Hari Pulapaka

Hari Pulapaka, Ph.D., CEC, AAC, WCMC, is a four-time James Beard Best Chef semifinalist, American Academy of Chefs inductee, Worldchefs Certified Master Chef, and former tenured mathematics professor at Stetson University. Originally from Mumbai, he earned his Ph.D. from the University of Florida before graduating top of his culinary class in 2004.

​A seven-time guest chef at the historic James Beard House, Hari serves as Senior Culinary Director at 4Roots Farm in Orlando. A recognized leader in food-waste reduction and sustainable gastronomy, he was named a GRIST 50 Fixer and advises the Zero Food Waste Coalition and Food Tank. Through his Global Cooking School, he leads mindful, globally inspired culinary programming and education.

​He is the author of several books, including Beans, Greens & Lentils and The Heart Healthy Plant-Based Cookbook (co-authored with Dr. Jenneffer Pulapaka), published by Hatherleigh Press and distributed by Penguin Random House.