Us vegetarians often pull a bit of a short straw when it comes to fast food outlets. Granted many chains do now cater for our plant-eating ways, but sometimes we have to dig a little further to find these hidden gems.
Take In-N-Out Burger for instance. As one of the most prominent fast food chains on the West Coast, Helen and I were determined to try their offerings at least once. And on our final day of the fortnight in San Francisco, we finally managed to.
Unfortunately, the main menu above the till only had the usual ham, cheese and chicken burger options. But I thought I’d try my luck. So, I tentatively asked: do you offer a vegetarian option? And they do! The joy! They said they would rustle me up one straight away, and I bounced over to the pick-up corner ready to devour my burger as soon as it arrived.
In-N-Out Burger’s Secret Vegetarian Option
So, why don’t In-N-Out Burger advertise their incredible vegetarian option? Let me tell you now: their veggie option has to be seen to be believed. It is that amazing.
Because what In-N-Out Burger don’t tell you is that it’s not really a burger you’re getting. It’s actually just a, uh, bap. With lettuce and a few slices of tomato. And their special sauce, of course. Who needs a burger, cheese and all the rest of what you usually associate with a burger when you’ve got In-N-Out’s…glorified salad sandwich? (Note: The In-N-Out Burger menu states that the veggie option comes with ‘two slices of melted American cheese’. I didn’t even get that, sobs.)
I mean, it looks just magical, doesn’t it? Very appetising…
Yeah OK, it was a bit of a washout
As I chomped away, my In-N-Out Burger salad sandwich was joined by the most depressing ingredient of all: my salty tears of disappointment. I’d got my hopes up. Dared to dream of an In-N-Out Burger vegetarian option to rival all. Still, at least I had my beautiful, beautiful stone cold chips.
But it wasn’t all bad. The young boy behind the counter was handing out free In-N-Out Burger hats to all the little kids, and I managed to nab one for myself. They’re actually pretty comfy to wear. Maybe if this writing career goes down the pan I can bring my own vegetarian creations to In-N-Out…
Why don’t more big chains cater for vegetarians?
OK, so while I couldn’t resist this little joke about In-N-Out Burger, there is one very serious point here: why don’t more places cater properly for vegetarians? Granted only about 5% of the world’s population (if my maths is correct) identify as vegetarian, but that’s still a good few million people in the US.
Alas, I shouldn’t grumble. I was insanely well-fed in America, and there really is so much choice on every corner. I just hope that when I return to the West Coast, In-N-Out Burger have improved their vegetarian selection – and I can finally see what all the fuss is about for myself!
This is so sad! I feel your pain 🙁
Thank you for your kind words during this difficult time 😛 x
A salad sandwich?! That is so disappointing but you have to laugh!! I don’t eat red meat but I’m glad to hear In-N-Out do chicken burgers. Hopefully the meat option will be slightly more appetising!
My friend loved her burger, so I’m guessing they’re much better than my salad monstrosity :’D
Aww you totally got my hopes up! 😛 yeah I totally get what you mean, as a vegetarian I also want to eventually try In-n-Out burger and the population of veggies is only going to get bigger and bigger…
haha sorry Rebecca! Let’s home when you get to In-n-Out Burger they have a better selection for you 😀
I eat sea food and chicken (and very occasionally red meats), but I often order vegetarian options out of choice. Even I’m disappointed by this lack of effort. How can such a major chain serve THAT??? What an embarrassment!
Haha, I know! It was amazingly shocking. I couldn’t quite believe it when I first looked at it 😛