The growth of meatless options over the years has given rise to a swell of plant-based recipes, restaurants and enterprises. But despite this, Toronto's first and only plant-based butcher, YamChops, sticks out among the crowd.
Although the concept of a plant-based butcher may seem a little mind-boggling at first, YamChops in Toronto's Little Italy has been serving meatless creations since 2014 that have satisfied cravings and amazed customers of all dietary preferences.
"Our food isn't only for vegetarians and vegans. It's also for meat-eaters and people with medical conditions or other issues that don't allow them to eat meat. Our products are designed to include those people as well," YamChops customer service representative Nina Cao says.
In 2013, Michael and Toni Abramson sold an advertising agency they had run for 27 years and only a year later opened YamChops' doors on College West, creating an entirely new business category, according to the couple, a "vegan butchery."
The Abramson's saw a need in the food market and what started as a family affair has since become a huge success as their brand's marketability and innovation were clear to many. YamChops' was sold to new ownership in 2018 for an offer the couple claims they couldn't refuse and was recently acquired by the Canadian health and wellness company Plant & Co., in early 2021.
From Chick N' Schnitzel to Korean BBQ 'Beef,' YamChops offers an incredibly wide range of meatless counterparts that aren't just visually similar but also possess the same textures and flavours that your classic butcher cuts would offer.
Inside their glossy display fridges, they stock bowls of butcher items that you can order in or on top of their selection of bowls, sandwiches, and wraps. Among the most popular 'cuts' is their Mongolian 'Beef,' made with soy curls, Hickory BBQ Pulled 'Pork' Jackfruit, and their Szechuan 'Beef,' crafted from a mixture of soy protein and wheat protein.
Their counter also houses a slew of different prepared 'meats' that are fully cooked and only need to be heated to enjoy. Cao says the Amsterdam Pizza Dogs, loaded with tomato sauce and vegan cheese, and their breaded, crispy Chick N' Schnitzel is among their most popular items.
Customers can follow the bright trail of orange, overhead lights to their marketplace at the back of the shop where prepared, frozen meals, vegan cheeses from Green Goddess, Culcherd and Vegcheese, coconut ba-con, butters, chutneys, and troves of other local plant-based products can be found.
According to Cao, it's common for vegan and plant-based brands to bring their products into YamChops in hopes of having them included in their shop, and this is one way that they can consistently grow their selection.
Their website also offers a look at their products, and for those rainy or snowy days, links directly to the online delivery platforms you can order from; Uber Eats, DoorDash, Ritual, and CornerShop.
Unfortunately, their second location at Toronto's Stackt Market was closed due to COVID-19; however, their original College West location is open on weekdays from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. and weekends from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. for all of your plant-based needs and desires.
