Lydia Valladares introduces plant-based cuisine to Guyana’s palate

By Rupa Seenaraine

Veganism and plant-based meals are the common trends being adopted in the present generation, and have been placed on the pedestal for its tremendous benefits.

Now, 35-year-old Lydia Valladares has opted to offer such meals exclusively, after tapping into her Guyanese heritage and Canadian influence.
Veganism is dubbed as a practice of abstaining from the use of animal products, particularly in diet.
Speaking with Guyana Times, Valladares described herself as a chef that focuses on healthy whole foods and solely vegan cooking. Her creations led to the establishment of Lydia Vallo Foods, which offers these meals locally using fresh produce and natural ingredients.
“The foods that I create are a mix and a fusion from different cultures and techniques of cooking and preparing food. I like to use a wide range and variety of spices and ingredients, resulting in bright colourful and delicious foods full of flavours and textures,” she explained.
This interest initially stemmed from her love for cooking and the vegan lifestyle – which was adopted since 2014. She said veganism opened up new avenues to create foods that are healthy and appetising, while eliminating processed and refined goods.
“Since becoming vegan I have had the opportunity to learn a lot about the importance of food and what are the best foods to not only survive but thrive, and I think that is something really important to remember that I think we have become removed from since the invention of processed, refined, packaged and fried foods.”
The idea was birthed in Guyana during the month of February when Lydia was stranded during the lockdown. She then utilised her skills to offer vegan meals and food products, using the abundantly fresh foods that are grown locally.
Presently, Lydia Vallo Foods offers a wide variety of options and the menu is frequently expanding. She has used local ingredients to create sauces, yoghurts and breads, which are available for customers.
“Currently, I am making sauces, delicious yellow pepper sauce made from the very fragrant pepper known as seasoning pepper, tamarind cassareep, barbecue sauce all made with local ingredients. I also have pre-order sales for selected items like banana bread, cinnamon rolls, plant-based coconut yoghurt, veggie patties and family-sized lasagna. There are other items to come,” the vegan chef shared.
When asked about the response from the Guyanese populace, she explained that the conventional culture revolves around the use of animal products in many of the local cuisine, resulting in many questions from people. After engaging and sharing her explanation, it is met with positive feedback.
Valladares pointed out, “Culturally, Guyanese foods include a fair amount of animal products resulting in a lot of questions, comments and sometimes concerns. After explaining what kind of meals and foods you are able to prepare and after trying Lydia Vallo Food, people have had positive and encouraging experiences.”
After hosting her first event here just over one week ago at the Pantry, there was significant support for her concept, especially from persons that are open to trying new things. She is planning to join the Almond Tree Farmers Market during the month of November, over at Lance Gibbs Street, where the idea is to bring together local organic farmers and artisans who are creating all-natural products.
“The event was a vegan barbecue event which had a great turnout and support. There was some delays causing wait times but [it’s] all in the learning process for next time. I am so excited to be a part of the Almond Tree Farmers Market…I will be one of the vendors at the market selling my sauces and other to-go items to snack on,” she stated.
Valladares labelled plant-based diets as one of the fastest-growing diets that people are undertaking, mainly to alleviate their health conditions. It is also welcomed by healthy persons, who are interested in the multiple benefits.
“Many people are becoming aware through social media about the health benefits of following a plant-based diet. The plant-based diet is the only diet that is proven to reverse heart disease and major improvements seen in people suffering from other diseases – multiple sclerosis and type 2 diabetes. Plant-based foods have so many health benefits for anyone, not only people who are sick.”