Published:
4:39 PM May 27, 2022
DoppleGanger is the latest addition to Crouch End Broadway Parade. With pastel paper lanterns, lots of plants and shades of millennial pink, it certainly feels like a trendy spot for the young vegans of Crouch End, but its menu could be mistaken for the greasiest burger joint in town.
The restaurant’s ethos – plant-based food for carnivores, not just for practiced vegans – is evident in the traditional “meaty” flavours. Ch*cken or beef-inspired are patties topped with b*con, ch*ese and cradled in a brioche bun.
Mimicking fast-food takeaways, you order via an iPad. But the friendly, knowledgeable staff make up for the casual ordering process.
Inside DoppleGanger.
– Credit: Frankie Lister-Fell
We tried the Dopple (£11.50) – caramelised onion, garlic and thyme portobello mushrooms – and This Isn’t Bob (£13) – a take on the original meat burger complete with pickles and ranch dressing – plus an off-menu dark and stormy concocted with fresh homemade ginger beer.
The burgers were a bit on the pricey side considering fries (an additional £3.50) aren’t included. But each one was meaty, juicy, lathered in sauce and generous in size. It’s always a good sign when you can’t fit your mouth round a burger. Note to self: come hungry. If you’re not, go for their bun-less options at the same price.
Also on the menu was an intriguing Kimbo burger (£12.50), made with DoppleGanger’s 28-day-matured kimchi, which is worth a try next time. Fermentation fans can indulge in the kimchi-topped fries (£7.50).
Chips are air-fried but miraculously crispy, well-seasoned and easily digestible. With such a heavy burger, it’s a refreshing change from greasy fried chips. Affable owner Alfy says a lot of vegan food is deep-fried and unhealthy, something he wanted to avoid.
Sauces galore!
– Credit: Frankie Lister-Fell
We sampled all of DoppleGanger’s homemade sauces: garlic herb, kimchi mayo, Korean BBQ, kimchilli, and ketchup. Kimchi mayo stole the show – creamy, zesty and moreish.
Four scoops of salted caramel ice cream, oat milk and a homemade brownie blended together.
– Credit: Frankie Lister-Fell
The star of the meal was the salted caramel brownie cake shake (£8). It’s everything you want from a milkshake. Decadent, chocolatey, satisfying and crowned with chunks of brownie. We could only stomach a mini version between two; a full-sized could be shared happily between four.
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