We are living in an era where drool-worthy Instagram posts and giant versions of fast-food meals reign supreme. Of course, it’s one thing to make a particular food look good, but another thing entirely to make it actually taste amazing. Vegan Junk Food Bar (VJFB)—a two-year-old Dutch fast-casual micro-chain—has accomplished both. With four locations in Amsterdam, one in Rotterdam, and plans to expand to other Dutch cities as well as Barcelona, VJFB keeps customers coming back for more. Here are the top ten vegan menu items customers line up around the block for.
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1. Original VJFB 3.0
As with any fast-food chain, the basic burger serves as a key quality indicator for the rest of the menu. If the burger isn’t great, the other options probably aren’t worth your limited stomach space. The Original VJFB 3.0 delivers on this concept and nails that classic burger experience. First-timers are highly encouraged to order this substantial sandwich made with a juicy plant-based beef patty, dairy-free cheddar, lettuce, tomato, fried onions, pickles, and the registered trademark VJFB sauce. Find yourself licking your fingers to savor the sauce? You might just want to buy a bottle—which is available for purchase at every store.
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2. Daddy Mc Chik’n
Yes, the vegan chicken sandwich craze is a thing in The Netherlands, too. VJFB added its own spin to this fast-food staple by serving it with a pink and blue bun. After you take a photo for Instagram, sink your teeth into this crunchy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside chik’n patty served with crisp vegan bacon; the familiar lettuce, tomato, and onion trio; and Daddy sauce. Don’t judge the name—this creamy, tangy, bright sauce makes the sandwich.
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3. Notorious Sumo 3.0
When you can’t choose between a plant-based beef or chik’n patty, you can get both. This burger is a towering creation of a sandwich that includes all of the accouterments of the Original VJFB in addition to jalapenos, two meaty vegan patties, and a pitch-black sesame seed bun. You will need a knife and fork … and napkins. Lots of napkins.
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4. Royal Hulky
While technically a sandwich, the contents of this handhold overflow onto the plate; it’s definitely not a grab-and-go item. It’ll take you a while to devour the succulent plant-based shawarma topped with lettuce, tomato, onions, jalapenos, pomegranate seeds, and vibrantly purple garlic sauce—all barely contained by a neon green bun.
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5. Pinky Bratwurst XXXL
In a world where restaurant portions seem to be shrinking, this colossal creation fights back. For the average eater, it’s easily two meals in one when ordered with a side of fries or onion rings. Like other VJFB items, it’s brightly colored and features a hot pink bun cradling a juicy vegan sausage topped with fried onions, fresh green onions, grated vegan cheese, mustard, dairy-free mayonnaise, and a matching hot pink aioli. The basic vegan backyard hot dog will never be the same.
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6. VJFB Bulk
The Bulk offers all the vegan meats without a pesky bun to contain them. This plated meal includes the restaurant’s signature plant-based sausage, a vegan beef patty topped with melty cheddar and bacon, shawarma with pomegranate seeds, and all the colorful creamy sauces. This is where vegans get their protein—or at least, it’s one of the millions of options.
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7. Flashy Kapsalon
The Kapsalon is a very popular Dutch dish comprised of fries, shawarma, vegan cheese, salad, and garlic sauce usually eaten after a night of drinking. VJFB does a standout job of veganizing this tradition and naturally adds a floral pop of edible flowers to fit its colorful theme. Dig into the Kapsalon after you’ve had a bit too much Jenever.
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8. Fresh Sashimi Deluxe
At an animal-based restaurant, we typically wouldn’t trust a fast-food place that sells burgers and sushi, but at VJFB it’s a different story. This gluten-free plate of vegan tuna and salmon offers a lighter yet equally satisfying option for those who prefer sushi to sandwiches.
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9. VJFB X Magnum
There is always room for dessert, even after the Pinky Bratwurst. This vegan version of the beloved Magnum chocolate-coated ice cream bar is the perfect way to end the VJFB experience. Of course, this isn’t just a store-bought frozen novelty on a plate—the treat is decorated with vibrant pink and blue icing and edible flowers.
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10. Tipsy Unicorn
Unlike most fast-food joints, VJFB serves alcohol! Complete your rainbow-inspired meal with this pink and purple-hued beverage made with Ketel Vodka, blue Curacao, lychee juice, grenadine, and a splash of lemon. Forget the burger and shake combo, we prefer a burger and a cocktail.
Christine Lycklama is a freelance writer on a mission to save the world’s ecosystems—writing about ecology, sustainability, and veganism.
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Photo credit: Vegan Junk Food Bar
