FOOD . Top 5

Vegan Takes on Classic Sandwiches

Mock of the Town


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Published: Mar 4, 2008

1 Tempeh Club

The Royal Tavern, 937 E. Passyunk Ave., 215-389-6694

The tallest vegan sandwich in Philly? The Royal's triple-decker behemoth of tempeh, "bacon" and fresh veggies with a faux-creamy basil aioli. Fake meat on top of fake meat requires expert-level preparation, but that's no problem here — the bacon/tempeh play is quite pleasing to the palate. Even if you manage to make it all gone, save room for vegan dessert.

2 Cream Chipped Beef

The Belgian Café, 2047 Green St., 215-235-3500

Leave shit on a shingle to the greasy spoons — vegan cream chipped beef is a seitan worshipper's dream. Strands of seitan in a savory tofu cream with shiitake mushrooms are poured over two multigrain slices. Soggy bread never tasted this good.

3 Homemade Sun Burger

A Full Plate Café, Liberties Walk, 1009 N. Bodine St., 215-627-4068

Many veggie burgers are a textural nightmare, with mushy carrot chunks and a sketchy exterior ruining the experience. But the puréed sunflower seeds in A Full Plate's Sun Burger create a smooth, nutty patty that won't weigh you down. A side of homemade pickles adds to the meal's down-home charm.

4 Vegan BLT

Mugshots, 2100 Fairmount Ave., 267-514-7145

A generous heaping of tempeh bacon makes the Mugshots BLT hog heaven for imitation meatheads. Slices are piled up with the L and T, then smashed between pieces of wholesome seeded bread carrying a thin layer of vegan mayo. The weekend crowds can get crazy, but it's worth the wait.

5 Seitan Steak

The Abbaye, 637 N. Third St., 215-627-6711

Chunks of pepper-encrusted wheat meat make up the brunt of the Abbaye's "steak." Fresh-grilled tomato and onion add crucial moisture. While dairy-friendly eaters can add Gruyere and garlic aioli to the sandwich, vegans aching for "cheese" will have to settle for Govinda's or Gianna's.