Parka Food Co. is a new, bright and modern vegan fast food spot on Queen Street West – just opened in December 2017, and will hopefully be around for a long time. They are “here to make eating vegetables fun” and believe that we can all make a difference through our everyday choices – so why can’t those choices be delicious?
The restaurant has a couple dozen seats, including a long banquette and the space is immaculate, which is always appreciated in a restaurant. The menu is prominently featured on a large screen above the ordering counter, which is complete with a glass display case for desserts (although didn’t have any to try when we were there). Like a lot of other good restaurants, the kitchen is open, and you can watch them assemble your burger or mac and cheese!
The menu is very simple right now, but they have big plans to expand it soon. At the moment, it features three different types of veggie burgers, each with a different patty, four different types of mac and cheese, onion rings, french fries, and a couple of soups. I was pretty hungry after being at the gym, plus my mom was with me and I knew she would try some things so decided to order a lot. After much deliberation (I seem to become indecisive at restaurants where I can choose from many options!), I finally decided on the Truffle Mushroom Mac and two different burgers.
The food arrived on a metal tray. Each burger was piled high with tons of toppings (flavours and textures!), and I could barely contain myself as I took pictures! First up was the Potato Burger. This may sound a bit odd, and because I had never tried potato filets as a burger patty before, I was excited. This burger was topped with tartar sauce, guacamole, coleslaw, and pickles, and it had a similar taste to a fish taco. The second burger I ate was made with an eggplant patty and topped with tomato sauce, plenty of arugula, basil, sautéed mushrooms, and pesto. It reminded me a little bit of a pizza, with a lot of strong, fresh basil (I didn’t mind because I LOVE basil), and it was delicious. Their classic nut-based mac and “cheese” was topped with truffle oil and mushrooms. This classic dish with an upgrade was decadent and delicious. The creamy texture of the sauce along with perfectly sauteed mushrooms – made for a delicious combination! As for the onion rings, they are lightly battered (makes sure that the onion isn’t too overpowering) and served in a takeout box with a side of delicious chipotle aioli. I do have to say – the serving size is pretty good! You can definitely share the order, as it’s an adequate amount for two to perfectly compliment a main!
Unfortunately, as mentioned, they were all sold out of desserts – but that’s just another reason for me to go back soon! I still need to try the Portobello Burger (topped with chipotle aioli, onion rings, organic arugula, plum tomato, and guacamole), the fries, and the other three mac and cheeses!
Parka Food Co. serves traditional plant-based adaptations of food in an imaginative way, and strives to source as much food locally and sustainably as possible. Only a few of their ingredients are organic at this time (but are all labelled clearly), and when I asked, they said that they would have much more organic on their menu as fruits and veggies come back into season in the summer! I’m sure they will add salads too. That’s great news! Go and eat your veggies here in a fun way that everyone will love!






