The Vegan Hood Chefs Are Changing How San Francisco Eats

Rheema Calloway and Ronnishia Johnson are The Vegan Hood Chefs, a food truck and catering business that turns Creole classics into healthy vegan offerings in the city of San Francisco. The duo are determined to feed disenfranchised communities, particularly Black and brown populations, with accessible vegan food that tastes good, like their oyster mushroom po’ boys, hearts of palm crab cakes, and more. Rheema and Ronnishia, both longtime activists and organizers, are still learning about veganism but are inspired by the positive health benefits of eating plant-based to revolutionize nutrition in the hood.
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[@modeljaisimone]

This is the power of friendship. A true friend elevates you.

[@Noakid2013]

I remember a powerful quote, “it takes the hood to save the hood.”

[@fabriannnaa6788]

The realest spit ever.

[@theworkethic]

Their killing the hood then with this trash heart attack food. Eat a damn piece of broccoli without any dip

[@Ocean-yl4do]

@@theworkethic we all know your ass wouldn't do this either... this is a good start so keep your damn shit to yourself

[@ridesharetroll1540]

Inspired by white people recipes and cooking

[@imhuemankeepURcolorsforcrayons]

@@ridesharetroll1540 not at all please don’t lie.

[@zaniyapierre8427]

I like how Ronnisha highlighted that it took about 5 years to eliminate meats throughout her vegan journey. It makes a lot more sense to cut out meat gradually than to just completely stop eating it one day😭

[@imshaunnurse]

You honestly believe that veganism helps? They look exactly the same

[@wildcat.7834]

@@imshaunnurse You actually think,meat eating helps?Destruction of the environment and animal abuse.Stop being so jealous and negative.How they look is not important,what they are doing is,even if its a drop in the bucket,its a start.What the heck are you doing to make a difference in the world ,except to sit on your couch and type nonsense.

[@ivettejimenez9460]

Remember that veganism is a lifestyle not a diet for weightloss. People are confused and think if you are vegan or plant based that one has to be thin. For one they do make fried southern dishes and are relegated as vegan junk food. If they are prepping these dishes and trying new recipes all the time, they might be a few more pounds over, but they are not unhealthy. We also can't compare because one is pregnant, but she looks to be healthy size.

[@Preservestlandry]

@@imshaunnurse she's pregnant. 😂

[@SeaDawgOST]

@@imshaunnurse Veganism dont equal healthy. But if u compare a fried mushroom to a fried chicken it is the healthier option. If you compare a whole plant based diet to a standard diet its a HUGE diffrence.

[@piaggio]

The food looks amazing and I love the mission, but they put together HOW MANY businesses and projects at their age???? Wow, absolutely driven.

[@blahblahblah3722]

Right?! I was like what haven't they done lol

[@pmnsoccer2010]

These two women are so awesome I really loved everything they communicated through this video

[@jaceyarlene6154]

wow!!! The amount of selflessness these two queens have is outstanding and moving!! Thank you for your service.

[@Thiccythiccreads]

The amount of pride that I feel watching them WIN!

[@willy_momo]

😆 🤣 😂

[@Thiccythiccreads]

@@willy_momo Wow! Big Bobby laughing from behind his computer screen! He’s so bad ass!!!

[@LordBillington42]

Gotta love people doing something that's true to themselves and trying to improve the lives of others. I wish them every success.

[@KatTheo]

omg, I am coming to Sanfransico now just for the Food Truck!!

[@poopscoop6215]

Go fro the food truck leave for the shit stained streets and rampant crime yay!!! Liberals!!

[@Valettasworld]

I will see you there 😋

[@melonycarter529]

Me Too

[@corrinefoxe8920]

Looking at the po boy made me think the same thing

[@MystikAngel319]

Okkkkk me2!! 😋

[@dejahosein5011]

Okay but these women are the epitome of sisterhood. I looooove

[@cami1262]

This is what food is all about to me, giving back to your community and creating great food & atmosphere! Love this

[@LifeMonger]

Good stuff ladies, Wish your business stays around for a long time.

[@tanishagoel9972]

These women have really charming personality. God bless them always.

[@annukhemera-tel171]

I am so proud of you two beautiful souls. I became a Vegan while attending Texas Southern in 1994 and I am still plant based. My food truck opens this year in Portland Oregon and I want to thank you for keeping me motivated and encouraged. You are a reminder as to why I am still spreading this lifestyle throughout our community

[@nightshade1621]

I love seeing friendships like this, inspirational, strong, loyal, caring, and loving. This is the type of growth we all need.

[@brookewoody2374]

I’m so very proud of you two ladies!! I’m much older than these ladies, and their story has really inspired me to go after my dreams - ALL OF THEM!!!! 💯💯💯💯💯

[@paulinacontreras4160]

These Black Queens are KILLIN IT!!! I love y’all and your message, I am going to support y’all so much!!!

[@lS-qp6zq]

4:19 Plant-based diet is way more cheaper to consume than those blasted hypertension medications. To good health. Brava to these ladies!

[@ashleycha393]

i don't get how this is much healthier though. They are still making deep fried foods with highly refined carbs. Surely this isn't their regular diets?

[@lambsauce8662]

@@ashleycha393 of course it’s not a regular diet it’s a food truck and not a health food store. She also decreased her blood pressure etc. through being vegan it’s ofc not just on this fast food vegan food

[@ReannaPeters12]

You get hypertension eating these vegan food tho. Lol

[@marcya4428]

@@ReannaPeters12 they don't eat this every day lol. It's junk food

[@janetrojas8939]

This is junk food as well

[@blue_wolfblade]

loving how two best friends started to work with each other on what they love!

[@justinhayes2194]

"Oyster Mushroom Poboys" that is so genius it's crazy!! I would love to try that thing!!

[@giusepperesponte8077]

Going vegan is the best thing I ever did. I used to be 277 pounds and had constant stomach aches, bathroom problems, headaches, and more that I don’t feel like embarrassing myself with. All that is gone now. The most powerful moment when I went vegan was about a year after I started, I had lost about 60 pounds and was like 215 pounds, I’m 6’6” so that’s a healthy weight, my whole life I was always tall, and even though I was 6’6” I couldn’t dunk in basketball because I was fat. I lost all that weight and I was at a hoop with a friend and I jumped up as high as a could and touched the backboard, just losing that weight and eating healthier changed that much, I picked up the ball and dunked it, that was probably the moment I became vegan for life. I hadn’t even trained my jump for one second, just a diet change took me from barely being able to touch the net to dunking in less than a year. For me the results were almost miraculous, my body just reacts to this diet well, and I’m sure a lot of others are the same.

[@melaninmoet217]

To get to the point of the video: These divine melanated goddesses are changing/saving lives and keeping the culture.

[@atk_ogre2185]

This video made me hungry af... Damm that food they prepare looks delicious

[@bullion87]

as a meat eater I must say that vegan food will save the world, especially our environment

[@throwstonesonmadlibbackstage]

why are you still a meat eater then

[@bullion87]

@@throwstonesonmadlibbackstage cause I like the taste of meat, I bet you are vegan

[@nathanchittenden4421]

@@bullion87 no you like the taste of the seasonings, not the meat.

[@bullion87]

@@nathanchittenden4421 you must be vegan too, i didn't know you live on my mouth

[@axgelbxnny]

but she has a point lmao, if you recognize eating meat is bad for the environment, try having some self control and like you know... not eat meat?

[@missvalerie4040]

I hope they are making US tours. I want an Oyster Po’ Boy.

[@zezty4295]

Much respect from a white boy in Canada. I believe this is the way you teach people.they weren't preachy about veganisim at all and the food looks like it speaks for itself.

[@rifatherapper]

I’m glad Vegan Hood Chefs are still open despite the pandemic. Their food was delicious 🤤

[@dragonl1278]

I AM IN LOOOOOOVE WITHTHESE WOMEN, THEY ARE INSPIRING, THEY ARE DEDICATED AND THEY ARE SOO EMPOWERING! SIMPLY AMAZING! I'M SENDING ALL MY LOVE AND SUPPORT TO THEIR WORK AND IM BEYOND THANKFUL FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE POC COMMUNITY. THANK YOU VEGAN HOOD CHEFS!

[@critical_analysis]

Yes, that is all correct but they should stay healthy and reduce the amount of weight they have for their own health.

[@azzagasim2916]

They are truly supreme queens and creators. The food looks mouth watering and delicious but the activism is inspiring!!

[@egeehaque9016]

These women are amazing. They've done so much for the community and are still going! And how lovely to be best friend activists together. What a blessed community to be served by these two. Definitely need to check them out when I'm in the area next.

[@anydayanytimegarretts4400]

Make it healthier minimize frying and the calories will lower automatically.

[@hugitkissitloveit8640]

I read the title and immediately thought 'I can't think of anything more delicious' 👌🏼🏆

[@KailaParnell]

Right?!?

[@SC-uq2jf]

As an African American female carnivore [ who incorporates veggies/nuts/beans in many dishes] , with 100% vegan Family members....As wonderful as the plant-based diet is, if food is deep fried, this will continue to clog our arteries.

[@carolelizabethowens2661]

Yes. We need to embrace eating more vegetables as the main focus of our meal planning. In particular, we certainly need to prepare more meals where vegetables are the center of the meal, rather than simply opting to have small portions of vegetables for "side dishes". With that said, you are totally correct; if the vegetables are always deep fried, the nutritional value is compromised, as is the healthy aspect of including the vegetables in the first place.

[@SC-uq2jf]

@Open Minded I haven't seen their full menu....I don't know if everything they serve is deep fried. All things considered, It's a great concept to create plant-based dishes with a resemblance to meat dishes....many carnivores might not otherwise have sampled. I guess an oven, [ for baking instead of a fryer], would not be practical inside their small Food Truck ... it would be brutally hot in the summer months, and expensive to run an air conditioner to cool their work space for oven cooking.

[@ToReall]

At least they try ! And That’s amazing ! Some people don’t even try to do what they do

[@SC-uq2jf]

@@ToReall A bit confused...I didn't imply they were NOT trying...I don't know if you were replying to my 2 Comments or someone else's Comment on this thread.

[@sourdoughsavant22]

Agreed, and even if they do have healthy food on their menu, Vice didn't feature it, so it is still misleading. To the people who are defending the entrepreneurs, this comment isn't trying to tear them down, we just want to make sure that people don't make unhealthy choices because of the video. They even said that they are both still learning!

[@czarinagarcia3724]

Can’t wait to check this place out. Food looks bomb and I love how they’re so invested in the community.

[@PeaceNaturalSoothingRelaxation]

I want to try the deep fried mushrooms with the garlic mayo

[@carminatv8827]

thank you for highlighting these two incredible women! i live in sf so i definitely will check their truck out, i would love to support. food looks smack too :-)

[@ameyaghate7859]

The next time I am in the Bay Area I will make sure to visit this place. Just brilliant!

[@MarilynWhiteModiva]

This is so inspiring!! Love the work you're doing and the intentional community you're creating - and that food looks INSANELY DELICIOUS!!! Wish I could try it!!! Much love to you all! 💜

[@ohjaeciii]

Damn this looks incredible. Good jerb Vegan Hood Chefs 👌

[@EllieFraser]

in scotland wishing i could try this

[@machinesofgod]

I'm from the Bay Area but living in SoCal. Next time I'm up there, definitely going to this food truck. Also love there's a giant toolbox in the background 😎

[@neilhowes4215]

She said "BOOM" as soon as she finished building that poboy....we too in lower s.east las vegas Nevada say 'BOOM after a great accomplishment.

[@tavilyfeofmusic]

I got to come back to my old stomping grounds soon to try their food! It's so amazing to see the work they have done for the community and continue to do! Knowledge is wealth and food is for thought! The mindfulness is a blessing when you can open up people to different things that will save lives! Yes I love it! Thank you beautiful Souls, All Love & Light! 🙌🏾😍

[@feliciaespinoza444]

I don’t leave near you but I’m definitely grabbing merch & some of those Sea moss supplements ♥️💪🏼

[@arshbehal6312]

What an incredibly inspiring duo. Love!

[@Aritul]

Thanks for featuring them, Munchies.

[@theluxuryvagabond]

Can I hitch a ride with all the folks in the comments that are driving all the way to SF just to eat at this food truck?! These two were destined for success! Entrepreneurs at the heart...all the businesses they have had over the years is amazing!

[@electriksnake]

Incredibly inspiring! Blessings to you Queens and your mission 🙏🏽✨

[@joynoir6386]

I'm definitely impressed with the food, but I'm more impressed with the friendship!

[@allistar34]

what a great episode! clearly these two ladies are committed to improving and uplifting their communities. wishing them all the success!

[@rickymoody3239]

A fresh, uplifting thing to watch on KZbin! Glad to have checked this out! Positive energy!

[@divinecodintervention]

American dream: eating while watching this fills my soul

[@jungleflowerenergy]

THEY ARE AMAAAZINGGGGG!!!!! What lovely people, so much energy in their giving. Wow.

[@sessalliehopgood1948]

Thank you so much. I live in the Bay and had not heard about this truck. I love their story and activism. I will definitely be patronizing them since I have been transitioning to vegan options for the past 2 years. Thanks again

[@gabyperez9481]

Omg ladies come to LA! We need more of this over here! Don’t get me wrong we have options but not THE right options. Keep pushing ladies I love what y’all stand for! ✊🏼

[@sourdoughsavant22]

As much as I am for this mission, I think it's misleading to call it healthy (at least all the fried and sugary food) But I get that it's still better overall and it's hard to get people interested in vegan food if it's not this kind of super tasty food.

[@dawn409]

Yes and not trying to be mean but does this diet way of life truly help you lose weight?

[@keepitsimpleydb6151]

Why even be negative in anyway. They are showing you a different way.....it is up to the individual to do the rest.

[@Fapple]

I don’t think people would eat here if it was more healthier to be honest. They should definitely have non fried options though . Unless they’re recleaning their oil, frying isn’t that great for the environment either

[@newhomestead9608]

Food trucks, just like other fast food establishments, are not intended to be healthy. They are a treat.. Having plant based, tasty treats amazing.. as I type, I'm eating brown rice and black beans, because I cook healthier meals at home.

[@sourdoughsavant22]

I don't think people understand what I'm saying. They literally say in the video that this food is healthy.... a vegan diet in general that focuses more on whole foods is healthier, but this is mainly mock meat/fast food style which is fancy junk food. It is misleading to say the food featured in the video is healthy. People going plant-based for health reasons shouldn't be looking here for their main source of food

[@123100ozzy]

Nothing more healing to every strata of a community than business oriented people.

[@EButta71]

Nah I need this in Philly ASAP lol You gotta love these women! Go Sistas!💕💙

[@kathyerickson9402]

The food looks delicious and I'd love to try that Po Boy! I agree that it must be incredibly motivational to see your face on your truck everyday. You ARE the business!

[@LALABABY415]

Crazy part is I drove past this truck I’m so excited 😆 to see this !

[@AndNowIJustSitInSilence]

Great vibes, great cause, lovely ladies and the food looks so good. I hope they accomplish all of their goals and keep up that great work

[@xcountryrunner9]

Man, not only the delicious food and vibes, there also is much to be learned from these badass babes who have started so many ventures and movements already and keep on going. Very inspiring!! 🔥❤️

[@ariadeshotel2748]

Such a beautiful story 🦋 🦋 love to see you guys killing it!

[@vanessaamesty6739]

This is so wholesome, love it. Wishing them the best

[@Wrecktoid]

This is a whole lot of awesomeness!

[@hebrewprincess6737]

You Queens are awesome!!! My mom is from Nola and she taught me how to cook. I make gumbo, dirty rice, collard greens…ect. We will come support. We from the Bay!!!

[@imsofocused4678]

These sisters are phenomenal!!! May they receive more blessings on top of blessings!!!

[@jaz9008]

amazing food & mission! wish theyd come to london!!!

[@mounirsomai7511]

Munchies is on point,. Where any other has been crushed by the pandemic, "Munchies" keeps delivering 10/10 content.

[@donovanevans6137]

I feel like traveling from the east coast all the way to Cali to try there food! Looks delicious.I love how Californian culture is into Healthy living and eating,I'm glad I was born there!

[@aditi1729]

I’m the farthest from living in the states, let alone San Fran. But I gotta add this to my bucket list. Your food looks so good!🤤

[@TriciawiththeTRUTH]

LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT Y'ALL!!! 💗💗💗💗 More power to you Queens!

[@ipsilonia]

i love this so so so much. black vegan chefs are really taking over the bay and we love to see it.

[@cathuria5818]

The black sun will rise

[@WyattOSchaefer]

Why does it matter that they are black, vegan chefs?

[@traveljunkie59]

@@WyattOSchaefer because black people are underrepresented as owners of food services. There are health issues in our community that dictate that we change the way we eat. Also, the fact that they are based in an historically Black neighborhood in a city that has displaced many African Americans, is everything.

[@91untilinfinity91]

@@cathuria5818 So an eclipse?

[@brittany.381]

@@WyattOSchaefer also some cultures see veganism as something that's only for white people and think it's impossible to recreate the native flavors and dishes that they grew up on.

[@andredavis1844]

Absolutely love this!!! I need them to expand to ATL cause I’d be there at least once a week. Keep thriving Black Queens

[@MerrilDiniz]

these dynamic ladies speak language of love through food and conversations

[@tierraisLoVe]

Love It♥️ Keep Up the Great Work‼️👸🏽🔥💪🏽💯

[@klauslong]

Nothing like that in my city. Looks delicious!

[@jennykastelic3253]

You 2 are amazing in so many ways. Thank you for being you! Food looks so yummy!!!

[@2243cbl2]

So proud of what you ladies have accomplished and will accomplish.

[@janandrewdonato5482]

Fried mushrooms are the bomb! Would love to come down and try it out.

[@shahdkamel57]

They’re so hardworking, smart and inspiring damnnn!!

[@MsJay1282]

I love this! Whenever I bring food to work it's always plant-based but I never tell anyone until after...like buh-bam, y'all granola AF now cause you just ate mushrooms and tofu and liked it. Way to go ladies!

[@ChrisandTaraCA]

So inspiring, and when she said she was five months along. I’m like girrrl me too!! :)

[@quincyquincy4764]

I don't like mushrooms but the food looks delicious. I would definitely try it!

[@nnplee]

Thank you for not using fake meat. I’m about to find out where your stops are

[@stephaniemciver1395]

I was very intrigued by the food but also of their friendship.. awesome

[@sleeepyt3042]

Yummm, I’ve been meaning to try this truck in SF!

[@tracietuck4044]

These Sistas are AMAZING! I can’t wait to get back to San Fran. I will be looking for them! 💞

[@Roz390]

Ready for a post-vaccine trip to the bay planned around finding this food truck

[@plantsforlife1120]

That is a wonderful friendship and business ship story! Much success!!!

[@oceanlover1318]

Okay, I’m going to look them up and make my purchase the first weekend in August. How I wish they would come to the EastBay!💋

[@francesarpaia]

These ladies rule!

[@jredbigmouf]

This is truly amazing !

[@tiffanythompson5072]

Love this story and the women behind it. I would love to eat veggies at least 3 days a week. I have really bad acid reflux and GERD so it's hard for me to eat all veggies so I'm going to look into some of this stuff. Wish this truck was where I live. Keep up the good work ladies.

[@indigorose1270]

I live in san Jose California. I'm going to find this truck. Yummy food. Vegan 4 years. What a very amazing menu.

[@amitche7286]

We need more people like these two ladies. 🙌🏼 They are doing so much good for society.

[@BelloYelloPinkAndrea]

Gone Yall👑💫👑💫👑💫👑💫 & Congratulations & Much Success!!! 🧡🧡🖤🖤🧡🧡🖤🖤

[@leesao1872]

So beautiful to see how eating plants have helped your lives and the lives your helping in the community not only in your community because many will come from all over to your business of Love for the body . It’s hard to find vegan places to eat around town even though it’s come a long way and seeing more than before , but may have to take a trip to the bay . Your food looks beautiful and delicious because of the Love you put into it . From California , Thank you for sharing your blessing , Bless your two 🙏🏼

[@melissalafarga7277]

I love this! You two are inspiring! I can’t wait to visit you my next time in San Francisco! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@trishsantiago6567]

🙌 yesss queens !!! I love them and what they stand for 💕