Former Twitter Employee Turns Culinary Advocate for Animal Welfare

Staten Island native Priyanka Naik’s childhood meals, rooted in Hindu vegetarianism and a deep respect for Animals, stood in stark contrast to the meat-heavy cuisine of her surroundings. Growing up in the 1990s, she faced teasing for her packed lunches featuring spicy Bombay sandwiches and mango juice, and struggled to find suitable food options when dining out with friends.

A Culinary Journey Driven by Compassion

Naik’s passion for food began in her family’s daily routine, fostering a connection to her Indian culture and providing a creative outlet. However, a pivotal moment occurred during college when she witnessed a disturbing video about factory farming, leading her to adopt a vegan diet.

After exploring various career paths – pre-med, economics, and law – Naik ultimately dedicated herself to cooking, appearing on and winning an episode of Cooks vs. Cons and launching her website, chefpriyanka.com. Following a layoff from Twitter (now X), she transitioned to cooking full-time.

Focus on Sustainability and Plant-Based Eating

Naik’s culinary philosophy centers on reducing food waste by utilizing often-discarded ingredients like watermelon rinds and carrot tops. She actively encourages incorporating more plant-based foods into people’s diets, reflecting her commitment to animalwelfare and environmental sustainability. She participated in Humane World’s 2023 annual gala and a recent social media campaign announcing the organization’s new name for 2025.