Shriya Agnihotri started small, by posting her favourite vegetarian and vegan food on her personal social media accounts. Then the requests started rolling in: friend after friend asking her where to eat because, as Agnihotri puts it, “They knew I was vegetarian, and they were surprised the food looked good!”
Her coworkers encouraged her to go pro, and in 2019, Agnihotri create her own food-focused accounts. Now based in Markham, she’s a go-to source for all things vegetarian in the GTA and beyond. (She’s even been stopped in Japan for meatless recos.)
“I grew up in a Hindu Punjabi household where making food and serving it is a deeply ingrained cultural practice and emphasizes tradition, hospitality and a sense of community,” says Agnihotri. “I grew up in a community of chefs, so at all of my family parties, everything was homemade but tasted like restaurant quality, if not better. It turned me into a person who loves and appreciates food on a deeper level.”
She particularly enjoys sharing veggie suggestions with fans. “I’ve had a lot of people DM me saying, ‘My boyfriend or girlfriend is vegetarian and I want to plan a nice date for them. Where should I take them?’ To me, that’s the sweetest thing ever, when someone is planning an evening out for their loved one and thought of asking me to contribute. I take it very seriously!”
We asked Shriya about her favourite spots and hidden gems in the city
What is your favourite Toronto restaurant?
Bar Sugo (1279 Bloor St. W.) – I love their ‘Little Italy’ pizza.
What is your favourite Toronto restaurant?
Tsuchi Cafe (688 College St.). It’s a Japanese vegan café and they have some really great bites there, and they do a caramel miso latte.
What’s your favourite store?
I’m so basic. I like LuluLemon! I shop there all the time.
Favourite hidden gem
There’s a place called Taqueria Vegana (1543 Dupont St.). They do vegan tacos. I kid you not, they make the best vegan birria tacos — even my boyfriend who eats meat loves them.
What’s your favourite touristy thing to do?
Visit Kandl in Yorkville (88 Avenue Rd.). Last time I went I made a candle and named it ’Fire and Desire’ after one of my favourite Drake songs.
Where do you find inspiration?
I spend a lot of my time at home, hanging out with my dog and just chilling.
Watch the video: We asked all the influencers, what’s the comment that lives rent-free in your head?
