Meet Richard Makin: The Culinary Wizard Behind School Night Vegan
At The Getaway Co., we’re constantly inspired by creative minds who blend plant-based living with bold personality—and Richard Makin is a true master of both. Known for reimagining indulgent comfort food as vegan magic on his wildly popular platform School Night Vegan, Richard brings equal parts humor, heart, and spice to everything he does.
We caught up with him to chat travel memories, post-flight cravings, favorite vegan hotspots, and the furry friend who answers to “Porkchop.” Get ready to fall in love with Richard’s globe-trotting stories, go-to recipes, and the planetarium moment that left him in tears.
What is your favourite travel memory?
I was 19 and travelling alone in Ecuador. I joined an excursion with some other tourists through the cloud forest and up an extinct volcano. The hike was tough, and the altitude made a bunch of us really sick, but we eventually made it to the top and set up camp.
The view would have been incredible, but the clouds were too dense and we couldn’t see anything at all, so we all went to sleep in our tents instead. In the middle of the night, I woke up feeling unwell and stepped outside the tent to get some fresh air.
To my surprise, as the night had cooled, all the clouds had dropped and the peak of the volcano was the only thing poking up above them. I could see the brightest stars almost 360° around me — zero light pollution.
It was like being in the most insanely detailed planetarium imaginable. Needless to say, I wept like a baby.
Favorite place you’ve traveled and why?
I have a terrible memory and there are just too many amazing places to choose from, so I’ll go with the most recent: Palma, Spain. It’s an absolutely stunning city—gorgeous architecture, a vibrant atmosphere, and loads of incredible vegan food like this loaded toast from Mama Carmens. What more could you ask for?
What’s your favorite meal to eat after coming home from a trip?
Usually something super hydrating, because flying turns me into a raisin. Something like a delicious homemade pho with tofu and fresh herbs.
What’s your favorite recipe of your own to make?
I probably make my tikka masala more than any other recipe on this planet. It’s so delicious and I think I could eat it for literally any meal.
Check it out here:
Vegan Tikka Masala Curry
What are your top 3 vegan restaurants?
Do you have any pets? What are their names and what are their additional nicknames you call them?
Yes, I have a little ginger rescue dog called Ripley. Nicknames include Pippy, Pippistrelle, Porkchop, Precious Treasure.
What was the first solo trip you ever took?
I went to Venice on my own when I was 18. It was my Easter break from university and it was ridiculously freezing cold, but stunningly beautiful.
Richard Makin's Upcoming Getaways:
We’re beyond excited that Richard Makin will be joining us for not one, but two incredible adventures in 2025 —Switzerland in June and Bali in September! With his adventurous spirit and genuine curiosity for the world, Richard is the perfect travel companion. Whether he’s soaking in the breathtaking landscapes of the Swiss Alps or immersing himself in the serene beauty and culture of Bali, we know he’ll bring great energy and insight to both journeys.
Switzerland is officially sold out, but there are still a few spots left for Bali’s Tempeh Nation Celebration —don’t miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable experience!
Stay tuned as we follow Richard’s travels and share all the inspiring moments along the way. And be sure to check out our other upcoming Getaways—you just might find your next adventure!
Check out Richard Makin and School Night Vegan for incredible recipes and tips on living your best plant-based life—and follow @schoolnightvegan on Instagram for kitchen magic, travel snapshots, and behind-the-scenes goodness.
Feeling inspired? Explore our Upcoming Getaways and find the adventure that speaks to you—Bali still has a few spots left!
Click Here for Upcoming Getaways!
