Virtuous Pie is an entirely plant-based pizzeria with locations in both Vancouver and Portland that uses a range of vegan toppings as alternatives to meat and cheese.
One of the most interesting items on the menu is a spicy creation that Virtuous Pie calls 'Kim Jack,' which is made with a cashew-based mozzarella "cheese," kimchi, roasted broccolini, green scallions, hoisin crema and pieces of jackfruit that have been braised with Gochujang, or red chili paste.
As a whole, the vegan pizza puts a fun, plant-based spin on staples of traditional Korean cuisine. Since the creation is served on the comforting, familiar form of a pizza slice, it's an accessible menu item that inspires a sense of adventure in consumers, whether they are new to Korean flavors, certain ingredients, vegan food or spice.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Plant-based Alternatives
- Innovative plant-based alternatives to meat and cheese are disrupting the food industry, offering new opportunities for vegan versions of traditional dishes like pizza.
- Fusion Cuisine
- Fusion cuisine, like Korean-inspired pizza toppings, are becoming increasingly popular as chefs and restaurants look for new and exciting flavor combinations to offer customers.
- Accessible Adventure
- Accessible menu items that offer a sense of adventure, like Virtuous Pie's 'Kim Jack' pizza, are attracting consumers who are looking to try new and exciting foods in a familiar format.
Where This Applies
- Plant-based Food
- The plant-based food industry is experiencing rapid growth and innovation as consumers become more interested in environmental sustainability and ethical considerations around meat and dairy consumption.
- Pizza
- The pizza industry is a major player in the quick-service restaurant market, offering opportunities for creative toppings and unconventional, globally-inspired pizza creations.
- Spices and Condiments
- The spice and condiment industry is seeing disruptive innovation with new and exciting flavors, like Gochujang, becoming more widely available and popular in global cuisine.
