Grabbing something on the go has normally been a painful experience for me and my child. We’re not fans of the Golden Arches, the home of the Burger Family, or any of their compatriots. But a busy athletic schedule means we’re on the road a lot, and there isn’t always time to pack something that is both nutrient-dense and easy to eat in car.
This is why the latest trend is making us jump (figuratively, in my case) for joy. The normally dirty-sounding term “fast food” is coming to mean something that is as healthy as what you might make at home – if you had the time, ingredients and inclination. These casual, healthy restaurants are promoting, for the most part, salad, of all things. Forget “house greens,” however. These salads are rich in proteins, healthy fats and complex carbohydrates. And they’re fast, whether you’re dining in or grabbing something to go. Most importantly, they taste good. And, the sandwiches and soups you can order with will fill you up whether you’re planning to ascend the Grouse Grind or spend three hours practicing fouettes. Or, you know, just eat ‘cause you’re hungry and all.
Here are three places you should try right now.
The Birds and the Beets
Located in the old Sea Monstr Sushi spot at 55 Powell in Gastown, this café appears small at first. Then you realize it stretches all the way through to Alexander Street (you can enter from either side). Suffice to say there are plenty of seats for everyone. Coffee from Bows & Arrows or Matchstick, tea from Cultivate Teas in Mount Pleasant, housemade kombucha and ginger beer, sparkling water on tap – it’s all a good fit with the tiny and tasty menu. Choices like turkey from Rossdown Farms or seafood from Finest at Coast can be had in sandwich or salad form that rotate constantly. I tried the pork sandwich ($9), a beautiful loin stuffed with pickled kohlrabi and apple slaw on a curried sunflower seed spread. The bread is housemade, according to the girl behind the counter. It’s delicious. Have it as a salad to avoid the gluten, and pair with the really nice housemade pickles. There’s even quiche and the baked goods change daily, based on what’s coming out of the oven.
Field and Social
It’s all about the salad (and a bit of soup) at this bright, modern eatery on Dunsmuir in the heart of downtown. A goodly portion of the menu is gluten-free and vegetarian or vegan, and dishes that aren’t can be converted as needed. A classic beet salad ($11) is loaded with organic chickpeas, apple, orange and cucumber. I’m not normally a fan of two different dressings on the same salad, but the harissa-spiced goat yogurt is a surprisingly good pairing to the orange vinaigrette. Sen lek smoked tofu salad ($12.50) is a textural symphony of rice noodles, shitakes and other sautéed vegetables, ramen egg, scallions, hazelnuts and crispy shallots. Pair it with the sunchoke soup ($4) for a hearty vegetarian meal.
Hungry Guys Kitchen
This lighthearted spot on Granville is more about the bowls (with rice and beans, natch), but they are just as healthy, and offer a little more bulk. The concept is simple. It’s just under $9 for a base of white or brown rice, pinto or black beans, a choice of proteins that include organic tofu, and a couple of toppings like corn, shredded cheddar or pico de gallo. Add guacamole for $2 if you want, and you’re done. Salad lovers, don’t despair. There are a handful of hearty options, like the Pepita de Mi Vida ($10.50), which is layered with tofu, kale, quinoa, beets, cabbage, mint, apples, blue cheese and pumpkin seeds, all dressed with a maple balsamic vinaigrette. You can also build your own salad, à la salad bars in the 1980s, except with really good ingredients like organic quinoa, steak, local beets, fresh cilantro, roasted broccoli, goat cheese, and bacon.
Here are a few more places to try:
Pepper Lunch
This fast-steak café uses only triple A Alberta beef and sources locally wherever possible. A large skillet of steak and vegetables will keep you going all day and will only set you back $10-$15. Plus, you can be in and out in 30 minutes.
Nuba
With multiple locations, this popular Lebanese eatery offers both vegetarian and carnivorous souls happy meals that are light in both calories and price.
Smak Fast Food
Vegetarian, vegan, celiac-friendly, fair trade, organic, nut-free and superfoods galore are just some of the many options available at this Coal Harbour joint. Don’t worry, there are sweets and meats, they’re just not the only thing on the menu. Hot chocolate from Cocoanymph, gluten-free oatmeal, housemade organic sausage in the breakfast sandwich and a delicious dahl are just a few reasons to visit, as are their excellent protein boxes.
Anya Levykh is a freelance food, drink and travel writer who covers all things ingestible. In addition to obsessively collecting and judging cookbooks, she is a judge for the Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards. Find her on Twitter and Instagram @foodgirlfriday.
