TWINS KAREEMA and Kaleema Shukur-Muhammad are spicing up the vegan scene with their plant-based Caribbean cuisine stall.

The pair set up the food stall, Livity by Twinz, a few months ago after switching to a vegan diet.

Kareema and Kaleema, who are identical, are both experienced chefs.

Twenty-seven-year-old Kareema told the Croydon Advertiser: “I was working in the chef industry for a long time which can be stressful, so I was advised by a friend 18 months ago to change to a plant based diet to improve my health and that’s when I became vegan.”

“Me and my sister have both always been vegetarians and grew-up on Caribbean foods, but we always made meat-free variations, so all of our dishes have the traditional taste but are all vegan friendly.”
The twin sisters serve freshly prepared meals at Surrey Street Market each week.

Customers can choose from an selection of three dishes including mix bean coconut curry and spiced butterbean and okra stew.

In addition to making a success of their food stall, the duo has ambitions to establish a permanent restaurant and to give back to their community.

They have set up a crowdfunding page on Go Fund Me to raise money for a vegan Caribbean cafe.

In a statement on their Go Fund Me page, the pair state: “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.

“Our ultimate aim is to raise enough funds to open our own vegan cafe, employing local people.”

You can find The Livity stall at Surrey Street market every Wednesday to Friday, 11am – 4pm.