Universal has never been known for being the best of the best when it comes to dining options in their parks, but there is one thing they are definitely getting right at the current moment – plant-based food options. We have gotten many questions in the past regarding the best vegetarian and vegan options at Universal Orlando and until recently there were only a few good options. We’ll continue trying out some of the vegan options around property, but we are going to focus on Mel’s Drive-In and Richter’s Burger Co. in this installment.
Chick’n & Avocado Sandwich Platter – $12.49
Mel’s Drive-In is never the best at anything, so expectations were extremely low when it came to trying their vegan option. The Chick’n & Avocado Sandwich is comprised of plant-based Gardein Chick’n and Follow Your Heart American Cheese along with Lettuce, Tomato, and Pickles. Overall, this dish was pretty good! This was my first time trying the Gardein Chick’n and I was pleasantly surprised to find out that it had the consistency and taste of real chicken. The avocado tasted like it came out of a bag, but it seemed to be fresh and flavorful. The Follow Your Heart American cheese was completely lost on me, but my dining partner said it was overpowering the other ingredients on the sandwich. Our one complaint is that it was slightly on the bland side, but that could be easily fixed with a sauce or even fresh onion.
Impossible Burger Platter – $12.49
Richter’s Burger Co. is slightly better than Mel’s Drive-In when it comes to quality, but still isn’t our go-to choice for dining at Universal Studios Florida. However, we are huge fans of the Impossible Burger, so we can make sacrifices for the things we love. The Impossible Burger is a plant-based burger with Follow Your Heart American Cheese and Veganaise (vegan mayonnaise). Richter’s Burger Co. has the toppings bar, which includes lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and pickles, so that is why the burger is served so plainly. While this wasn’t the best cooked Impossible Burger you’ll find, it is ABSOLUTELY delicious and you would not know that it is plant-based at all. In fact, I loved the burger just as it was without toppings, because the Veganaise was bursting with garlic flavor. The toppings did add to the overall dish, but the big takeaway is that I would recommend the Impossible Burger over any other menu item at Richter’s Burger Co.
Which vegan option is better between the Chick’n & Avocado Sandwich or the Impossible Burger?
Hands down, the Impossible Burger is the way to go. The burger was bursting with flavor and having the option to customize it really makes it the clear cut winner.
Should I avoid either of the vegan options at Richter’s Burger Co. or Mel’s Drive-In?
Absolutely not! Both sandwiches were delicious and they felt like a steal for the price. I would recommend both over any other menu items at each of those restaurants, which I never thought I would be able to say.
Thanks, guys! For someone who is trying to eat more vegetarian and vegan meals at the theme parks (gotta watch this figure or no one else will! ha!), please keep these vegetarian / vegan meal reviews coming!
For ALL the parks! 🙂