Top 10 Tuesday: Tastiest Fast-Food Items!
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: Meatless has gone mainstream! As people begin to learn about the cruelty involved in meat production, more and more are calling on their favorite fast-food joints to meet the demand for delicious, cruelty-free menu options. The following are my top 10 on-the-run favs around the Asia-Pacific region. Now, I’m certainly not an expert on the entire region, so please feel free to give me some feedback on your own on-the-run favs …
- 1. The Mushroom Burger at Freshness (China, Hong Kong, Japan, and Korea)
Freshness has reinvented the classic burger by using a diet-friendly portobello mushroom in place of ground beef. This substantially sized burger will keep you fueled throughout the day, and with just 282 calories, it’s a healthy choice as well.
- 2. The Kinpira Rice Burger at MOS Burger (Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore)
In this truly unique burger, scrumptious fried burdock root, carrot, and nori (seaweed) is sandwiched between two buns made of cooked rice, barley, and millet.
3. The Spicy Bean Burger (aka the Royale Burger) at Burger King (Bahrain and the UAE)
Nothing could be faster than a grab-and-go bean burrito! Just hold the cheese, and you have a protein-packed vegan snack that’s easy to eat while on the run.
4. The Falafel K’Bab™ at Ali Baba (Australia)
Ali Baba’s falafel with all the fixings is to die for! It’s even better than the falafel I had in Lebanon and a perfect choice following a night out on the town.
5. Subway’s Avocado Sandwich (Japan) or Veggie Patty Sandwich (India)
Subway offers a wonderful combination of fresh greens, tomato, green peppers, onion, olives, and pickles, and in Japan, you can also get a good-sized chunk of avocado! Served on freshly baked Italian bread, this staff favorite beats animal-flesh sandwiches and burgers anytime. In India, the succulent Veggie Patty sandwich (hold the mayo and cheese) is just one of several vegan options available.
6. Thai Broccoli & Potato Jaffle at Jesters Pies (Australia)
This spicy and hearty savory pie from one of Australia’s most beloved chains is sure to please even the most fickle of palates! (I would give this spot to the Funky Chunky, but Funky Pies isn’t just a grab-and-go place for me—I sit and enjoy).
7. Fried Tofu and Mantao at Chowking (Indonesia and The Philippines)
The tangy taste and crunchy texture of Chowking’s fried tofu complements the fluffy and delicious mantao steamed buns!
8. 7-11’s Curry and Noodles (Thailand)
Yep, that’s right—vegan options at 7-11! The frozen-food section boasts a great variety of vegan curries and noodles that can be microwaved for a speedy meal. I love the red curry and have even been known to fill my suitcase with a few to take back to the office!
9. Combustion Vege at Burger Fuel (New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Sydney, Australia)
Burger Fuel’s menu boasts four vegetarian burgers that can easily be made vegan. The patties mix creative ingredients such as mushrooms, kumara, and cashews, but the Combustion Vege— made of chickpeas—is our favorite (just hold the mayo!). Try it with a creamy, dairy-free Soy-Malt Shake in chocolate, lime, vanilla, caramel, strawberry, or banana.
10. Vegan Burg‘s Tangy Tartar Burger (Singapore)
Although this burger’s succulent mock-fish patty is by no means healthy (it’s battered and fried), it’s perfect when you’re craving the ultimate vegan junk food. As if it couldn’t get any better, it comes smothered in tangy tartar sauce!
Now that you have the inside scoop on vegan fast food, how about ditching the meat, eggs, and dairy and going vegan? And if you’ve already done so, give us some details—what’s the best vegan fast-food near you?
Posted by Jason Baker
