The Expanding Plant-Based Offerings at BUBBA Gump
For a seafood-centric chain, BUBBA Gump has made strides to accommodate plant-based diners. While the menu is, of course, heavily focused on shrimp and other seafood, savvy vegan visitors can navigate the options with success. As of 2025, specific menu items and customization options provide a clear path for a vegan-friendly experience.
The Beyond Patty: The Main Event
The most straightforward vegan entrée is the Beyond Burger, which features a Beyond Patty on a bun. The key to making this a truly vegan meal is customization. The standard menu item often comes with non-vegan cheese and sauces, so you must explicitly ask for it without Swiss cheese and the remoulade sauce. A good default is to request the Beyond Patty with spring mix, tomato, red onion, and avocado, and to ensure the bun is unbuttered. The secret sauce is also not confirmed to be vegan, so it's best to request a simple oil and vinegar or ketchup instead.
Regional Differences: Menus Vary
It is important to note that menu offerings can vary by location. For example, some locations, like the Santa Monica Pier restaurant, have previously featured specific vegan options like "Vegan Impossible Fried Nuggets". Always check the online menu for the specific location you plan to visit or ask your server upon arrival to confirm what is available and what modifications can be made.
Customizing Your BUBBA Gump Meal
Beyond the primary Beyond Burger option, there are several ways to build a vegan meal from other menu sections. Creativity and clear communication with your server are your best tools.
Salads and Appetizers
Many salads can be adapted for vegan diets. Start with the basics: mixed greens, crisp vegetables, and fruit. You will need to request the salad without cheese and specify a vegan dressing. Common dressings like ranch or honey mustard contain dairy and eggs. A simple vinaigrette with oil and vinegar is usually a safe bet, but always confirm the ingredients. Appetizers like fries are generally a safe choice, but there are potential pitfalls to be aware of.
Classic Sides Made Vegan
Most BUBBA Gump locations offer simple side dishes that can be easily ordered vegan. Steamed vegetables, corn on the cob (confirm it isn't buttered), and French fries are often good choices. For fries, it's crucial to ask if they use a dedicated fryer. Some kitchens fry all items, including animal products, in the same oil, which can be a dealbreaker for many vegans due to cross-contamination. A 2024 YouTube review of the Universal CityWalk Orlando location noted the availability of fries, which is a consistent side option.
Comparison: BUBBA Gump vs. Other Chains
Here is a comparison of vegan options at BUBBA Gump and some other popular restaurant chains:
| Restaurant Chain | Standalone Vegan Entrée | Customizable Options | Cross-Contamination Risk | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BUBBA Gump | Beyond Burger Patty | Salads, Steamed Veggies, Fries | Moderate (Shared Fryers) | Requires specific modifications for the burger and other items. |
| The Cheesecake Factory | Vegan Cobb Salad, Impossible Burger | Extensive, many salads | Low to Moderate | Features specific vegan menu items and clearly labels them. |
| TGI Fridays | Beyond Burger | Limited, often only sides | Moderate (Shared Fryers) | TGI Fridays was an early adopter of the Beyond Burger, though offerings may vary. |
| Chipotle | Vegan Bowl, Burritos, Tacos | Extensive, build-your-own | Low | Many base ingredients are vegan, offering high customizability. |
What to Avoid: Hidden Animal Products
To ensure a successful vegan meal, you must be aware of common hidden animal products and potential cross-contamination. Many sauces are dairy-based or contain eggs, including many aiolis, dressings, and special sauces. The remoulade sauce that comes with the Beyond Burger, for instance, contains egg. Fried items often share the same fryer, so if you are strict about cross-contamination, avoid the fries and any other fried sides. Always confirm with your server how a dish is prepared and ask if any butter or dairy is used in cooking vegetables.
Tips for Ordering a Vegan Meal
- Check the Menu Online: Before you go, review the online menu for your specific location. This gives you a starting point for potential options.
- Speak with the Server: Inform your server immediately that you are vegan. They can offer guidance on what is genuinely safe or what can be modified.
- Be Specific with Modifications: When ordering the Beyond Burger, say "Beyond Patty only, no Swiss cheese, no remoulade sauce, and a plain, unbuttered bun." Don't assume anything.
- Confirm Side Preparations: When ordering sides like vegetables or corn, ask for them with no butter or dairy.
- Be Patient: Some servers may be less familiar with vegan requirements, especially in a seafood restaurant. A little patience goes a long way to getting your order correct.
For more general advice on eating out as a vegan, resources like The Vegetarian Resource Group offer excellent guides on navigating restaurant menus, which can be applied to many situations.
Conclusion
While BUBBA Gump is not a dedicated vegan restaurant, it does offer workable solutions for plant-based diners. The addition of the Beyond Burger provides a solid entree option, and several sides can be customized to be vegan-friendly. The key to success lies in doing a little homework, communicating clearly with staff, and being aware of potential cross-contamination. With a bit of careful ordering, you can enjoy a pleasant dining experience at BUBBA Gump, Forrest Gump style, without compromising your vegan principles.
