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For chef Priyanka Naik, setting new standards is standard. Her leap from a secure tech job into the unpredictable culinary world shows her recipe for turning passion into sustainable success.
A self-taught vegan chef from Staten Island, New York, with roots in Indian culture, Priyanka didn’t find her calling in the hallowed halls of culinary schools. Instead, a less likely environment sparked her passion for cooking – a successful career in tech. But it was her commitment to sustainability and a plant-based lifestyle that truly set her apart in the competitive culinary landscape. Listen to this Behind the review Follow below to hear directly from Chef Priyanka Naik.
“Cooking was a form of expression, a nod to my heritage and a way to advocate for the environment,” Priyanka said, reflecting on her early influences. “My parents immigrated here from India in the late ’70s, so… food was key to staying in touch with our roots and our family.”
Priyanka’s culinary philosophy is deeply rooted in sustainability, which she sees not just as a personal choice but as a global necessity. “What we eat impacts not only our health, but also our planet,” she said, emphasizing the importance of choosing ingredients that promote environmental health.
Whether cooking at home or live on TV, Priyanka rejects single-use plastic, chooses locally sourced ingredients to reduce carbon footprint, and focuses on whole, unprocessed foods to minimize waste. She creates each dish with the goal of showing that vegan food can be both delicious and environmentally conscious.
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Priyanka’s commitment to sustainable cooking and her vibrant cooking style earned her a spot — and subsequent win — on a Food Network cooking show in 2017. This victory served as a launchpad for their broader mission to advocate for sustainable living through food.
“Winning on Food Network was an affirmation, an opportunity to show a large audience that sustainable cooking can be vibrant, diverse and delicious,” she said. It was the beginning of a larger dialogue about the intersection of cuisine and sustainability.
Priyanka’s win catapulted her into the culinary spotlight and allowed her to further her mission of sustainable, vegan cuisine and publish a cookbook, The Modern Tiffin.
In parallel with her success in publishing, Priyanka has established a strong presence on social media, where she extends her culinary influence beyond the printed page. Her Instagram, YouTube and blog are not only platforms for her recipes, but also platforms for education and commitment to the topic of sustainability in the kitchen. She regularly shares tips on reducing food waste, choosing sustainable ingredients, and preparing delicious and eco-friendly meals.
“Social media has been an invaluable tool to connect with like-minded people and spread the message of sustainable living,” said Priyanka.
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Her posts, often accompanied by vivid photos and engaging videos, attract a diverse audience interested in learning more about eco-friendly cooking practices. Through these interactions, Priyanka has built a community as passionate about sustainable living as she is about cooking.
Priyanka’s engagement approach goes beyond digital platforms. She participates in public lectures and cooking demonstrations where she personally shares her story and culinary philosophy. These interactions strengthen their community connections and provide more opportunities to engage in sustainable lifestyles.
“It’s about more than just food,” Priyanka said. “It’s about making a difference in the world through the choices we make in our kitchen.”
With every dish and blog post, Chef Priyanka uses her platform to connect with her audience and educate them about sustainable practices. Whether through Instagram stories, in-depth blog posts about reducing kitchen waste, or public speaking engagements, she highlights the impact of individual choices on global sustainability. Her ability to combine storytelling with practical culinary advice has made her a personable and inspiring figure in the food community.
For those who want to turn their culinary passions into a career, Priyanka recommends embarking on her unique journey.
“Believe in your unique path. The road less traveled can be daunting, but it offers numerous opportunities to carve out a niche that is authentically yours,” she said. Resilience, self-promotion and authenticity are her cornerstones for building a brand that reflects personal and professional values.
Since her breakthrough on Food Network, Chef Priyanka Naik has followed these powerful principles for success:
- Use your unique background to stand out in a crowded environment. Chef Priyanka’s journey from tech to the kitchen highlights the importance of pursuing your passions, no matter how unconventional they may seem.
- Make your values a cornerstone of your company. Educate your audience about the impact of their purchasing decisions, whether for environmental, social or ethical reasons. This engagement can turn customers into advocates for your brand.
- Use social media. Use platforms like Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn not only to showcase products, but also to connect with and educate your audience. A strong online presence can turn followers into a community.
- Feedback is crucial, whether through social media or direct customer interactions. Use insights from your target group, for example in online reviews, to refine your approach and your offers.
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Editorial contributions by Charlotte Che and Kristi Lindahl.