Chef Yesenia Ramdass

Chef Yesenia Ramdass, owner and founder of H A A M (Healthy As A Motha), a renowned Dominican & Trinidadian Plant-Based restaurant in NYC, is a culinary visionary with a deep commitment to crafting delectable and wholesome plant-based cuisine. Embracing a conscious lifestyle from an early age, Chef Yesenia’s cooking style naturally evolved to reflect her values. As a first-generation Dominican American, her dishes bear the unmistakable influence of her Dominican heritage. Her connection to Trinidadian cuisine is amplified through her husband’s heritage and her children’s background. Yesenia pays homage to the rich culinary traditions of both islands creating a harmonious blend of flavors. She has revolutionized the culinary scene by expertly combining flavors and resourcefulness through the use of seasonal vegetables. Drawing inspiration from her upbringing, where everything was made from scratch, she continues the tradition in her restaurant. To ensure the highest quality and freshness, Yesenia cultivates some of the produce used in her dishes from her own home garden, including a variety of hot peppers that form the foundation of their renowned signature sauce: Hot As A Motha. With an unwavering passion for delivering excellence and preserving cultural authenticity, Yesenia elevates the plant-based dining experience without compromising on taste.