Meet Indian-American chef Priyanka Naik: From tech layoff to six-figure culinary star – Times of India

Indian-origin Priyanka Naik from Staten Island is an award-winning chef and a former tech professional who has found success in the culinary world after switching careers from tech to food. Naik, who spent over a decade at X (formerly Twitter), Bloomberg, and Conde Nast, turned her passion for cooking into a full-time career after being laid off by X in 2022.
Naik’s culinary story began in an unexpected place — technology. She reportedly built an impressive portfolio in the tech world. But despite her professional success, Naik’s heart always belonged in the kitchen. Naik, who comes from a vegetarian background, gained recognition in 2017 when she won Cooks vs Cons on Food Network.
A setback that sparked a new beginning
In 2022, after being laid off by X, Naik found herself at a crossroads. But instead of letting this setback define her, she saw it as the opportunity she needed to pursue her culinary dreams full-time.

Before making the shift to full-time chef, Naik channeled her culinary creativity through her blog, “Chef Priyanka.” She used social media to share her sustainable recipes, which caught the attention of high-profile figures, including Chrissy Teigen. Naik’s commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices has helped her carve out a niche in the culinary world, particularly as a vegan chef.
But Naik wasn’t interested in jumping on the viral bandwagon. She said, “The algorithm may reward trendy recipes, but I’m not interested in just being a moment. I want to be part of a movement,” as quoted by HT.

Today, Naik’s brand includes cookbook sales, social media partnerships, and her column, EcoKitchen, in The Washington Post. These efforts have secured her financial stability, and she now earns a six-figure income.
Embracing her roots, celebrating her achievements
Naik’s success is also deeply tied to her cultural identity. As a first-generation Indian American, her story resonates with many who feel the pull between cultural heritage and personal ambition.
According to The Morning Rundown, Naik’s educational background in pre-med and economics led her into the media and tech industries, but her passion for food and her entrepreneurial spirit have ultimately shaped her career.
Her achievements were recently recognized at the White House, where she was among over 600 prominent Indian Americans invited to the largest-ever Diwali celebration in October 2024. Reflecting on the achievement, Naik shared on Instagram, “I didn’t graduate the top of my class at BU, I didn’t go to grad school, I’ve been laid off, I’ve been repeatedly rejected across multiple facets in my life working towards personal and professional goals, I’m a self-taught chef/writer/TV host—but I got invited to attend the official @whitehouse Diwali Celebration?”