Emcee Vance Lehmkuhl charges the judges in the 2026 Best Vegan Cheesesteak in Philly contest as they gaze over the World’s Largest Vegan Cheesesteak at the Philadelphia Ethical Society on Monday, April 13.
On Monday, Vegan Cheesesteak Day, the 2026 Best Vegan Cheesesteak in Philly contest concluded in a big way at the Philadelphia Ethical Society: Not only was a champion selected but with the help of our finalists, the American Vegan Society succeeded in building the World’s Largest Vegan Cheesesteak, a 76-inch powerhouse that attendees were able to eat after it was completed.
Samples from our finalists were taste-tested and ranked by our four-judge panel: Pamia Coleman, Aliza Green, Don Steinberg and Lisa Tynes. When all the scores were tabulated, Boardwalk Vegan emerged as the victor for a third consecutive contest year. Two judges ranked this Havertown venue in first place. Finalists Sabrina’s Café and Say She Ate each got one first-place vote.
While the judges were tasting, the World’s Largest Vegan Cheesesteak was created with an extra-extra-large roll from Sarcone’s Bakery and filling contributed by all three finalists. It was a delicious spectacle.
Also at the ceremony, emcee Vance Lehmkuhl read to the crowd the proclamation of Vegan Cheesesteak Day from the Office of the Mayor, Cherelle Parker. In that document, Mayor Parker urged “all citizens to use this day as an opportunity to explore and enjoy vegan food,” and noted that our city’s “always evolving cuisines and food options” make Philadelphia “a trendsetter among American cities.
Hear, hear!
