Charlise Rookwood

Charlise Rookwood is more than a vegan chef; she’s a storyteller, creative soul, and vibrant force in the plant-based movement. As the host of The Black Vegan Cooking Show and author of the cookbook Vegan Soulicious: Plant-Based Island Cooking (Abrams, May 2025), Charlise blends food, culture, and wellness into every bite she creates.

Raised in East London and rooted in her Jamaican and Mauritian heritage, Charlise’s journey into veganism was born from personal transformation, grief, and a powerful desire to turn pain into purpose. Her dishes honour ancestral flavours, from Ackee and Dumplings to Jerk Mushroom Tacos and Green Banana Porridge, while introducing modern, joyful spins on soul food staples.

A former music industry insider, Charlise brings a flair for connection, creativity, and community values she carries into her kitchen and conversations with guests on her show. She has catered for major events and high-profile names, including Donnell Rawlings, Dean Edwards, and BET’s red carpet, always centring culture, flavour, and compassion.

Through her cooking, Charlise invites others to heal, celebrate their roots, and embrace a plant-based lifestyle that is anything but bland. Whether in her kitchen or on camera, she reminds us that food is more than nourishment; it’s a legacy of love.