Ten minutes with... Livhuwani Tshikhudo

We chat to food content creator and recipe developer Livhuwani

How long have you been plant-based, and what made you make the change?

I switched to a plant-based diet three years ago, after many years of struggling with irritable bowl syndrome, allergies and intolerances.

What would you cook a die-hard omnivore to sway them to a plant-based diet?

It would have to be my plantain black bean burger, served with peach salsa.

Where’s the best city in the world for vegan food?

I haven’t travelled much recently, so I’d have to say London. I’ve had some of the best food there, particularly in Shoreditch and Soho.

What’s the best meal of the day for you?

Dinner, I love a good meal after a long day at work.

How did you start your career as a recipe developer?

Since I was a child, around the age of seven, I have got up early on weekends to cook and bake with my mother. It was our way of having a good time together. This is where I discovered my love for food creativity. From then on, I became the person who forced my family and friends to try my plant-based food creations, and they would provide encouraging feedback. I also started posting some of my recipes on Instagram – that’s how it all started.

What are your favourite Christmas foods?

Sweet potato lentil pie, without a doubt. And roasted potatoes are another favourite of mine; they hold a special place in my heart.

What is your favourite vegan restaurant?

Genesis in London. I like the vibe and their ‘garden of Eden’ concept. It’s a great place to go for a treat, and also to take a meat eater.

Who inspires you?

People who consciously choose to live a more sustainable lifestyle, such as eating less meat or recycling. They show me that it is possible to enjoy life in a new way that is also beneficial to the environment and the world we live in.

Tell us what veganism means to you?

My focus is to consume more plants and vegetables on a daily basis, and to make plant-based recipes that others can enjoy, helping them feel satisfied without meat.

What does the future look like for veganism?

Exciting, it’s needed in order to heal and save our planet as well as ourselves.

• Find Livhuwani online: livhuwani.com, and follow her on Instagram: @itslivhuwani