Our Expert Panel for the 2025 Veggie Burger Cup
Our expert panel of discerning veggie burger enthusiasts was tasked with ranking the Top 16 Veggie Burgers in our first-ever Veggie Burger Cup.
Representing a diverse range of dietary perspectives, our judges included Vegetarians (37 percent), Vegans (27 percent), Partial Vegetarians (18 percent), and Omnivores (18 percent).
With decades of combined experience sampling Beijing's meat-free options, these tasters brought unique expertise to the competition – from longtime vegetarians who remember when options were limited, to omnivores actively seeking to reduce meat consumption, and everyone in between.
Here's a quick look at who they are:
Julia B.
A longtime vegetarian, Julia has noticed the increasing variety of veggie options over the years – not just in Europe but also in Beijing. She particularly enjoys burgers that don't try to mimic meat but instead boast their own unique flavors. She feels lucky that such options exist in Beijing and looks forward to exploring more.
Chris Clark
A vegan for the past nine years (and vegetarian for nine years before that), Chris has lived in Beijing for the past five years and has tried most vegan or veganizable (meaning adaptable to vegan preparations) burgers across the city.
Sofía Gassino
An Argentinian vegan living in Beijing for the past three years, Sofía is on a never-ending quest for the ultimate plant-based comfort food – the kind that makes you ask, “Wait, this isn't meat?” When not dragging friends across the city to try another vegan burger, she debates quiz answers like her life depends on it or pretends she attends tango class more than she actually does. She takes her burgers seriously: messy, juicy, and judged with love (but no mercy).
Gideon Goldfeder
Having spent 15 years in the capital as a vegetarian, Gideon has seen many burgers come and go – and eaten most of them. Still, he's always happy to try new options.
Jake Haselkorn
Originally from New York, Jake has lived in Beijing twice – returning in 2010 after a stint in Tokyo. A former journalist (ABC News Bureau Chief in Beijing, CBS News Bureau Chief in Tokyo), he now does media training and consulting while teaching journalism at Tsinghua and Chongqing Universities. A burger enthusiast, he tries to curb his beef intake but remains an avid follower of the Beijinger.
Tiago Ines
Previously vegetarian for 20 years and vegan for eight, Tiago has long expertise in developing tasty veggie concoctions.
Srivedant Kar
A vegetarian who frequently samples veggie burgers around town, Srivedant tries at least a couple every week.
Jennifer Morgenthaler
Vegetarian or vegan for over half her life, Jennifer remembers the days of awful, plasticky Boca patties and is thrilled by how far veggie burgers have come. Now fully vegan, she cooks at home often but loves indulging in a veggie burger when dining out with her husband or omnivore friends. As a skilled cook, she has high standards when eating out, making her a discerning burger expert.
Shawn Piers
A vegetarian for ten years before briefly returning to meat, Shawn is now a pescatarian as a compromise with his wife. He eats a largely plant-based diet and can't resist veggie burgers. In his experience, vegetarians have strong brand loyalty – which is true of him as well: when he finds a good burger spot, he sticks with it.
Brittney Quon
A vegetarian for more than half her life, Brittney is always on the hunt for an excellent veggie burger. Having been in Beijing for a couple of years, she's slowly making her way through all the amazing food the city has to offer.
Michael Wester
A 25-year Beijing resident who has hosted burger festivals for 14 years, Michael has tried uncountable burgers, including many vegetarian and vegan alternatives. Though he loves meat, he enjoys trying new things and would like to reduce his consumption of animal products for a variety of reasons, including health and environmental concerns.
READ: Veggie Burger Cup: Grab These Deals and Discounts Now
Images: courtesy of the panelists
