Two new meat-free sandwiches with a Japanese-inspired twist will soon grace the menu at Burger King in the UK.
The Katsu Vegan Royale and Katsu Plant-Based Chilli Whopper Double are being introduced alongside meat-based versions – and cost the same. Further, Burger King maintains that the animal-free concoctions taste just like conventional meat.
The new Katsu Vegan Royale comes with a meat-free Royale chicken patty, katsu sauce, pickled slaw, crispy onion, and the brand’s signature vegan mayonnaise.
Meanwhile, the Katsu Plant-Based Chilli Whopper boasts two meatless Whopper patties, chilli sauce, crispy onion, pickled slaw, and katsu curry sauce. Both new burgers are served with golden vegan-friendly buns sprinkled with sesame seeds.
Burger King notes that although the ingredients are fully plant-based, the patties on the Katsu Plant-Based Chilli Whopper are cooked on the same broiler as meat.
Vegan food at Burger King
Burger King UK’s Katie Evans said in a comment sent to Plant Based News: “We know katsu curry is one of the nation’s favorite flavors, so we can’t wait for people to try these twists on our classic Whopper and Royale.
“We’re promising new specials that max on flavor, with vegan and vegetarian options that taste almost identical.”
Those wishing to try the new burgers can do so via the Burger King app until March 8, when they will officially launch at participating restaurants. From now until March 7, customers who order a katsu burger via the app will get a second one free of charge with the coupon code BOGOF.
The new Katsu Royales will set customers back by £6.29 for the burger on its own, or £8.29 in a meal. The Katsu Chilli Whopper burgers and meals cost £7.29 and £9.29 respectively.
The new sandwiches will be available until September 2022. Burger King has not yet confirmed whether high demand will lead to the options becoming permanent fixtures on its menu.
In April 2021, the fast-food giant reintroduced its Plant-Based Whopper after a widely positive response to its 2020 trial.
Moreover, in January of this year, Burger King UK’s chief executive Alasdair Murdoch revealed the company aims to make half of its menu meat-free by 2050.