Struggle to swallow protein: townsman spoken of for non-meat option (6-6)

'for non-meat option' is the definition.
(vegetarian food)

'struggle to swallow protein townsman spoken' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'protein' could be 'egg' (source of protein) and 'egg' is present in the answer.
'struggle' could be 'vie' (to vie is to struggle or contend with) and 'vie' is located in the remaining letters.
The remaining letters 'burger' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'of' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?