Raya Higgs | Contributors - Nourish plant-based living

Raya Higgs

Raya Higgs
Raya is a fully qualified vegan chef and the owner of Ayarah, a vegan cooking school in Perth, where she runs cooking classes and retreats. A former professional bodybuilding athlete, she also loves her four huskies, organic gardening, the outdoors, and inspiring others to live a plant-based lifestyle.

Articles by Raya Higgs

View ›
Recipe

Red sushi with garlic mayo

Not only do these sushi rolls look gorgeous, they also taste incredible. These showstoppers will wow your friends!

- Raya Higgs
View ›
Recipe

Tempura veggies with wasabi dust

Japanese tempura is the best – crispy and crunchy, and definitely not oily. The wasabi dust gives this beautiful dish a nice little kick.

- Raya Higgs
View ›
Recipe

Okonomiyaki

Okonomiyaki is a savoury pancake that is a popular street food from Osaka, Japan. It’s a favourite brunch for all who’ve tried it. You’ll...

- Raya Higgs

Enjoying our inspiring stories? We always love to hear from you with suggestions for the content you want more of. Suggest a topic here.

Sign up to our newsletter and receive our latest editorial and offers directly in your inbox.

More delicious vegan recipes

View ›
Recipe
Epic pulled burger

Pulled Oumph! sure brings the flavour to this epic plant-based burger. Top with your favourite sauce and fresh veggies for the ultimate...

Nadia Fragnito View ›
Recipe
Panna cotta

Your guests will swoon over this simple yet elegant vegan dessert.

Nadia Fragnito
Naomi Sherman View ›
Recipe
Sauerkraut latkes

Sneak some healthy biotics into your family’s diet with these fritters, packed with probiotics from sauerkraut and yoghurt and prebiotics from...

Naomi Sherman
Adam Guthrie View ›
Recipe
Ramen

This hearty vegan ramen with golden baked tofu is nourishing, warming and packed with flavour. Make it gluten-free by using rice noodles in place...

Adam Guthrie
Simon Toohey View ›
Recipe
Lemon myrtle roasted cauliflower with chimichurri

This tender, golden roast cauliflower with vibrant chimichurri sauce and crunchy macadamias makes a stunning addition to any seasonal spread....

Simon Toohey
Claire Power View ›
Recipe
Pumpkin hummus

This flavourful dip is both vegan and low in FODMAPs.

Claire Power
Anthea Cheng View ›
Recipe
Gingerbread cookies

What’s better than a homemade treat? One that someone else has made especially for you! Delight your loved ones with these festive beauties...

Anthea Cheng

Our latest inspiration

Nicole Kennedy View ›
Health
Mindful escapes with Billabong Retreat

In the fast-paced and demanding world we live in, finding moments of stillness and calm can be challenging. In an attempt to find a little peace...

Nicole Kennedy
Rachael Morris View ›
Health
Mythbusting: Gut health

If you want to get your gut in order, Dr Will Bulsiewicz is the expert to help you sort out fact from fiction. This is the gut-health cheat sheet...

Rachael Morris
Samantha van Egmond View ›
Earth
Elevate your eco cred

Time for an eco spring clean? Here are seven simple swaps for the conscious consumer

Samantha van Egmond
Rohini Bajekal View ›
Health
The cycle of hormones

If you haven’t quite got your cycle phases figured out, you’re not alone. But it’s time to tune in to your body’s rhythms - so that you...

Rohini Bajekal
Kate Hall View ›
Earth
Sustainable and eco-friendly period products

Eco period products have risen in popularity – they’re sustainable, affordable, healthy, and convenient. Here’s what you need to know so...

Kate Hall
Elizabeth Douglas View ›
Mind
Seven stages of going vegan

Going vegan can be a life-changing experience, and it’s not without its challenges. The good news is you’re not alone. There are identifiable...

Elizabeth Douglas
View ›
Culture
A haven on Earth

Mountains stretch down to coastal plains, which hug the curves of over 100 pristine beaches, all gazing out towards the stunning waters of the...

More inspiration from our mindful collective

From Breathe Magazine View ›
Wellbeing - Breathe Magazine
Time to live

Does life feel like an uphill battle? Maybe it’s time for change

From Breathe Magazine
From Breathe Magazine View ›
Wellbeing - Breathe Magazine
Natural sleep oils

Spraying sheets and pillows with calming scents can be a wonderful aid to slumber

From Breathe Magazine
From Mindful Puzzles View ›
Wellbeing - Mindful Puzzles
Start with you

Taking a look at self-reflection

From Mindful Puzzles
From Mindful Puzzles View ›
Wellbeing - Mindful Puzzles
To wander with no purpose

The next time you go for a walk, discover the wonder of the everyday world around you

From Mindful Puzzles
From Breathe Magazine View ›
Wellbeing - Breathe Magazine
Let it glow

A skincare routine can be a way to nourish yourself inside and out

From Breathe Magazine
From Mindful Parenting View ›
Wellbeing - Mindful Parenting
Seeking the silver lining

When the clouds converge, practise gratitude for the smallest of glimmers, and learn to dance in the rain.

From Mindful Parenting

Red sushi with garlic mayo

Raya Higgs

Not only do these sushi rolls look gorgeous, they also taste incredible. These showstoppers will wow your friends!

dinnerlunch
entertainingfinger foodgluten-free option
japanese

Ingredients

Makes 4 complete rolls

GARLIC MAYO

Method

  1. Start by making the garlic mayo. Add all the ingredients, except the grapeseed oil, into a tall cylinder. Using a handheld stick blender, blend the ingredients until smooth. Slowly add the oil while blending until you get a thick emulsion. This takes a few minutes. Once thick and creamy, pour into a squeeze bottle and place in the fridge to cool.
  2. To make the sushi rolls, add the cooked beetroot to the rice and mirin. Mix through until evenly combined.
  3. Place 1 sheet of the nori on a bamboo mat, shiny side down. Cover the nori with a layer of rice, about ½ cm thick.
  4. Next, add vegetables and tofu in a horizontal line across the sheet, leaving a 1 cm gap from the edge closest to you. Once you have a few pieces of each vegetable and tofu on the rice, you are ready to roll.
  5. To roll, start by pulling up the edge closest to you and roll it over the ingredients. Use the mat to help tuck it in towards yourself to give a tight roll. Continue to roll until sealed closed. Set aside and make the other rolls.
  6. Once finish, slice the sushi roles into 2 cm-thick pieces and then place on a plate to serve. Squeeze a little garlic mayo over the sushi and top with some edible flowers for extra prettiness.
Raya Higgs
Raya Higgs

Raya is a fully qualified vegan chef and the owner of Ayarah, a vegan cooking school in Perth, where she runs cooking classes and retreats.

This recipe was originally published in Nourish plant-based living, Issue 69 • View magazine

Enjoying our inspiring stories? Sign up to our newsletter and receive our latest editorial and offers directly in your inbox.

More delicious vegan recipes

Chef Cynthia Louise View ›
Recipe
Coconut lentil soup

You’ll be scoffing mouthfuls of this rich, hearty, budget-friendly soup before anyone else has a chance to dive in. It’s that good! I...

Chef Cynthia Louise
Rebecca Stonor View ›
Recipe
Indonesian salad with spiced tempeh topping

This salad is a take on urap sayur that instead uses crumbled tempeh and toasted almonds to top the dish. A balance of spicy, sweet, and sour...

Rebecca Stonor
Chef Cynthia Louise View ›
Recipe
Sticky date pudding

Surround yourself with good friends, I say. This sticky date pudding would be nowhere near as epic without a bit of mentoring (and tough love)...

Chef Cynthia Louise
Raya Higgs View ›
Recipe
Ginger ramen with vegan eggs

Ramen is an all-time favourite Japanese dish, full of flavour and nutrition. The secret ingredient to our vegan eggs is black salt. Known as kala...

Raya Higgs
Rebecca Stonor View ›
Recipe
Lemon cheesecake

Shifting to a wholefood plant-based diet doesn’t mean missing out on cheesecake. This recipe uses tofu instead of cream cheese and is therefore...

Rebecca Stonor
Adam Guthrie View ›
Recipe
Vegan pad kee mao

Healthy, satisfying and flavoursome, this pad kee mao is vibrant Thai food at its best. 

Adam Guthrie
Amanda Logan View ›
Recipe
Ultimate green burger

Burgs are life! We love all the classics, and they are tastier and better for you when filled with plants.

Amanda Logan

Our latest inspiration

Nicole Kennedy View ›
Health
Mindful escapes with Billabong Retreat

In the fast-paced and demanding world we live in, finding moments of stillness and calm can be challenging. In an attempt to find a little peace...

Nicole Kennedy
Rachael Morris View ›
Health
Mythbusting: Gut health

If you want to get your gut in order, Dr Will Bulsiewicz is the expert to help you sort out fact from fiction. This is the gut-health cheat sheet...

Rachael Morris
Samantha van Egmond View ›
Earth
Elevate your eco cred

Time for an eco spring clean? Here are seven simple swaps for the conscious consumer

Samantha van Egmond
Rohini Bajekal View ›
Health
The cycle of hormones

If you haven’t quite got your cycle phases figured out, you’re not alone. But it’s time to tune in to your body’s rhythms - so that you...

Rohini Bajekal
Kate Hall View ›
Earth
Sustainable and eco-friendly period products

Eco period products have risen in popularity – they’re sustainable, affordable, healthy, and convenient. Here’s what you need to know so...

Kate Hall
Elizabeth Douglas View ›
Mind
Seven stages of going vegan

Going vegan can be a life-changing experience, and it’s not without its challenges. The good news is you’re not alone. There are identifiable...

Elizabeth Douglas
View ›
Culture
A haven on Earth

Mountains stretch down to coastal plains, which hug the curves of over 100 pristine beaches, all gazing out towards the stunning waters of the...

More inspiration from our mindful collective

From Breathe Magazine View ›
Wellbeing - Breathe Magazine
Time to live

Does life feel like an uphill battle? Maybe it’s time for change

From Breathe Magazine
From Breathe Magazine View ›
Wellbeing - Breathe Magazine
Natural sleep oils

Spraying sheets and pillows with calming scents can be a wonderful aid to slumber

From Breathe Magazine
From Mindful Puzzles View ›
Wellbeing - Mindful Puzzles
Start with you

Taking a look at self-reflection

From Mindful Puzzles
From Mindful Puzzles View ›
Wellbeing - Mindful Puzzles
To wander with no purpose

The next time you go for a walk, discover the wonder of the everyday world around you

From Mindful Puzzles
From Breathe Magazine View ›
Wellbeing - Breathe Magazine
Let it glow

A skincare routine can be a way to nourish yourself inside and out

From Breathe Magazine
From Mindful Parenting View ›
Wellbeing - Mindful Parenting
Seeking the silver lining

When the clouds converge, practise gratitude for the smallest of glimmers, and learn to dance in the rain.

From Mindful Parenting

Tempura veggies with wasabi dust

Raya Higgs

Japanese tempura is the best – crispy and crunchy, and definitely not oily. The wasabi dust gives this beautiful dish a nice little kick.

side dishstarter
entertaining
japanese

Ingredients

Serves 2

BATTER

WASABI DUST

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 140°C.
  2. Spread the wasabi onto a piece of baking paper on a tray. Bake for 15–20 minutes or until dry. Remove from the oven and place in a small bowl. Grind until dust forms, then add the green tea and set aside.
  3. To make the batter, place the flour in a large bowl, add the iced water and mayonnaise, then whisk until smooth. Try to work quickly so you don’t overwork the batter. Place in the fridge to keep cold.
  4. To a saucepan, add enough vegetable oil to completely cover the vegetables when frying. Heat the oil to 180°C.
  5. When the oil is heated, remove the batter from the fridge. Dip all the vegetables into the batter using chopsticks or tongs, then place straight into the oil. Fry in batches, so you don’t overfill the saucepan. Cook each piece for about 1 minute or until lightly golden. Remove and place on paper towel to drain. Repeat until all veggies are cooked.
  6. To serve, place the tempura vegetables in a bowl, sprinkle with the wasabi and green tea dust, and drizzle some extra vegan mayo over the top.

TIP: The secret to getting a really crisp batter is using ice water. This also prevents gluten strings from forming. The less gluten, the higher the crispness. The cold batter also gains crispness from the temperature shock of hitting the hot oil.

Raya Higgs
Raya Higgs

Raya is a fully qualified vegan chef and the owner of Ayarah, a vegan cooking school in Perth, where she runs cooking classes and retreats.

This recipe was originally published in Nourish plant-based living, Issue 69 • View magazine

Enjoying our inspiring stories? Sign up to our newsletter and receive our latest editorial and offers directly in your inbox.

More delicious vegan recipes

Rebecca Stonor View ›
Recipe
Lemon cheesecake

Shifting to a wholefood plant-based diet doesn’t mean missing out on cheesecake. This recipe uses tofu instead of cream cheese and is therefore...

Rebecca Stonor
Chef Cynthia Louise View ›
Recipe
Best-ever brownie

This is the perfect plant-based brownie for the brownie connoisseur. Years in the making, and now captured for you to enjoy. It’s as much for...

Chef Cynthia Louise
View ›
Recipe
Mediterranean Breeze

Light, citrusy, and super refreshing, this cocktail starring Licor 43 Horchata and limoncello tastes like Mediterranean summer in a glass.

Amanda Logan View ›
Recipe
Kentucky-style cauliflower burger

Burgs are life! We love all the classics, and they are tastier and better for you when filled with plants.

Amanda Logan
Raya Higgs View ›
Recipe
Mie goreng

This Indonesian fried noodle dish can be found at both high-end restaurants and street food vendors in the region – it’s a popular dish for...

Raya Higgs
Rebecca Stonor View ›
Recipe
Indonesian salad with spiced tempeh topping

This salad is a take on urap sayur that instead uses crumbled tempeh and toasted almonds to top the dish. A balance of spicy, sweet, and sour...

Rebecca Stonor
Clare Scrine View ›
Recipe
Roasted broccoli green curry with coconut rice

The trick to this super-vibrant green curry is to add a bunch of blitzed leafy greens into the paste to ensure a lovely, bright-green colour. I...

Clare Scrine

Our latest inspiration

Nicole Kennedy View ›
Health
Mindful escapes with Billabong Retreat

In the fast-paced and demanding world we live in, finding moments of stillness and calm can be challenging. In an attempt to find a little peace...

Nicole Kennedy
Rachael Morris View ›
Health
Mythbusting: Gut health

If you want to get your gut in order, Dr Will Bulsiewicz is the expert to help you sort out fact from fiction. This is the gut-health cheat sheet...

Rachael Morris
Samantha van Egmond View ›
Earth
Elevate your eco cred

Time for an eco spring clean? Here are seven simple swaps for the conscious consumer

Samantha van Egmond
Rohini Bajekal View ›
Health
The cycle of hormones

If you haven’t quite got your cycle phases figured out, you’re not alone. But it’s time to tune in to your body’s rhythms - so that you...

Rohini Bajekal
Kate Hall View ›
Earth
Sustainable and eco-friendly period products

Eco period products have risen in popularity – they’re sustainable, affordable, healthy, and convenient. Here’s what you need to know so...

Kate Hall
Elizabeth Douglas View ›
Mind
Seven stages of going vegan

Going vegan can be a life-changing experience, and it’s not without its challenges. The good news is you’re not alone. There are identifiable...

Elizabeth Douglas
View ›
Culture
A haven on Earth

Mountains stretch down to coastal plains, which hug the curves of over 100 pristine beaches, all gazing out towards the stunning waters of the...

More inspiration from our mindful collective

From Breathe Magazine View ›
Wellbeing - Breathe Magazine
Time to live

Does life feel like an uphill battle? Maybe it’s time for change

From Breathe Magazine
From Breathe Magazine View ›
Wellbeing - Breathe Magazine
Natural sleep oils

Spraying sheets and pillows with calming scents can be a wonderful aid to slumber

From Breathe Magazine
From Mindful Puzzles View ›
Wellbeing - Mindful Puzzles
Start with you

Taking a look at self-reflection

From Mindful Puzzles
From Mindful Puzzles View ›
Wellbeing - Mindful Puzzles
To wander with no purpose

The next time you go for a walk, discover the wonder of the everyday world around you

From Mindful Puzzles
From Breathe Magazine View ›
Wellbeing - Breathe Magazine
Let it glow

A skincare routine can be a way to nourish yourself inside and out

From Breathe Magazine
From Mindful Parenting View ›
Wellbeing - Mindful Parenting
Seeking the silver lining

When the clouds converge, practise gratitude for the smallest of glimmers, and learn to dance in the rain.

From Mindful Parenting

Okonomiyaki

Raya Higgs

Okonomiyaki is a savoury pancake that is a popular street food from Osaka, Japan. It’s a favourite brunch for all who’ve tried it. You’ll absolutely love this vegan version!

brunchside dish
gluten-free option
japanese

Ingredients

Serves: 2   

TO SERVE

Method

  1. Place the chickpea flour and water into a large bowl and mix until smooth. Add the cabbage, carrot, onion, ginger, dashi stock powder, and salt, then mix until well combined. Set aside to rest.
  2. Heat the oil in a non-stick frying pan on medium heat.
  3. Place half the mixture into the frying pan and spread it out until it covers the pan. Leave a little space around the edges to make it easier when it’s time to flip. Cook for 3–4 minutes or until golden. Gently flip and cook the remaining side for 2 minutes. Repeat for the remaining mixture.
  4. Place each pancake on a plate to serve. Top with a drizzle of vegan mayonnaise and sprinkle of spring onions and edible flowers. Enjoy!

TIP: We used Spiral Foods kombu shiitake dashi.

 

Raya Higgs
Raya Higgs

Raya is a fully qualified vegan chef and the owner of Ayarah, a vegan cooking school in Perth, where she runs cooking classes and retreats.

This article is an edited extract from Nourish plant-based living, Issue 69 • View magazine

Enjoying our inspiring stories? Sign up to our newsletter and receive our latest editorial and offers directly in your inbox.

More delicious vegan recipes

Amanda Logan View ›
Recipe
Kentucky-style cauliflower burger

Burgs are life! We love all the classics, and they are tastier and better for you when filled with plants.

Amanda Logan
Chef Cynthia Louise View ›
Recipe
Best-ever brownie

This is the perfect plant-based brownie for the brownie connoisseur. Years in the making, and now captured for you to enjoy. It’s as much for...

Chef Cynthia Louise
Adam Guthrie View ›
Recipe
Vegan pad kee mao

Healthy, satisfying and flavoursome, this pad kee mao is vibrant Thai food at its best. 

Adam Guthrie
Rebecca Stonor View ›
Recipe
Lemon cheesecake

Shifting to a wholefood plant-based diet doesn’t mean missing out on cheesecake. This recipe uses tofu instead of cream cheese and is therefore...

Rebecca Stonor
Anya Lily and Jade Sarkhel View ›
Recipe
Not-avo toast

Smashed avocado on toast is perhaps the most popular breakfast or brunch item out there, and as much as we love the mighty avo, it generally has...

Anya Lily and Jade Sarkhel
Chef Cynthia Louise View ›
Recipe
Coconut lentil soup

You’ll be scoffing mouthfuls of this rich, hearty, budget-friendly soup before anyone else has a chance to dive in. It’s that good! I...

Chef Cynthia Louise
Annie van Halteren View ›
Recipe
Healthier mars bars

Lusciously decadent but guilt free, these divine bars are definitive proof that there’s a healthier, plant-based version of anything you fancy....

Annie van Halteren

Our latest inspiration

Nicole Kennedy View ›
Health
Mindful escapes with Billabong Retreat

In the fast-paced and demanding world we live in, finding moments of stillness and calm can be challenging. In an attempt to find a little peace...

Nicole Kennedy
Rachael Morris View ›
Health
Mythbusting: Gut health

If you want to get your gut in order, Dr Will Bulsiewicz is the expert to help you sort out fact from fiction. This is the gut-health cheat sheet...

Rachael Morris
Samantha van Egmond View ›
Earth
Elevate your eco cred

Time for an eco spring clean? Here are seven simple swaps for the conscious consumer

Samantha van Egmond
Rohini Bajekal View ›
Health
The cycle of hormones

If you haven’t quite got your cycle phases figured out, you’re not alone. But it’s time to tune in to your body’s rhythms - so that you...

Rohini Bajekal
Kate Hall View ›
Earth
Sustainable and eco-friendly period products

Eco period products have risen in popularity – they’re sustainable, affordable, healthy, and convenient. Here’s what you need to know so...

Kate Hall
Elizabeth Douglas View ›
Mind
Seven stages of going vegan

Going vegan can be a life-changing experience, and it’s not without its challenges. The good news is you’re not alone. There are identifiable...

Elizabeth Douglas
View ›
Culture
A haven on Earth

Mountains stretch down to coastal plains, which hug the curves of over 100 pristine beaches, all gazing out towards the stunning waters of the...

More inspiration from our mindful collective

From Breathe Magazine View ›
Wellbeing - Breathe Magazine
Time to live

Does life feel like an uphill battle? Maybe it’s time for change

From Breathe Magazine
From Breathe Magazine View ›
Wellbeing - Breathe Magazine
Natural sleep oils

Spraying sheets and pillows with calming scents can be a wonderful aid to slumber

From Breathe Magazine
From Mindful Puzzles View ›
Wellbeing - Mindful Puzzles
Start with you

Taking a look at self-reflection

From Mindful Puzzles
From Mindful Puzzles View ›
Wellbeing - Mindful Puzzles
To wander with no purpose

The next time you go for a walk, discover the wonder of the everyday world around you

From Mindful Puzzles
From Breathe Magazine View ›
Wellbeing - Breathe Magazine
Let it glow

A skincare routine can be a way to nourish yourself inside and out

From Breathe Magazine
From Mindful Parenting View ›
Wellbeing - Mindful Parenting
Seeking the silver lining

When the clouds converge, practise gratitude for the smallest of glimmers, and learn to dance in the rain.

From Mindful Parenting
YOUR INPUT