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Christopher Kim

Christopher Kim is the Executive Chef and CEO of Monks Food Co, a plant-based food company based in Brooklyn, New York.1 He has been in this role since August 2011, making his tenure over 13 years as of March 2025.1

Kim is known for his innovative approach to vegan cuisine, particularly in creating plant-based meat alternatives. He specializes in using seitan, a wheat-based protein, to create various meat-like products.2 Some of his popular creations include:

  • Spicy Italian meatballs made from two types of wheat gluten
  • Seitan-based salami
  • Seitan steak infused with asparagus and rosemary
  • Kansas City-style BBQ seitan slab
  • Smoked and brined seitan ham2

Kim's philosophy revolves around producing high-quality, flavorful vegan food that appeals to both vegans and non-vegans alike. He aims to create products that are not just good vegan options, but great food options overall.2

Monk's Meats started as a vendor at Brooklyn's Smorgasburg food market, where it gained popularity for its BBQ-style vegan offerings.4 The company has since expanded, taking over the kitchen at Starr Bar in Bushwick, Brooklyn, where they serve a variety of vegan BBQ dishes seven nights a week.4

Kim's approach to vegan butchery is inspired by traditional butcher shops, focusing on providing personalized service and advice to customers about plant-based meat alternatives.2 His work has contributed to the growing trend of vegan butcher shops, with Monk's Meats being one of the pioneers in New York City.3

Highlights

Sep 5 · legistorm.com
Chris Kim - Atlas Crossing LLC (Jan. 2025-), Manager of ... - LegiStorm
Nov 29 · nycbbq.com
Monk's Meats Brings Damn Tasty Vegan BBQ to Brooklyn
Monk's Meats Brings Damn Tasty Vegan BBQ to Brooklyn
Jan 5 · youtube.com
Meet Chris Kim: The Meatless Butcher | Better | NBC News - YouTube
Meet Chris Kim: The Meatless Butcher | Better | NBC News - YouTube
Apr 17 · yumda.com
Plant butchers use charcuterie techniques, mimic meat flavor - Yumda
Dec 9 · peta.org
Are You Wondering What a Vegan Butcher Shop Even Sells? - PETA
Oct 13 · kickstarter.com
MONK'S vegan DELICATESSEN and KITCHEN - Kickstarter
Aug 25 · yelp.com
Monk's Meats - Vegan - Yelp

Related Questions

What inspired Christopher Kim to start Monk's Meats?
How does Monk's Meats differentiate itself from traditional butcher shops?
What are some of the most popular items at Monk's Meats?
How did Christopher Kim transition from being an executive chef to a CEO?
What challenges has Christopher Kim faced in running a vegan butcher shop?
Christopher Kim
Christopher Kim, photo 1
Christopher Kim, photo 2
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Location

Greater New York City Area