With many town planners now refusing to give permission for McDonald’s restaurants (and the public falling out of love, due to concerns over animal welfare, planet and health), some are turning to vegan fast food chains.
Of course, it would be lovely if everyone cooked homemade vegan cheeseburgers. But in reality, that’s not going to be happen for most punters. So these chains at least provide an alternative, for people who want some fries, a burger and a shake!
They also sell in compostable packaging and are all cash-free (due to bank notes being made with animal fat).
Also some people may be surprise to learn that a lot of the ‘plant-based’ offerings at some fast food chains are not as advertised:
KFC has recently said it will be going back on its pledge to use slower-growing chickens (with better welfare) as it can’t find enough chickens? It also cooks its fries in chicken fat.
Burger King’s popular plant-based whoppers use the same grills that they cook the meat on, for ‘that same flame-grilled taste’ – which rather defeats the point.
Unity Diner (helping animals in London and beyond)
After closing down due to high rents, happily London’s Unity Diner (which uses funds to help its own Surge Sanctuary for abused animals) has reopened as a vegan fast food chain and carvery! It even offers vegan fish and chips!
Many vegan fast food chains have recently gone to the wall (not because they are vegan, but due to rising costs of rent, and people not buying fast food as much due to low incomes).
Vegan Shack (home delivery in Manchester)
Some chains have diversified due to rising costs, and switched to home delivery only. An example is Manchester’s Vegan Shack, known for its burgers. The menu includes:
- Breakfast ‘Cheese & Bacon’ Bagel
- Vegan Sausage Breakfast Muffin
- Vegan Cheese Shack Burger
- Vegan Fillet Faux Fish!
- Chick’n Burger
- Chick’n Wings or Nuggets
- Shack Fries
- Soft Serve Vegan Ice Cream
Temple of Seitan (vegan ‘buckets’ with fries!)
Temple of Seitan offers a huge range of American-inspired burgers (‘meat or chicken’) along with regular sides. It has locations in Camden and Hackney, plus you can order home delivery if you live in York, Cambridge, Liverpool (or Edinburgh in Scotland) The menu includes:
- Nashville Hot Burger
- Buffalo Glaze Burger
- BBQ Bacon Burger
- Grilled Chick’n Burger
- Hot Dipped Fillets
- Temple Wings
- Döner Wraps
Vegan Fish and Chips in Brighton
The No Catch Co offers high quality alternatives to fish, including plant-based alternatives to cod and haddock, along with plant-based alternatives to prawns, shrimp and calamari. Along with a jumbo battered vegan saveloy sausage!
Vegan Kebabs (catering in London and Brighton)
What the Pitta! was a vegan fast food chain, creating and selling amazing plant-based Middle Eastern food. Due to huge rising rent costs, it has now diversified. Instead, it offers the same wonderful food, but on a catering basis, if you are planning a party or event.
Make Your Own Vegan Fast Food
Vegan Fakeaway is a fantastic and simple (beautifully designed) book, packed with no-nonsense recipes to replicate all your fast food favourites. You can make these meals in less time, than it takes to order take-out, and without the expense and plastic packaging too.
Avoid sausages for children and choking hazards (or slice lengthwise, then lengthwise again for older children). Keep away from pets, due to salt and faux meats. Read more on food safety for people and pets.
Don’t give leftovers to garden birds or wildfowl, due to salt and fat (can smear on feathers, affecting waterproofing/insulation).
The chapters are divided into the kinds of takeaways that are popular in England:
- Chinese food
- Italian food
- Indian food
- Middle Eastern (kebabs etc)
- American fast food
Recipes include:
- Hong-Kong-style Sweet & Sour Cauliflower
- Crispy Vegetable Spring Rolls
- Sesame Spring Rolls
- Bean Curd & Broccoli in Plum Sauce
- All-in-one Biriyani
- Sicilian-style Pizza
- Falafel Flatbreads
- Chilli Burritos
These vegan hot dogs (The Veg Space) are easy to make, using ready-made vegan sausages. You can also add some smoky vegan cheese, for that authentic New York flavour. Or even gherkins.
