TaKorean, the food truck that pioneered the D.C. food truck scene back in 2010, has grown quite a lot since then. The Korean-Mexican fusion restaurant has since opened three brick and mortar locations (The Yards, Metro Center, Union Market) and offers amazing, and inexpensive gluten-free options…
Before writing this, I had walked by TaKorean time and time again. I never went in because I assumed, like most people, there wouldn’t be any gluten-free options due to the fact that most sauces used in Korean cooking contain gluten. However, I was very pleasantly surprised to find out that TaKorean has a variety of amazing gluten-free options!
The menu at TaKorean is simple: you pick your style, your protein, and lastly your toppings.
Any style of meal at TaKorean can be made gluten-free depending on the ingredients that you choose. For example, the taco shells and rice bowls are gluten-free; and as long as you do not go for the pickled cabbage (kimchi) slaw, the slaw bowls are GF as well.
In terms of protein, gluten-free dinners will have to go vegetarian because the only gluten-free protein options are tofu and the seasonal vegetable. However, even die-hard meat lovers will fall for TaKorean’s caramelized tofu.
Lastly, for toppings – all of the toppings offered are gluten-free aside form the Salsa Roja.
My favorite combination is the half & half bowl with Spiced Kale, Brown Rice, Tofu, Lime Crema, Sesame Seeds, Fresh Cilantro, and Sriracha Sauce. The Spiced Kale and Sriracha combination was just spicy enough to have a kick, but not spicy enough for me to feel like my mouth was on fire. The tofu was incredible, and mixed with the lime cream and fresh cilantro, created a unique flavor combination.
If you are looking to go entirely veggie, get the Romaine Slaw with the seasonal vegetable and dress up your slaw bowl with avocado cream, Sriracha sauce, and sesame seeds. The veggie combination will not disappoint!
I also recommend the tacos. TaKorean offers soft corn tacos so they are naturally gluten-free. I got the tacos with the seasonal vegetable (Brussel Sprouts at the time) with lime crema and Sriracha. The Brussel Sprouts were crispy and the Sriracha gave the tacos a slight kick.
Lastly, if you are looking to pair your meal with a drink, in terms of non-alcoholic options, TaKorean offers RunningByrd Tea; and in terms of alcoholic options they offer sake which is made from rice.
As more and more people learn of TaKorean’s gluten-free options, Takorean will easily become a GF hotspot. With a multitude of incredible gluten-free options (including sake!), a friendly staff, and prime locations (including a coming location on U Street,) TaKorean is a must try!