About the Chef

Chef Ras Karim, a Culinary Specialist and Agro processing Tech, is a trailblazer in the world of holistic plant-based cuisine with a profound dedication to preserving the Garifuna traditional medicinal heritage. Based in Los Angeles County, California, Chef Ras Karim is the Owner and Culinary Director of Wasani Hospitality Group, a venture he founded in December 2018. With over 5 years of experience in providing a holistic plant-based culinary experience, Chef Ras Karim has successfully blended traditional and cultural knowledge with innovative culinary techniques.

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In addition to his entrepreneurial ventures, Chef Ras Karim serves as the President of the Belize Culinary Association since 2018, where he continues to make significant contributions to the culinary landscape. His role as Culinary Director for R&D Nutraceutical Cuisine at Wasani Enterprises Solution LLC, based in Belize, Central America, exemplifies his commitment to promoting nutraceutical functional cuisine through a deep understanding of the natural environment and cultural traditions.

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Chef Ras Karim's culinary journey includes serving as the Executive Chef at prestigious establishments such as Chan Chich Lodge, Bowen&Bowen, and Farmers Daughter Hotel. During his tenure as an Executive Chef, Chef Ras Karim demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, overseeing kitchen and service staff, managing purchasing and inventory control, and implementing innovative menu concepts. His expertise also extends to molecular gastronomy, where he applied his knowledge in daily food applications while working as Chef De Partie at Bastide in the Greater Los Angeles Area.

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Currently, Chef Ras Karim has taken his culinary passion to the streets with his own food truck, Kulcha Flavaz, offering a unique and flavorful experience to food enthusiasts. His journey from leading kitchen teams to curating a distinctive culinary pop-up has culminated in the establishment of Kulcha Flavaz, a testament to Chef Ras Karim's unwavering commitment to creating unforgettable culinary experiences.