Sometimes, the craving for fast food hits, even when you’re committed to a vegetarian lifestyle. Luckily, more and more fast-food chains are recognizing the growing demand for meatless options. You no longer have to be relegated to just fries or a sad side salad when you’re on the move. Here’s a guide to some of the best Vegetarian Fast Food orders that will actually leave you feeling satisfied.
Burger King
Best order: Impossible Whopper, fries, and a fountain soda
For vegetarians seeking a classic burger experience, Burger King steps up with the Impossible Whopper. This isn’t just a veggie patty; it’s an experience that rivals their traditional Whopper. The Impossible patty is charbroiled to perfection, mirroring the smoky flavor of the original. It comes loaded with the familiar Whopper toppings: crisp lettuce, juicy tomato, sliced onions, tangy pickles, creamy mayonnaise, and cheese if you desire. While Burger King’s fries might not win awards against the golden arches, they hold their own with a satisfyingly thick and crispy texture and, importantly for vegetarians, are noticeably free of beef flavoring. To complete this quintessential fast food meal, a fountain soda is practically mandatory.
Carl’s Jr./Hardee’s
Best order (Carl’s): Beyond Famous Star with fried zucchini and a side of CrissCut fries
Best order (Hardee’s): Beyond Thickburger and a side of crispy curls
Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s are sister chains that both offer Beyond Meat patties, providing a fantastic vegetarian swap for many of their signature burgers. At Carl’s Jr., the Beyond Famous Star is a winner, featuring a Beyond Burger patty topped with red onions, dill pickles, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, lettuce, and tomato – all the classic burger fixings. Hardee’s, while missing the fried zucchini option, counters with the Beyond Thickburger, a hearty, patty-less burger overflowing with fresh vegetables and melted American cheese. Fry preferences can be catered to at each chain: Carl’s Jr. boasts waffle-cut CrissCut fries, while Hardee’s tempts with seasoned, spiral-shaped curly fries.
Chick-fil-A
Best order: Waffle fries with Chick-fil-A sauce, Superfood Side, and lemonade
When chicken is in the name, vegetarian options might seem scarce. However, even at Chick-fil-A, vegetarians can find a surprisingly satisfying meal. The standout is undoubtedly their waffle fries. These aren’t just any fries; they are wonderfully crispy and perfectly shaped for dipping into the chain’s signature smoky and slightly sweet Chick-fil-A sauce. To balance out the fries and add some greens, the Superfood Side is a good choice, combining broccolini, kale, dried cherries, and nuts for a flavorful and texturally interesting side dish. A refreshing lemonade rounds out this unexpectedly vegetarian-friendly Chick-fil-A order.
Church’s Chicken
Best order: Honey butter biscuit, jalapeño cheese bombers, and fried okra
Despite its name, Church’s Chicken offers some delightful vegetarian options beyond just sides. Their made-from-scratch biscuits are a revelation, especially when drizzled with their luscious honey butter. These biscuits alone are worth a visit. For a unique side, Church’s serves fried okra, a Southern staple that’s transformed into a delicious treat when fried to crispy perfection. Moving beyond typical jalapeño poppers, Church’s offers jalapeño cheese bombers. These achieve a remarkable thick yet light breading and deliver a genuine spicy kick from the jalapeño, balanced by gooey, melted cheese inside.
Culver’s
Best order: Cheese curds, coleslaw, and a concrete mixer of choice
Originating from Wisconsin, the cheese curd capital, Culver’s cheese curds are a must-try vegetarian fast food item. They are incredibly popular, even among meat-eaters who come for the ButterBurgers. Culver’s curds are a benchmark for fast-food cheese curds, made with a mix of yellow and white Cheddar, deep-fried to a perfect golden crisp. It’s hard to resist eating handful after handful. To complement the richness of the curds, the coleslaw provides a cool and crunchy contrast, with noticeable flecks of black pepper adding a subtle spice. For dessert, the Concrete Mixer is another Culver’s specialty. This dense, frozen custard, made fresh in-house, can be customized with a variety of mix-ins, from salted caramel to cookie dough bites, offering a sweet ending to your vegetarian fast food adventure.
