Our knowledgeable panel of discerning veggie burger fans was tasked with rating the Prime 16 Veggie Burgers in our first-ever Veggie Burger Cup.
Representing a various vary of dietary views, our judges included Vegetarians (37 p.c), Vegans (27 p.c), Partial Vegetarians (18 p.c), and Omnivores (18 p.c).
With a long time of mixed expertise sampling Beijing’s meat-free choices, these tasters introduced distinctive experience to the competitors – from longtime vegetarians who bear in mind when choices had been restricted, to omnivores actively searching for to scale back meat consumption, and everybody in between.
Here is a fast take a look at who they’re:
Julia B.
A longtime vegetarian, Julia has observed the rising number of veggie choices over time – not simply in Europe but additionally in Beijing. She notably enjoys burgers that do not attempt to mimic meat however as a substitute boast their very own distinctive flavors. She feels fortunate that such choices exist in Beijing and appears ahead to exploring extra.
Chris Clark
A vegan for the previous 9 years (and vegetarian for 9 years earlier than that), Chris has lived in Beijing for the previous 5 years and has tried most vegan or veganizable (which means adaptable to vegan preparations) burgers throughout town.
Sofía Gassino
An Argentinian vegan dwelling in Beijing for the previous three years, Sofía is on a endless quest for the final word plant-based consolation meals – the sort that makes you ask, “Wait, this is not meat?” When not dragging pals throughout town to strive one other vegan burger, she debates quiz solutions like her life relies on it or pretends she attends tango class greater than she really does. She takes her burgers severely: messy, juicy, and judged with love (however no mercy).
Gideon Goldfeder
Having spent 15 years within the capital as a vegetarian, Gideon has seen many burgers come and go – and eaten most of them. Nonetheless, he is at all times pleased to strive new choices.
Jake Haselkorn
Initially from New York, Jake has lived in Beijing twice – returning in 2010 after a stint in Tokyo. A former journalist (ABC Information Bureau Chief in Beijing, CBS Information Bureau Chief in Tokyo), he now does media coaching and consulting whereas educating journalism at Tsinghua and Chongqing Universities. A burger fanatic, he tries to curb his beef consumption however stays an avid follower of the Beijinger.
Tiago Ines
Beforehand vegetarian for 20 years and vegan for eight, Tiago has lengthy experience in growing tasty veggie concoctions.
Srivedant Kar
A vegetarian who steadily samples veggie burgers round city, Srivedant tries at the very least a pair each week.
Jennifer Morgenthaler
Vegetarian or vegan for over half her life, Jennifer remembers the times of terrible, plasticky Boca patties and is thrilled by how far veggie burgers have come. Now absolutely vegan, she cooks at dwelling usually however loves indulging in a veggie burger when eating out along with her husband or omnivore pals. As a talented prepare dinner, she has excessive requirements when consuming out, making her a discerning burger knowledgeable.
Shawn Piers
A vegetarian for ten years earlier than briefly returning to meat, Shawn is now a pescatarian as a compromise together with his spouse. He eats a largely plant-based food regimen and may’t resist veggie burgers. In his expertise, vegetarians have sturdy model loyalty – which is true of him as effectively: when he finds an excellent burger spot, he sticks with it.
Brittney Quon
A vegetarian for greater than half her life, Brittney is at all times on the hunt for a superb veggie burger. Having been in Beijing for a few years, she’s slowly making her means via all of the superb meals town has to supply.
Michael Wester
A 25-year Beijing resident who has hosted burger festivals for 14 years, Michael has tried uncountable burgers, together with many vegetarian and vegan alternate options. Although he loves meat, he enjoys attempting new issues and wish to scale back his consumption of animal merchandise for quite a lot of causes, together with well being and environmental issues.
READ: Veggie Burger Cup: Seize These Offers and Reductions Now
Photographs: courtesy of the panelists
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