It’s not all about the meat, you know.

Burger Fest 2019 kicks off on Monday and this year, there’s more veggie options in the competition than ever before.

With a week full of belly-busting events, tastings and demonstrations (January 28th-February 3rd, 2019) the second annual Burger Festival, held in association with Ballymaloe Foods, will conclude with a competition to determine the best burger in Ireland and in each county.

Entrants in every town in Ireland will be competing to be named Ireland’s Best Burger, scooping the coveted Golden Burger trophy from last year’s winners, the delectable Son of a Bun on Cork’s MacCurtain Street.

Here are three Cork spots to hit for a meat-free burger:

1. THE MUSHROOM MONSTER AT SOBER LANE

Sullivan’s Quay

The Sober Lane Portobello Mushroom Burger (€12) is not for the meek; a towering explosion of juicy mushroom, fried provolone cheese, chimichurri, crispy red onions and lettuce, it’s served on a brioche bun with the obligatory skinny fries.

2. THE JACKFRUIT BURGER AT LIBERTY GRILL

Washington Street

Picture it: Pulled jackfruit drizzled with plant-based house BBQ sauce with pickled gherkin, southern slaw and sour cream (€12.90), served with sweet potato wedges.

3. THE BEYOND MEAT VEGAN BURGER AT WEST CORK BURGER CO.

Washington Street

There’s plenty of choice on Washington Street this year when it comes to meat-free burgers. The Beyond Meat Vegan Burger, which is plant-based rather than nut-based, is a new addition at West Cork Burger Co. You can also order a side of kimchee for extra crunch.