Over 25 years ago, it started as a personal commitment to his physical, mental and spiritual health. That is when Tsadakeeyah (pronounced: sah-doc-kia) Ben Emmanuel began his walk as a vegan. Bear in mind, years ago, becoming vegan was not an easy journey. Restaurants serving vegan cuisine were virtually unheard of and there was little to no choice for enjoying favorite fast foods such as pizza, burgers, tacos and barbecue.
Thanks to Tsadakeeyah’s innovative ideas and willingness to introduce the community to healthier eating and lifestyles, being a food-loving vegan has never been easier or more delicious.
Well-planned vegan diets follow healthy eating guidelines and contain all the nutrients that our bodies need. Going vegan is a great opportunity to learn more about nutrition and cooking, and improve your diet. Getting your nutrients from plant foods allows more room in your diet for health-promoting options like whole grains, fruit, nuts, seeds and vegetables, which are packed full of beneficial fibre, vitamins and minerals. Be healthier and happier, being vegan is great for your health! According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, vegans are less likely to develop heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and high blood pressure
than meat-eaters.
Tsadakeeyah’s passion for cooking had already been ignited by watching his father cook for his own fourteen children. After much perseverance and practice, Tsadakeeyah emerged a self-taught chef. He soon turned his passion into a profession at Soul Vegetarian Restaurant in Atlanta and Chicago where he was
the Executive Chef for 7 years. While leading Soul Vegetarian Atlanta, the restaurant was named Best Vegetarian Restaurant by the Atlanta Journal & Constitution.
Chef Tsadakeeyah, affectionally known as “Chef T” went on to prepare vegan lunches for Kwame Nkrumah Academy during the 2008/2009 academic year, proving that elementary school kids will eat healthy (and delicious) food. He is preparing to launch a vegan food service program geared for institutions.
These days, Chef Tsadakeeyah has teamed up with his wife, Nasya Emmanuel, as co-owners of Majani, a fast, casual vegan restaurant serving plant-based southern cuisine. As a nod to their
African heritage and rural roots. Chefs Tsadakeeyah and Nasya Emmanuel develop every recipe with fresh local ingredients and soul-stirring spices. Majani means Green Leaf in Swahili. The husband-and-wife team began as a private catering company which has been recognized and celebrated nationally for their exceptional service and innovative menu options. After years of creating community through vegan comfort food, the first Majani location was opened in the South Shore Neighborhood of Chicago. The mission? To bring fresh dining options to the well-deserving yet underserved community he has pride in.
Majani is an upscale, African-inspired, world vegan restaurant in South Shore which is committed to recycling, renewable energy, and sustainability. Chef T champions the use of organic and local food products and is working with the Black Oaks Center in Pembroke, Illinois to utilize the produce of local African