THE QUEEN OF GREEN CUISINE

About Lillian Cumic

To many in Hawai‘i, Lillian Cumic is known as the “Queen of Green Cuisine”—a celebrated vegan chef, columnist, and the author of three beloved cookbooks: Hawai‘i A Vegan Paradise (2020), Tasting Hawai‘i Vegan Style (2021), and Hawai‘i Washoku (2023). But beyond her recipes lies a deeper calling: to inspire a more conscious, connected way of living, through the harmony of food

Originally from Sydney, Lillian moved to Japan to model at 18, eventually spending thirty years working in the culinary industry as head chef and dining bar owner, cooking instructor, and private chef. It was there she fell in love with Washoku, which means 'Harmony of Food'. More than a style of cooking, Washoku is a way of being—cultivating balance between self and nature, past and present, body and spirit. This deeply holistic approach continues to shape Lillian’s work, as she honors tradition while reimagining it through a vibrant, plant-based lens. She shares that vision through immersive dining experiences, consulting, and her monthly column “Secret Garden” in CRAVE, a feature of the Honolulu Star Advertiser.

Lillian’s work has been featured in MidWeek Hawai‘i, Honolulu Magazine, A Taste of Home, the UK’s Vegan Food and Living Magazine, and Japan’s Otona no Hawaii. In 2022, she served as a judge for the Ilima Awards, honoring excellence in vegan/vegetarian cuisine. In 2024, she was named runner-up in Taste of Home’s Favorite Chef competition, chosen from over 95,000 contestants and helping raise $4.7 million for the James Beard Foundation. That same year, Modern Luxury Hawai‘i named her one of their Dynamic Women of 2024, and she was featured in the premiere episode of the docuseries "Following Journeys", hosted by Alice Inoue.

In May 2025, Lillian made a dazzling return to the runway at International Fashion Week Hawaii, and also walked for iconic designer Anne Namba in a separate show. That same month, she graced the cover of MidWeek Hawaii for the second time as a featured chef at the Hawaii Hotel and Restaurant Show.

Lillian redefines plant-based living as a vibrant, luxurious lifestyle—one rooted in flavor, culture, and harmony. She lives in Honolulu with her husband and their chinchilla cat, Lulu, drawing daily inspiration from the beauty of Hawai‘i.

Plant-based Coaching

  • Looking to feel better, eat cleaner, and live a healthier lifestyle—without the pressure of “going on a diet”? This warm and welcoming online course is designed for anyone curious about a better way o living—whether you’re ready to fully embrace a plant-based lifestyle or simply want to make healthier, more mindful choices.

    From the comfort of your own home, you’ll receive four private Zoom sessions, each one hour long, offering supportive guidance, engaging discussions, and practical take-home tools. This isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress and creating habits that nourish your body and support your well-being.

  • Each 1-hour session is tailored to your needs and includes:

    • A friendly introduction to the benefits of plant-based living

    • How to create balanced, satisfying meals without stress

    • Smart tips for grocery shopping and stocking a wholesome pantry

    • Simple, delicious recipes that anyone can make and enjoy

    • Helpful ways to track your health and fitness progress using a wellness app

    • Support for overcoming cravings and easing into lasting change

  • $150 (plus tax) per hour

    • Includes menu consulting, plant-based diet coaching, recipe development, and food writing

    • Additional charges for ingredients, travel expenses, and other associated costs

Hotel and Business Events

  • Bring the vibrant world of plant-based cuisine and lifestyle directly to your guests or team with expert-led live cooking demonstrations, workshops, and speaking engagements. As a seasoned plant-based lifestyle expert and engaging speaker, I offer dynamic presentations designed to educate, inspire, and entertain—perfect for hotels, corporate events, retreats, and wellness programs.

    Whether you want to delight tourists and kama‘āina with hands-on cooking classes, energize your staff with wellness-focused team-building activities, or provide health-oriented workshops, I tailor each event to suit your audience and goals.

    • Live, hands-on or demonstration-style cooking class

    • Prep time before the event and full clean-up afterward

    • Recipe handouts in PDF format for all participants

    • Q&A session as time allows

  • $1,500 (plus tax) for up to 3 hours

    • Includes live cooking demos, private events, workshops, team building, or guest appearances

    • $150 per hour for each additional hour beyond 3 hours

    • Additional charges for ingredients, off-island travel, and other associated costs

Plant-based Menu Consulting

  • If you own or run a food busines and you’re looking to add plant-based options to your menu, I can help. With years of experience in plant-based culinary development, I offer professional consulting to create custom recipes and menus that align with your brand and meet your diners’ evolving preferences.

    Whether you’re introducing a few signature dishes or building an entirely new concept, I’ll work closely with you to develop offerings that are both practical for your kitchen and exciting for your guests. Staff training is also available to ensure your team can execute the dishes with confidence and consistency.

    To support your launch, I provide professional food photography to showcase your new menu items—perfect for use on social media, websites, menus, and other promotional materials. These packages are perfect for new seasonal menu updates, or rebranding efforts with a plant-forward focus.

  • For restaurants and food establishments ready to elevate their plant-based offerings, I provide full-service consulting packages that take the guesswork out of menu development. These packages are designed to deliver everything you need to launch or expand a successful plant-based menu with confidence and style.

    Each package includes:

    • Up to 10 original plant-based dishes developed specifically for your concept

    • Detailed recipes with prep notes and plating instructions for kitchen staff

    • One full day (8 hours) of private, on-site chef training to ensure flawless execution

    • Professional food photography of each dish for use on your website, social media, and promotional materials

    • Custom menu design tailored to your branding and clientele

    • Ingredient sourcing support to streamline your operations

    • Email follow-up support post-training to answer any kitchen or execution questions

  • Contact me directly for pricing and availability. Let’s build a menu that sets your business apart—and makes a lasting impression on your guests.

    $150/hour (plus tax)
    If you’re looking for a more flexible way to get started, I also offer consulting on an hourly basis. Additional charges for ingredients, travel expenses, and other associated costs.

7-Course Private Dining

  • An Intimate Culinary Journey for Up to 10 Guests

    Indulge in a chef-curated, plant-based 7-course dining experience crafted to delight the senses. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, entertaining special guests, or simply treating yourself and loved ones to a night of luxury—this private dinner is designed to impress.

    • Seven beautifully plated, seasonal plant-based courses

    • Courses flow from amuse-bouche to dessert, highlighting local, organic ingredients and global inspirations

    • Custom-tailored menu to suit your event, taste preferences, and dietary needs

    • Private chef service in an elegant, relaxed setting

    • BYO welcome – pair your favorite wines or cocktails with each course

    • $2,500 for up to 10 guests
      +$500 for each additional 2 guests (plus 20% tax and gratuity)

    • Book or Gift This Experience
      Give the gift of a 7-course experience like no other. Ideal for weddings, retirements, or the person who has everything.

Team Building for Employees

  • Help your team improve their eating habits and workplace nutrition with a focused, 1-hour session designed to provide practical tools and simple strategies. This session guides your employees on how to make healthier food choices, rethink their relationship with food, and set up your work environment with better snack and meal options that everyone can benefit from. Empower your team to eat better and feel their best. Contact me to schedule a session tailored to your company’s needs.

  • What Your Team Will Gain:

    • Practical tools to make healthier food choices easy and enjoyable

    • Simple strategies to change how you think about food and eating habits

    • Guidance on setting up your workplace with better snack and meal options

    • Ideas to create a supportive environment that encourages healthy eating for everyone

    • Easy-to-implement tips that benefit energy levels and overall well-being at work

    • 1-hour Online Session: $500 (plus tax)

    • 1-hour In-Person Session: $1,000 (plus tax)

Cooking Classes

  • A Culinary Experience to Remember

    Looking to celebrate a birthday, bridal shower, team-building event, or simply a delicious night in with friends?

    Book a private plant-based cooking class designed for fun, flavor, and connection.

    • 3-hour hands-on cooking class

    • Customizable menu and cuisine style (Japanese, Mediterranean, Hawaiian, and more)

    • 4 plant-based dishes per class:

      2 appetizers (pūpūs)

      1 main dish

      1 dessert

    • All ingredients provided (organic when possible)

    • Full printed or digital recipes for each dish

    • Tasting session of everything you create

    • BYO welcome – sip your favorite beverage while you cook!

    • Guidance from a celebrated chef and cookbook author

    • A joyful culinary experience rooted in wellness and sustainability

  • $200 per person

    Minimum 10 participants

    Includes all ingredients, instruction, and tasting

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