Lately, there is a growing emphasis placed on health conscious and locally sourced food as people are starting to look for good food options that are both nutritious and sourced from local farms and markets. If you are one of these people, then look no further than Chaia! Chaia is dedicated to serving good food that is in-season, sustainable, and has a warm and welcoming atmosphere…
The name Chaia may sound familiar if you frequent DMV area farmers markets. Close friends Suzanne Simon and Bettina Stern, opened their taco tent in 2013 at the FRESHFARM Market. Inspired by their time as food writers and their love of Mexican cooking, Chaia offers seasonal, plant-based tacos with a “farm-to-taco” approach. Chaia uses homemade corn tortillas, which are naturally gluten-free! From there, each taco is filled with your choice of veggies from a list of rotating seasonal vegetables. All of Chaia’s offerings are gluten-free, vegetarian, and can be prepared vegan when asked!
I highly recommend ordering a market trio with three different types of tacos. Between my friend and I, we sampled every taco currently on the Chaia menu. Every taco was amazing! However our favorites were the Mushroom Taco with feta, red sauce and cilantro, and the Winter Squash Taco with caramelized onion, goat cheese, chipotle yogurt and mint. In terms of drinks, both the shrubs and misfit juices, which make use of “ugly” fruits and vegetables, are gluten free and a must try.
Chaia is the perfect place to grab a delicious meal that is both good for you and the environment. The Chaia staff creates an exceptionally welcoming atmosphere and they are always willing to talk to you about Chaia’s story, as well as provide menu recommendations. With the entire menu gluten-free (besides the beer) Chaia is by far a NOBREAD top pick!