About Shanti Chu of ChiVeg

I have been a vegetarian for over 15 years for ethical, environmental, and health reasons. Becoming a vegetarian inspired me to learn how to cook so I could make delicious and healthy recipes featured here on my blog. Most of my cooking is vegan for ethical reasons.

I have been a foodie for most of my life, which is why I also love reviewing restaurants. Chicago is a wonderful “foodie” city but for what kind of foodie? The meat-eating kind? I share my perspective navigating the city as an ethical foodie meaning that I choose not to eat sentient beings (beings that can feel pain and pleasure). This makes my “foodie” experience of Chicago a different and unique kind of foodie experience, a perspective that differs from the “mainstream” Chicago foodie perspective.

When I am not eating, I am an award winning, published Philosophy Professor. I have published on plant-based eating and nonviolence along with multiracial identity.  I also conduct LGBTQ+ Allyship trainings, presentations on applied philosophy, and write for TimeOut Chicago, If you are interested in collaborating or having me speak, please reach out to me here or at shantichu6@gmail.com. I’d love to write for your publication, speak at your campus or organization, or do a cooking demo. I have a YouTube channel on public philosophy if you are interested in hearing me speak.