About

Hey there! Welcome to Shivani Loves Food – the space for real food recipes with a healthy twist! I’m Shivani, the recipe developer, food photographer, writer and resident eater behind the blog. (I mean, someone’s got to do it!)

I am a 19-year old food blogger-slash-student living in London. I am currently at University studying Biomedical Sciences. I spend all my free time here – creating recipes, styling and photographing them, and of course, sharing them with you!

Being part of a large Indian family meant that from a young age, I have always been in love with food. I have grown up enjoying the flavours of Gujarat: the gently spiced curries and buttery rotis, warm and comforting rice dishes and sweet hot masala chai. Being born and bred in the UK, however, meant that I was also able to try other cuisines – Italian, Mexican, Chinese, Lebanese…just to name a few! I also watched a lot of cooking shows growing up, where I learnt about different flavours and techniques.

What resulted from gaining so much knowledge about different cuisines is passion and appreciation for the food on my plate. And of course, a desire to create my own tasty dishes!

Q&A

Why did you start a blog?

I started Shivani Loves Food in Summer 2017, shortly after my GCSE exams. I was a bored 16-year old looking to keep myself busy for the Summer holidays, so created a little space where I could share my favourite recipes!

What that little space has blossomed into still blows my mind. I am now a recipe creator, food photographer and writer for this blog. If 16-year old me had known what this would become, I think she would be nothing short of gobsmacked. Every comment I receive from you guys saying you loved my blueberry muffin recipe, or are obsessed with my Instagram feed, honestly brings the biggest smile to my face. I am so grateful for you all!

Why did you become vegan?

I was raised vegetarian for religious reasons, and encountered veganism in early 2018. After watching some documentaries, I realised how cruel factory farming is. Animals shouldn’t have to endure pain just so I can eat some pizza. Practising a plant-based lifestyle is also better for your health and the environment’s health, so there are really no downsides.

What kind of recipes do you share?

I share a broad range of recipes within the vegan food niche. My main goal is to make them easy, quick and healthy. As a student myself, I know we want to eat nutritious food, and we have little time to make it. You’ll find lots of healthy treats around here, as well as some protein-packed lunches and dinners. And of course, my favourite pancakes!

I am hoping to share more Indian recipes with you soon – a lot of you have been asking for them! If you have any other recipes you’d like to see around here, don’t hesitate to drop me an email or DM!

Why are your recipes in grams?

As I live in the UK, I use the metric scale to measure my ingredients. I am slowly going through my old recipes to add cups measurements, but any new recipes from now on will have both metric and cups. If you do live in the US, I strongly recommend purchasing a digital scale (you can buy an affordable one here) as they are far more accurate.

What photography equipment do you use?

I use the Nikon D3400 camera and 50mm f1.8 lens. I shoot in natural light without a tripod, and edit my photos in Lightroom!

If you’re interested in learning more about photography, check out my food photography series on the blog!

What’s your favourite food?

I try not to discriminate when it comes to food, but I am partial to a slice of peanut butter brownie. And pancakes. Always pancakes.

What do you do in your spare time?

When I’m not at college, I am blogging. When I’m not blogging, you’ll find me watching Netflix, drinking smoothies, meeting with friends, and playing the piano. Or you’ll find me at the supermarket – I just love that place!

I hope you enjoy my recipes! It would mean the world to me if you would sign up to my newsletter, or came to say hello on Instagram/ Pinterest/ Facebook. I hope to see you there!

Shivani xo

Q&A