Today we’d like to introduce you to EatingRiu.
Hi Zenifa, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always loved food, but it wasn’t until I moved to Austin for college that I started thinking about it in a more intentional way. To be honest, Austin’s food scene isn’t the most diverse, but as I’ve grown older and had more freedom to explore as an adult, I’ve discovered a lot of really great spots that don’t always get the attention they deserve. I started posting my experiences more seriously during my second year at UT, mostly sharing hidden gems and affordable eats that felt true to what students and young people actually want. What began as something casual has turned into a platform where I can highlight parts of Austin’s food culture that sometimes get overlooked. It’s been a fun way to connect with the city and with other people who are just as excited about finding good food.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Honestly, no. As much as I love sharing my food content, you can have only so much content as a student. Both financially and time-wise—think exam season. It has definitely been challenging to keep with Austin’s increasingly expensive food scene.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Through eatingriu, I focus on highlighting affordable, hidden food spots around Austin — places that are often overlooked but deserve attention and sometimes places that everyone knows about too. I try to keep my content really honest and relatable, especially for students and young adults who want good food without spending a fortune. I’m probably best known for being real — I’m not trying to sell anything or hype up places just because they’re trendy. I’m most proud of building a page that feels trustworthy, where people know they’ll get genuine recommendations. What sets me apart is that I’m coming from the perspective of a regular student exploring the city, not a professional critic or influencer. I think that’s why people connect with my content — it feels approachable, fun, and grounded in real experiences
What does success mean to you?
I define success as a mindset. You can only achieve so much, but without being content, it would feel nothing to you. To me, success isn’t a set dollar amount, it is more so fulfilling my dreams and goals in life. For now, it is to land a great job after-grad and try more food!
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