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Our Ethos
At Vegan-Wise, we believe food should feel good, not just in taste, but in how it nourishes our bodies, supports our wellbeing, and respects the world around us.
Our approach is rooted in plant-based wholefoods, seasonal eating, and Ayurvedic principles, creating meals that are vibrant, balanced, and deeply nourishing. We honour the rhythm of the seasons, the individuality of each body, and the importance of cooking with intention.
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For us, this isn’t about restriction or labels. It’s about abundance, flavour, and connection; to the food on our plate, to the people we share it with, and to the environment that sustains us
We care about where ingredients come from, how meals are prepared, and how they make people feel. Every dish is an opportunity to bring more awareness, joy, and nourishment into everyday life.
Our Chef
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Nikita Leys
A self-taught chef, recipe developer, and passionate advocate for plant-based wholefoods.
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Her journey with food began from a deeply personal place. As the only vegan in her family, and someone who has struggled with a sensitive gut for much of her life, she had to learn early on how to cook in a way that truly supported her body. Over time, this became more than just a necessity; it became a skill, and then a craft.
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Alongside her natural love for hosting and feeding others, Nikita began to recognise something deeper: a genuine talent for cooking, an intuitive understanding of what people need from their food, and an ability to create meals that everyone can enjoy, not just vegans, but anyone around the table.
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She began cooking professionally over 10 years ago while living in South Africa, almost by accident. What started as a way to support herself while travelling, cooking in guesthouses, hosting large food nights, setting up pop-ups, and helping restaurants veganize their menus, quickly grew into something much bigger. She kept being asked to do more.
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What began as a side offering soon became a career.
Her path continued to evolve through travel, learning from different cultures and working across a variety of kitchens and environments. This journey deepened her understanding of flavour, adaptability, and how to cook for diverse groups of people.
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Her work naturally led her into the retreat and wellness space, influenced by her mother, an Ayurvedic practitioner and dedicated yogi. Time spent in ashrams and retreat settings gave her experience cooking for large groups, often with varied dietary needs, while maintaining a sense of abundance and care in every meal.
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Her introduction to wedding catering came when she was asked to cater her cousin’s wedding. Something shifted. Seeing rooms full of non-vegans enjoying her food sparked a clear realisation. This was the work she wanted to grow.
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Moving to Devon gave Vegan-Wise a physical home, but its essence has always been shaped by movement; travelling, learning, and sharing food with people in different places.
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Today, Nikita continues to cater retreats across the UK and internationally, from Devon to Tenerife and Germany, as well as weddings and events throughout the South West, Wales, Cornwall, Sussex and beyond.
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Through it all, her approach remains the same: to create food that is deeply nourishing, full of flavour, and made for everyone at the table.
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What started as a personal journey has grown into a career built on instinct, experience, and a genuine passion for feeding people well.
Our Mission
Our mission is simple: to create plant-based food that everyone genuinely loves.
We are passionate about changing the perception of vegan food and showing that it can be generous, satisfying, and full of flavour, even for the most sceptical non-vegans.
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Whether we’re catering a wedding, a retreat, or a private event, our intention is always the same: to create food that brings people together, sparks conversation, and leaves a lasting impression.
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We want guests to walk away feeling inspired, surprised, and deeply nourished. Having experienced just how exciting and fulfilling plant-based food can be.
