Vegan Takes on “Fast Food” Classics in Montreal

Vegan food is taking over the food scene in Montreal – new cafes, vegan sushi restaurants, bakeries and now, vegan fast food is emerging in the city.

Here are 3 places to visit to enjoy vegan takes on “fast food” classics in Montreal: 

Photo by Laura Verbich

Lola Rosa
4581 Parc Ave. (other location: 545 Milton) 
Lola Rosa takes on fast food with vegan versions of Montreal’s world-famous poutine. Instead of the “classic” curd cheese and brown sauce (often made with chicken broth), Lola Rosa offers vegans a mushrooms-based sauce, and Daiya cheese alternative. LR also mixes in sweet potatoes with Yukon golden potatoes. Take note that Lola Rosa is actually a vegetarian restaurant, but most of the items on the menu can be made vegan (like the poutine). LR also has quesadillas, burritos and all-dressed nachos.

Photo by Laura Verbich

Aux Vivres
4631 St Laurent 
Aux Vivres has an extensive menu with healthier options as well as unique takes on “fast food” classics, including: BLT (coconut bacon, lettuce, tomato), gyro (tempeh, homemade vegan tzatziki), and 3 types of burgers that come with homemade potato wedges and creamy coleslaw.

Vegan Rapide
6206 Sherbrooke Ouest (West)
Last but definitely not least is Vegan Rapide. The name of the restaurant translates to “Vegan Fast”, i.e. “vegan fast food”. At VR, you will find vegan versions of all your favourite fast food: pizza, burgers with coleslaw, poutine (closer to the classic-style brown sauce, with Daiya cheese), and during the summer months, soft-serve vegan ice cream. As of right now, VR is the only spot in Montreal to offer vegan soft-serve ice cream. The “ice cream” is tapioca-based, you can have it chocolate, vanilla or half-and-half (my fav!) and it is sooooo creamy and satisfying.

Where have you enjoyed vegan “fast food” in Montreal? What about in your city?