If you’re looking for cutting-veg products…

By Aiden Jewelle Gonzales

I’m a firm believer in the adage that variety is the spice of life, so as someone who’s been on the lookout for more plant-based options, the rise of meat alternatives in the city has been gratifying. OMG Meat entered the vegan scene with a splash by offering not just the usual alternative protein products, but a range of versatile options that mimic the look, texture, and taste of different kinds of meat and seafood. Touting innovation, environmentally-friendly sources and processing, zero cholesterol and preservatives, and moreish flavours, I was excited to try their current line-up of products and compare them to others I’d sampled before.

Although they currently offer six different plant-based seafood and meat options, OMG Meat will soon be launching fish and chicken burgers, chicken pop-style gai tod and my most-anticipated product, crispy pork- style bites, so there will be plenty more to look forward to in the future.

CRAB MEAT
(2 pieces per box, THB 110)

Crisp and golden brown on the outside and flaky on the inside, I was impressed with the different flavours that came through from the first bite. Made with soy and wheat protein, the herbs mixed into the base add depth, and hints of mustard add a welcome kick. Probably one of their most versatileproducts, you can either oven-bake, air-fry, or pan-fry it depending on how you want to integrate it in your recipes, or eat it by itself as a guilt-free crab cake.

CHICKEN NUGGETS
(6 pieces per box, THB 95)

Because chicken nuggets were such a quintessential fast food ‘treat’ during my childhood, I’m always wary of faux nuggets because I often feel that the differences will be obvious. These ones, however, were a good approximation of the original taste and texture, without being too dry. The batter in the coating adds a crisp touch to the nuggets, which make for the perfect snack when eaten with ketchup.

CRAB SHUMAI
(6 pieces per box, THB 110)

Vegan seafood is so often hard to get right, especially when imitating a crowd-pleasing favourite such as crab shumai. Made with plant-based protein, shiitake mushrooms and water chestnuts, this version not only looked authentic, it captured the texture and taste quite well. I would recommend dipping it in soy sauce for best effect.

BBQ PORK BUN
(4 pieces per box, THB 69)

When I first bit into the bun, I was surprised by the bright red colouring which emulated the quintessential moo daeng look. Made with shiitake mushrooms, soy and wheat protein, and a judicious mix of garlic, shallot, coriander root, ginger, and parsley, the bun was flavoured well and the seasoning was done just right, with just a hint of the taste of mushrooms coming through.

FISH NUGGETS
(6 pieces per box, THB 95)

Differing from the chicken nuggets by its breadcrumb coating, these nuggets are similarly moreish and would pair deliciously with tartare sauce. Although its flavour profile is quite mild, it’s made with tender flakes that melt in your mouth, and traces of garlic and other seasonings come through with every bite. Another versatile product, there are a range of innovative ways that one can use this in everyday recipes.

MASALA RECOMMENDS

HOI JOR
(6 pieces per box, THB 150)

A unanimous pick by all of us who taste tested the different products, I was impressed with how much I enjoyed this vegan version of one of my favourite appetisers. Its look and feel was almost identical to the original hoi jor, with the crispy covering achieved by using a tofu sheet, and water chestnuts and bread crumbs creating the requisite crunch. Make sure to pair it with your favourite dipping sauce for the most authentic experience.