Published: Tue 11 Sep 2018, 4:04 PM
Last updated: Sat 15 Sep 2018, 2:45 PM
We were really excited when we got an invite to try a revolutionary new plant-based vegan burger that looks, tastes and satisfies like meat.
While we know that there are many options available for vegan burgers in Dubai, we believe that it is important for more and more people to be aware that vegan food is more than just salads and fruits. Today, more than ever, we need to think about sustainability; we need to live and eat more responsibly. At the same time, we believe that no food should ever be boring or dull, in fact, it should be full of nutrition, taste and love.
After giving up on meat early this year, this was an unique opportunity for us to try a traditional burger while feeling good about animal welfare. Euripides Pelekanos, the CEO and Founder of BareBurger, took us inside the kitchen of this joint (part of the La Mer chain of restaurants), and made this dish, popularly known as Beyond Burger, right in front of us.
The ‘meaty’ patty is made of beet (to give it a red colour), pea protein, coconut oil and potato starch. “There is a science that goes behind the making of these patties, hence we make them in a lab in New York. If you are a meat eater who cares about the benefit and future of planet Earth, then this is a good meat substitute for you. Peas provide the protein, trace amounts of beet lend the meaty red colour, coconut oil, and potato starch ensure mouth-watering juiciness and chewiness. Also, there is no soy, gluten and, no GMO,” said Pelekanos.
Our verdict
It was interesting to walk into the kitchen wearing a chef’s head scarf and watch the cooking process. While our patty was sizzling in the pan, a generous amount of cheese, caramelised onion, pickles, special sauce with lots of secret ingredients and lettuce were added to the patty. It was also nice to see our food being cooked with a lot of smiles and good thoughts around. Honestly, being a non-meat eater, it initially felt a bit odd to bring the patty close to our mouth. But, while taking the first bite, it really felt like we were biting into a juicy meaty burger. The taste of the burger was beyond delicious.
Our meat eating colleagues, however, found it difficult to believe that this was not animal meat. The fact that they have added simple plant-based ingredients without using artificial tastemakers made this dish all the more special.
This was a tasty plant-based vegan burger which did not compromise on taste, nutrition while agreeing with our philosophy that healthy food does not need to be boring and bland.
Since we love the idea of sustainable food, we just wish that the patties were made right in a UAE kitchen instead of a lab in New York. It would add a more fresher appeal to the already crunchy and yummy burger.
But since it’s a burger and we don’t eat burgers everyday, we highly recommend this sensational burger.
The vegan burger is priced at Dhs45 and is available at BareBurger, La Mer. arti@khaleejtimes.com
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