Today we’d like to introduce you to Riku Desai & Namrata Shah.
Riku Desai & Namrata Shah, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Savor was born from two journeys that, though different, came together around a shared passion for good food — food that not only delights but also supports our health and our planet.
For Riku, stepping away from a corporate career opened the door to deeply meaningful work — supporting those in hospice, serving as an Alzheimer’s community educator, and working with a conservation group. Through those experiences, one truth became clear: our health, our well-being, and the planet’s future are all connected — and food sits at the center of it. As a lifelong vegetarian, Riku also wanted to show others that plant-forward eating isn’t about restrictions or salads, but about discovering vibrant flavors, nourishment, joy and empowerment in the kitchen.
For Namrata, leaving the corporate world sparked a promise to return with something that truly inspired her. A lifelong vegetarian as well, she envisioned Savor as a way to bring joy back into cooking — to make it approachable, flavorful, and something that connects people. With a love of Indian spices, wholesome ingredients, and global flavors, she wanted to share how food can be both deeply nourishing and a source of happiness.
Together, we created Savor to celebrate the richness of plant-forward cooking. Through our classes, we aim to help people feel confident in the kitchen, embrace the health benefits of a plant-forward lifestyle, and enjoy meals that are good for both people and the planet. What has been most rewarding so far is seeing the curiosity, enthusiasm, and joy on people’s faces as they discover new flavors, learn simple techniques, and reconnect with the joy of cooking.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like any new journey, launching Savor has been both exciting and challenging. One of the biggest hurdles has been shifting people’s perceptions of plant-forward food. Many still think vegetarian cooking means giving up flavor or relying on salads, so part of our work is showing just how vibrant, satisfying, and nourishing these meals can be.
Starting a nonprofit has also meant wearing many hats — from building a website and designing logos to reaching out to community partners and handling the nuts and bolts of running classes. Neither of us came from the nonprofit or culinary industry, so we’ve had to learn quickly, lean on our community, and trust our vision.
At the same time, these challenges have been deeply rewarding. Every time someone tells us they’ve discovered a new favorite dish, feel more confident cooking at home, or are inspired to add more plant-forward meals to their routine, it reaffirms why we started this. The road hasn’t been perfectly smooth, but it’s been full of growth, learning, and joy — and we wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Savor, Inc.?
Savor is a nonprofit dedicated to bringing people together around the joy and benefits of plant-forward cooking. We specialize in hands-on and demo-style cooking classes that show how vegetarian meals can be both approachable and full of flavor. Our classes highlight simple techniques, wholesome ingredients, and the rich traditions of Indian, global, and fusion cuisines — always with an emphasis on health and sustainability.
What sets us apart is our philosophy: this isn’t about dieting or restrictions. It’s about empowerment, joy, and connection. We help people rediscover the fun of cooking at home while also learning how everyday meals can support their health and tread more lightly on the planet. Each class not only offers new skills and recipes but also explores the nutritional benefits of ingredients — from the healing power of spices to the strength of plant-based proteins.
We’re most proud of how our brand reflects warmth, community, and purpose. For us, food is more than fuel; it’s a way to connect, share stories, and create lasting memories. With Savor, our hope is to inspire people to add more plant-forward meals to their lives — not as a trend, but as a joyful lifestyle that’s good for themselves and for the world we share.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Our best advice is to stay open, genuine, and curious. So much of our journey with Savor has been shaped by conversations — sometimes with people we knew well, and sometimes with people we only just met. We’ve found that when you share your story authentically, others are often eager to support you, connect you, or offer guidance.
We’ve also learned the value of saying “yes” to opportunities, even if they feel outside your comfort zone. Volunteering, attending community events, and joining local networks opened doors we never expected and introduced us to mentors who believed in our mission.
What has worked especially well for us is building relationships rooted in purpose, not just transactions. When people see your passion and understand why your work matters, they naturally want to help you succeed.
Most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask for help. We’ve been surprised at how generous people are with their time and knowledge when you simply reach out. For us, mentorship has been less about finding one “perfect” guide and more about weaving together wisdom from a community of people who share our values and want to make a difference.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://savorveg.com/
