H A A M opened on November 15th at 234 Union Avenue in Williamsburg, serving plant-based Caribbean fare inspired by Chef/Owner Yesenia Ramdass’s Dominican heritage and husband Randy’s Trinidadian background. The eatery – a heartfelt acronym for ‘Healthy As A Motha’ – is the first full-service outpost from Ramdass, who previously operated the concept as a ghost kitchen in Sunnyside, Queens. Like its early iteration, H A A M blends and celebrates the rich culture and diverse flavors of the Caribbean and offers a new perspective on plant-based dining in a space that is as vibrant as the food.
Ramdass was raised by a single Latina mother in Washington Heights with a food culture that revolved heavily around meat. But at 17 years old, she decided to transition to a meat-free lifestyle, despite the cultural norms she had grown up with. Later, now with a family of her own, Ramdass credits motherhood as the driving force behind H A A M. Experimenting in her home kitchen, she discovered methods to eliminate meat altogether while preserving the essence of the traditional recipes – and with three happy and healthy children serving as her taste testers, she knew she was onto something. In 2018, the passing of Ramdass’s mother led her to be even more resolute in her mission to spread awareness about the transformative power of conscious living and nourishing choices. Her next step was to connect with her community – and for the next three years, she hustled. She started popping up throughout New York City’s five boroughs and Long Island, feeding the masses at events like the New York City Wine and Food Festival and the Hester Street Fair, and food markets like Smorgasburg, the Latin Night Market, and the Vegan Night Market, among others. She also teamed up with local organizations like the Boys Club in Queens and the Coalition for Healthy School Food to bring her knowledge of plant-based eating to younger generations, while attending events like the Vegan Women’s Summit and hosting workshops, talks, and cooking classes whenever she could. In 2021, Ramdass launched H A A M’s cloud kitchen with the help of her husband, family, and friends with a sizable, established following.
As the brand gained traction, Ramdass recognized the need for a larger space to accommodate growing demand. At H A A M’s Williamsburg location, her goal remains the same: to bridge cultural traditions with modern and mindful dietary choices, all with the same love and care that she’d bring to her own family table. The menu features a selection of salads and shareable starters with highlights like Island Onigiri, an arroz amarillo rice ball stuffed with jerk BBQ oyster mushrooms and sweet plantain, and topped with avocado mousse and spicy mayo, and the Mango Calypso Chow with cucumber, arugula, red onion, and sweet red peppers. For entrees, guests can enjoy signature dishes like the Yucca Mash with King Oyster Scallops al Ajillo with mushroom “scallops” served on a bed of garlic yucca mash, dressed in a rich garlic sauce; Yuh Motha’s Mofongo with Lion’s Mane chicharrón and curried cream sauce; and the Buss Up Shut Roti Platter which features house made roti accompanied by curry chik’n, pumpkin, curry mango, and bhaji. For something sweet, desserts include Cassava Pone with Soursop Ice Cream; Pineapple Flan; and Arroz Con Leche made with homemade cashew milk. Favorites like the Bake and Shark, a common Trinidadian sandwich with house made flatbread, banana blossom and toppings of purple cabbage slaw, pineapple, tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion; the Sweet Plantain Boat (fried sweet plantain stuffed with lentil ground “beef”, served with purple cabbage slaw and jalapeño queso); and Curry Chik’n Tacos are available as well.
H A A M also offers Caribbean drink specialties like 100% natural fresh cold-pressed sugarcane juice, house made tamarind juice, sorrel juice (a hibiscus beverage native to Jamaica), and Morisoñando (a traditional Dominican drink which blends milk and orange juice). The vegan wine program spotlights wines made without traditional animal-derived agents like gelatin and isinglass and there is also vegan beer and champagne-based cocktails like Pink Lemonade Mimosas and a classic Aperol Spritz.
H A A M also offers Caribbean drink specialties like 100% natural fresh cold-pressed sugarcane juice, house made tamarind juice, sorrel juice (a hibiscus beverage native to Jamaica), and Morisoñando (a traditional Dominican drink which blends milk and orange juice). The vegan wine program spotlights wines made without traditional animal-derived agents like gelatin and isinglass and there is also vegan beer and champagne-based cocktails like Pink Lemonade Mimosas and a classic Aperol Spritz.
H A A M is located at 234 Union Avenue, at the corner of Meserole Street, in Williamsburg. The restaurant is open Tuesday through Thursday from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Friday from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM, Saturday from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
