey Street Market, serving hundreds of Croydon residents every week, and between them they have 10 years experience of working in some of Londons top restaurants.
On their Go Fund Me page, the sisters explain that they have been following their dream of being chefs since they left school, and now theyre looking for financial support for their latest venture.
We have always wanted to be chefs and after having worked for others for so long, we have decided to branch off on our own and create something that reflects our values, they explains.
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Our ultimate aim is to raise enough funds to open our own vegan cafe, employing local people.
Currently their total stands at just over £1,000, of a £10,000 goal, so they still have a way to go to hit their target.
The pair werent always vegan. Kareema decided to adopt a plant-based diet after struggling with health problems, and her twin decided to make the switch as well.
The sisters are keen to emphasise the idea that vegan lifestyles are inclusive – and not just for middle-class white people.
On Instagram the pair wrote, Please remember that before the term “vegan” was coined in the 40s, Rastafarians had an ethical plant-based movement well before then. Ethical plant-based living is in our DNA.
Their Instagram page shows off some of the food likely to be on offer when the permanent cafe opens. That includes, ackee, calaloo, fried dumpling, plantain and mixed bean and coconut curry.
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