Veganuary: Incredible Vegan Meals I Ate Thanks to My Job
This Veganuary we asked our Account Director and vegan food vlogger, Patrick Hall, to share some of the plant-based food he's had on the road with Catch A Fire.
Working in a plant-forward creative agency has its perks, and one of my absolute favourites is the opportunity to travel. Whether it’s for shoots, client meetings or presentations, I often find myself exploring new places – and new vegan food. So this Veganuary Catch A Fire has asked me to share some of the unforgettable vegan meals I’ve had thanks to my job and one memorable meal…for all the wrong reasons!
Watch now or read more below.
1. Barbecue with a Professional Chef in Wageningen, Netherlands
Wageningen is a hub of food innovation, home to many food innovation centres and one of the world’s leading food technology universities, and was the backdrop for one of my most incredible vegan meals. We were there for a shoot, and on the second day, the chef invited our team back to his home for a barbecue.
The highlight of the evening was a dish made with maitake mushrooms, often called the “king of mushrooms.” Grilled to perfection, the maitake had a fibrous texture that was unlike anything I’d ever tasted. It was one of those meals that you will never forget.
But it wasn’t just the food – it was the entire experience. Watching a professional chef cook in his own home was inspiring. Despite having worked all day, his passion for cooking shone through, and it has inspired me ever since to cook regularly throughout the week with my wife and experiment with our weekly meal planning.
2. Vegan Junk Food Bar, Rotterdam
It’s late, freezing cold, and I’ve just arrived in Rotterdam after a long journey. But with just one night in the city I am determined to track down a restaurant I’d never eaten in before. I hop on a Lime bike and race through the sub zero temperatures to the Vegan Junk Food Bar—a decision I’ll never regret!
The standout dish? Flamboyant vegan shrimp. These battered, spicy shrimp were a revelation. Paired with a juicy vegan burger and an ice cold Heineken, it was a sensational meal. This was also my first experience at an all-vegan restaurant, and the ease of ordering without checking ingredients felt awesome. The warm, welcoming vibes of the restaurant made it even better.
3. Impossible Burgers in New Jersey
During a week-long shoot in New Jersey, we found Bareburger, a small chain that offers both vegan and non-vegan options. Despite skepticism from people I had spoken to about finding good vegan food in the area, this place exceeded all expectations.
The highlight here was the Impossible Burger—a game-changer for me. At the time, plant-based meats were just becoming mainstream, and this burger was proof of how far vegan food had come. Juicy, flavorful, and satisfying, it felt like a glimpse into the future of food. We also tried their Impossible chicken nuggets, which were just as mind-blowing. It was one of those meals that left me buzzing with excitement for what’s next in vegan cuisine.
The Worst: A “Vegan” Muffin on a Flight
Not every food experience is a win when travelling! On a flight back from New York, I was excited to review the meals and snacks as I always love plane food. The main dish was great, but things took a turn with the two snacks…
First I was given a snack and was surprised to see a bar that I know is not vegan in the UK, I turned it over and it had honey in, no problem – I don’t personally eat honey but it is a bit of a grey area. Then my second snack came out (also mid-way through sleeping!) a muffin that proudly claimed to be dairy-free and nut-free. Curious, I flipped it over to check the ingredients… and the first one listed was liquid egg. Cue laughter and shaking of my head as egg is definitely NOT a grey area! While the main meal was fantastic, this mishap earns its place as my most unforgettable “vegan” fail.
Traveling for Work: A Food Adventure
One thing I’ve learned from travelling for work is that amazing vegan food is everywhere – you just have to look for it. Apps like HappyCow are game-changers, helping me discover hidden gems all over the world in new cities and towns.
So, this Veganuary, let’s share the best vegan meal you’ve ever had while travelling. And what’s the worst? Share your stories in the comments – I’d love to hear them!
Or find out more about my food travel by visiting: https://www.youtube.com/@YourVeganFoodExplorer
Interested in the plant-based food industry, then find out more from our Ignite Webinar series: Planet-based is it dead?
