Possibly you acknowledge by her signature cherry-red glasses, from her morning present cooking segments, or one among her viral recipe Reels (large fusilli with spinach-jalapeño pesto, anybody?). Nevertheless you might have gotten hooked on Priyanka Naik, one factor’s for certain: this New York-based chef, creator, and TV persona is heating up the vegan scene, and it’s not simply due to her arsenal of chilis, chutneys, powders, and seasonings.
VegNews caught up with the rising plant-based star for a number of rapid-fire questions to search out out what makes her tick, how she’s tackling the vacations, and why she’s nuts for cashews.
@unreal.snacks/Instagram
1 Go-to sweet?
Something darkish chocolate, vegan, and sans palm oil. One in all my faves is Lindt Darkish Chocolate with Orange Peel bar. Oh, and UNREAL’s dark chocolate peanut butter cups!
2Favoite vacation custom?
Making tons of handmade snacks and sweets for Diwali—the Hindu Competition of Lights—often round October or November. My favorites are shankarpali (a candy biscuit-like snack) and chakli (spicy chickpea flour-based snacks).
3
Most overrated vacation dish?
For American holidays: pumpkin pie. I discover it bland and monotone. For Indian holidays: nothing! All the pieces is so flavorful and dynamic.
4
Favourite a part of the vacation season?
“Plopping,” in any other case often known as sitting round with my household and watching copious quantities of films.
Priyanka Naik / Immediately
5
Vacation dish you’re most trying ahead to?
Something my maa makes, however in all probability her cauliflower-black pepper pulao. For American holidays, it’s apple pie with caramel—I’m a sweets gal.
6
How will you be ringing within the New Yr?
I’m not a planner, so it’ll be a game-time choice. Hopefully, I’m someplace enjoyable and worldwide!
7
All-time favourite appetizer?
Spinach artichoke dip and aloo papdi chaat.
8
Three meals you possibly can’t stay with out?
Bread, nuts (any variety), and something spicy!
9
The vegan product you possibly can’t stay with out?
Vegan cheese. And that features cream cheese.
Priyanka Naik
10
The meal you possibly can eat day-after-day?
My mother’s pav bhaji—a Mumbai road meals consisting of vegetable curry and comfortable rolls. It’s additionally the dish that impressed my profitable meal that earned me the title of Meals Community Champion in 2017.
11
Favourite vegan metropolis?
Sydney, Australia.
12
Metropolis you’re dying to go to?
Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.
13
What are you ready on to be veganized?
Taco Bell’s Mexican Pizza! And the Spicy Potato Smooth Taco.
14
Vegan restaurant you’re obsessive about proper now?
Purple Thai—a 100-percent vegan farm-to-table Thai spot in New York.
L’Artisane Bakery / Instagram
15
Favourite vegan restaurant?
I love L’Artisane Bakery in Miami, FL.
16
Restaurant you’re dying to go to?
I really don’t have one! I journey extensively and like to discover cities whereas I’m there versus tons of planning. I can’t wait to see the place my travels take me!
17
Three eating places you’d advocate to guests in your metropolis?
ilili, Coletta, and Mala Project.
18
Present social media obsession?
19
In 5 phrases or much less, what are you most enthusiastic about proper now?
Empowering folks to be sustainable!
20
A vegan model you’re obsessive about proper now?
Esti for its vegan cheeses and Apparis for its fake furs and puffer jackets.
Starbucks
21
Go-to espresso store order?
I hardly purchase espresso anymore, but when did, it might be an iced caramel macchiato with oat milk, mild ice, and additional caramel.
22
What’s the very last thing you ate?
Sautéed graffiti eggplant with peanuts, curry leaves, and peppers and onions with cumin basmati rice.
23
Favourite dessert?
For American or European, Chocolate mousse however for Indian, Basundi with strawberries and pomegranate.
24
Go-to snack?
Cashews calmly sautéed with vegan ghee, black salt, purple chili, cumin, sugar, salt, and black pepper. I eat them with hummus, pita, coriander, and contemporary veggies like cukes, tomatoes, and carrots.
25
Targets for the brand new yr?
To launch a retail product below the Chef Priyanka model, to work quick and furiously on my second guide, and hopefully solidify my very personal cooking present on TV.
Richard Bowie is VegNews’ senior editor based mostly in Los Angeles, CA.
