Shivi Ramoutar: The Definitive Authority on a Caribbean Culinary Star
Shivi Ramoutar is a name increasingly synonymous with vibrant Caribbean flavour, bold culinary creativity, and modern home cooking innovation. Whether you know her from TV screens, bestselling cookbooks, or envy‑inducing supper clubs, Shivi Ramoutar has carved out an exceptional niche in today’s global food landscape. This article dives deep into her journey from Trinidad to the UK spotlight, her philosophy of food, and why her influence now reaches beyond kitchens into cultural conversation and lifestyle trends.
With passion, expertise, and authenticity, Shivi Ramoutar continues to shape how the world understands Caribbean cooking while inspiring home cooks, food lovers, and professional chefs alike to rethink tradition with creativity and heart.
Early Life and Cultural Roots
Shivi Ramoutar’s life story begins far from the studios of British television. Born in Trinidad to culturally diverse parents, she spent her early years steeped in the vibrant rhythms and colours of Caribbean life. These formative experiences laid the foundation for her deep affection for the region’s food culture.
Moving between Trinidad, New York, and the English countryside, Ramoutar’s upbringing exposed her to a mosaic of cuisines and traditions, all of which now inform the intuitive flavour combinations she’s known for. These early cultural influences continue to shape her approach, enriching her recipes with both authenticity and contemporary flair.
From Law to the Kitchen: A Passion Realised
Before her culinary rise, Shivi Ramoutar pursued a career in law—largely to satisfy familial expectations. Yet, behind the academic rigour and legal texts, her creativity simmered in the kitchen. Eventually, this simmer reached a boiling point as she chose to follow her true passion: cooking.
This transition wasn’t merely a career pivot; it was an embrace of her heritage, her personality, and her voice. She once told The Standard that cooking felt “authentic, and not a persona,” framing her culinary pursuits not as performance, but as genuine self‑expression.
Television Career and Broadcast Presence
Today, Shivi Ramoutar is a trusted television personality in the UK. She has appeared regularly as the resident chef on popular ITV programs such as Martin & Roman’s Weekend Best and Garraway’s Good Stuff. Her approachable on‑screen style combines expert instruction with infectious warmth—making diverse Caribbean flavours accessible to mainstream audiences.
Ramoutar’s TV presence also extends to appearances on BBC’s Saturday Kitchen and ITV’s This Morning, where her infectious enthusiasm and culinary expertise have made her one of the most recognisable faces promoting Caribbean cuisine in British media.
Signature Cookbook Portfolio
One of the pillars of Shivi Ramoutar’s influence is her body of written work. Across three cookbooks, she has translated the essence of Caribbean cooking into tangible recipes that home cooks can recreate.
| Cookbook Title | Focus | Publication |
| Caribbean Modern | Caribbean classics with fresh twists | 2015 |
| The Ice Kitchen | Freezer‑friendly, time‑saving family meals | 2020 |
| Cook Clever | Everyday cooking, low waste, high impact | 2023 |
These titles demonstrate Ramoutar’s evolving culinary philosophy—from celebrating her roots to helping busy cooks make brilliant food with intelligent, creative techniques. The Caribbean Modern book, in particular, was praised for bringing the joie de vivre of island food to a broader audience.
Culinary Philosophy and Impact
At the heart of Ramoutar’s work is a clear culinary philosophy: food should be vibrant, joyful, and rooted in community. She often speaks about limin’—a Caribbean concept that celebrates relaxing and socialising around good food. This idea transcends dishes and speaks to a way of life that many of her fans find inspiring.
Her cooking style fuses traditional Caribbean ingredients with modern techniques, creating food that is both approachable and wonder‑inducing. It’s a philosophy grounded in authenticity, yet flexible enough to innovate—encouraging home cooks to experiment without losing the soul of the cuisine.
Supper Clubs and Live Experiences
Beyond books and television, Shivi Ramoutar has built a reputation for immersive culinary experiences. Her supper clubs, which draw on the rhythm and social spirit of Caribbean gatherings, have earned acclaim in London and beyond. These events are less about formal dining and more about shared stories, robust flavours, and the joy of food as an event.
Notably, in 2026 she hosted a Modern Caribbean Supper Club at Fortnum & Mason in London, inviting participants to explore bold island flavours, creative recipe twists, and community‑focused dining that reflects her signature style.
Recognition and Cultural Influence
Shivi Ramoutar has been dubbed by respected publications with titles such as “Caribbean Food Supremo” by The Guardian and “Queen of Contemporary Caribbean Cooking” by BA The Club magazine. These accolades reflect not just her skill, but her role in elevating Caribbean cuisine on the world stage.
Her influence also extends into hospitality: she was named a Local Food Hero by P&O Cruises, where she brings authentic Caribbean flavours to guests as part of curated culinary experiences.
Real‑World Impact on Home Cooks
What sets Shivi Ramoutar apart from many celebrity chefs is her emphasis on pragmatic home cooking. In Cook Clever, for example, she focuses on minimizing waste, maximizing flavour, and using clever shortcuts to make everyday cooking more manageable and joyful.
Her recipes often champion local produce, smart ingredient swaps, and hands‑on techniques that help readers build confidence in the kitchen—whether they’re cooking a weeknight meal or planning a festive feast.
Quote from Shivi Ramoutar
“Caribbean food is proper fusion food, influenced by all the people who have travelled through the region. I hope to make the dining experience on Arvia as much about limin’ as it is about the food.” — Shivi Ramoutar
The Business of Brand and Influence
Today, Shivi Ramoutar’s influence reaches beyond television and publishing. Her social media presence, collaborations with culinary brands, and partnerships within travel and hospitality showcase how her name has become a trusted mark of quality and cultural authenticity. Whether she’s creating dishes for cruise guests or sharing recipes online, her commitment to joyful, bold cooking is consistent and compelling.
Conclusion: Why Shivi Ramoutar Matters
Shivi Ramoutar is more than a chef—she’s a cultural ambassador, educator, and creative force in modern cooking. Through her cookbooks, television appearances, and live events, she has brought Caribbean cuisine into mainstream conversation while helping everyday cooks discover new techniques and inspirations.
Her journey from Trinidad to TV screens and culinary stages around the world reflects an inspiring blend of authenticity, discipline, and joy. For anyone passionate about food that tells a story, challenges norms, and celebrates life, Shivi Ramoutar remains a pivotal figure worth knowing and exploring.
FAQ Section
What is Shivi Ramoutar best known for?
Shivi Ramoutar is best known as a Caribbean‑inspired chef, TV personality, and cookbook author who blends vibrant island flavours with modern cooking techniques.
How did Shivi Ramoutar start her career?
Shivi Ramoutar began her career leaving law to pursue cooking, hosting supper clubs, and eventually writing cookbooks and appearing on British television.
Which cookbooks has Shivi Ramoutar written?
Shivi Ramoutar has authored Caribbean Modern, The Ice Kitchen, and Cook Clever, each focusing on different aspects of vibrant, practical cooking.
What makes Shivi Ramoutar’s cooking unique?
Her cooking uniquely fuses traditional Caribbean flavours with modern, accessible techniques that home cooks can easily adopt.
Where can people experience Shivi Ramoutar’s food?
People can experience her food through television appearances, cookbooks, supper clubs, and curated dining experiences aboard P&O Cruises.
