Vegetarian Options at Chain Restaurants

Vegetarian Options at Chain Restaurants

by Julia Chinnock

I am an unapologetic supporter of pho-mae restaurants and small, locally owned establishments. I’ll go blocks out of my way, and pay an extra few baht to avoid fast food-- mainly because I find them often lacking healthy, vegetarian options.

That said, there are times when there is little or no choice, perhaps I find myself having to meet someone at a convenient and well marked location (gotta give the fast-food and coffee house chains points on this account), am in an unfamiliar neighborhood, or really, really need a quick bite.

I know I’m not the only one who has found themselves in this situation, so I’m offering here a short-list of some menu items to look for at fast-food restaurants and at the multinational chains here in Bangkok—maybe you’ll find some surprises.

For example, did you know that Burger King has a veggie burger? I’ve only seen it on their menu at one or two locations, but they offer it at every store. BK makes no attempt to fashion it to look or taste like a burger and it’s actually a deep fried vegetable patty, not grilled like their burgers. However, it’s filling, served on a sesame bun, is topped with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, mayo and ketchup. Similarly, at Mos Burger, they offer a croquette burger, which is also vegetarian. McDonalds serves up a spinach pie—a deep fried, crispy pocket filled with spinach and cheese.

Sandwiches are always a nice fast food option. Should you find yourself in the vicinity of a Starbucks and need some “real” food, they have a fairly decent sandwich topped with fresh mozzarella, tomato and basil served on a whole wheat bagel. At some locations (like at BTS Aree) they also offer mushroom and cheese bruschetta, a tomato and cheese bruschetta and spinach and cheese baked flio.

Subway makes a veggie patty sub, with a bland, but filling micro-waved veggie patty- in the case of the Subway sub, it’s the customized toppings that give it flavor. For non-vegan vegetarians, the cheese sub is quite good, especially when ordered on one of Subway’s toasted specialty breads.

Au Bon Pain offers a very nice mozzarella and pesto sandwich, served with fresh mozzarella, romaine lettuce and tomato on a crusty French baguette. Another favorite of mine is the soup in a bread bowl- ABP has broccoli, mushroom, and corn soup (beware of the veggie soup, though, as it has pork in it). They will also make custom sandwiches with just vegetables or with cheddar or Swiss cheese. ABP’s garden and Cesar salads are also vegetarian, but they hardly constitute a satisfying meal.

The Sizzler salad bar is another great option, as it includes all you can eat soup and salad for about 150 baht. Sizzler does a great job of keeping their salad bar stocked with fresh veggies, salad toppings and pre-mixed salads. Did you know that you can get a take-away salad box that includes free soup, starting at just 89 baht? Such a deal!

I’m always on the hunt for more vegetarian options here in the big mango and would love to hear from you!

Email me at Julia@restaurantsofbangkok.com or check out our Facebook group Vegetarians of Bangkok- where to eat in the big mango .