Gud Eats
If you’re looking to order some excellent vegan takeout this summer, Gud Eats has you covered.
by Pratheeksha R. Naik, Contributor
What do you think when you hear the description “crave-worthy, plant-based” food? Is it something like a ‘beyond-meat’ burger patty, or inventive eats like ‘Chick’n’ and ‘Bacun?’ If that strikes your fancy, you can go and taste the latter at “Gud Eats,” a new restaurant in Downtown Regina! The vegan restaurant opened its doors (albeit partly) for pickup and delivery in April amidst the pandemic.
The idea for Gud Eats started as a food truck in Saskatoon in Summer 2017 and transitioned to storefront that fall in Saskatoon. The idea of founder Chris Cole was to let people know how plant-based food can taste amazing and be a delicious option for ethical, sustainable living. Since there are other vegan restaurants in the city and many fast-food chains are now serving some sort of vegan patty, you might wonder, what’s the real deal with Gud Eats? Gud Eats’ speciality is their vegan versions of chicken and bacon that can step up any meal.
Ever since their launch, I have been excited to try ALL their items – not just because I’m an ardent foodie but also because I’ve been practising vegetarianism for over 2 years now and I couldn’t wait to taste the vegan meat. I had no idea what their “Popcorn Chick’n” was going to be like, but to my absolute surprise – the look, the feel, and the texture of the meal was exactly like a chicken popcorn. The taste? Even better. To be honest. I pranked my friends by switching out their chicken for some of Gud Eats’ Chick’n, and they didn’t even notice the difference.
The next time around we collectively tried Chick’n Drummies and Chick’n Sammies (Sandwiches). We weren’t disappointed. It is quite a shock that tofu can wonderfully simulate most meat dishes with varying levels of cooking creativity. What is more exciting is that the restaurant has partnered with plant-based brands such as Miyoko’s, Beyond, and Earth Island to sell frozen, plant-based packets. The size of these packets vary but to start I ordered a 300 g packet of Thai Chick’n and it has been an excellent side dish and snack numerous times. My key tip is to defrost it completely, then eat it while it’s hot. In the future, I’m really looking forward to plant-based meat products in the technology-dominant world but for now, I’ll just think about my next order at Gud Eats. It will probably be their tacos or bowls and hopefully, I can soon visit the restaurant (with proper measures in place.).
Still not convinced? Be a judge yourself and head over to 1810 Smith Street to show Gud Eats some support. Don’t chick’n out of trying some of their fantastic vegan food.
