As someone who is 100% gluten-free, I try to avoid Asian food due to the fact that many dishes use soy sauce. I was pleasantly surprised when I visited TenPenh, in Tyson’s Corner, to find out that they only used gluten-free soy sauce in their dishes, making it a haven for someone who loves Asian fusion dishes…
TenPenh has an extensive menu with sushi, appetizers, entrees for one, entrees to share as well as a great cocktail menu. They also have a great outdoor space, with luxurious seating and string lights. This would be the perfect place to sit outside for a sushi and cocktail date. I started my meal with a lychee martini, which is served with the cutest little monkey hanging off the side of the rim. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to have sushi (since I normally don’t eat it with soy sauce), so I ordered the Cherry Blossom Roll, as a recommendation by the server, because I just couldn’t choose! The Cherry Blossom Roll was topped with a jalapeno and had a kick to it, different than most other sushi. If you like heat, this roll is definitely for you!
For my entrée, I had the Shrimp & Red Thai Curry, which had a generous amount of shrimp and the sauce was creamy and sweat with the mix of the golden pineapple. Even though I was full, I kept adding the rice to the sauce because the sauce was just that good! We also ordered the Chilled Edamame as a side, which had an interesting twist with the honey powder, lemon oil and sea salt. You can’t go wrong with edamame, but this is a must try with the different twist of flavors.
I can never pass up dessert, especially when it is gluten-free and I’m so glad I didn’t because the Taiwanese Shaved Snow was literally so good and perfect for a hot day! If you’ve never tried Shaved Snow it is like a flavored shaved ice but the creamy consistency of ice cream. Each day, TenPenh has a different flavor shaved snow, topped with fresh fruit and Boba Pearls. I cannot rave enough about this dessert and I will probably come back just for this. This is a MUST order, so save room for dessert, or order this dish first! The “Mai Tai” Crème Brulee is also gluten-free, but you have to be 21 or older to order this dessert because it comes with a Mai Tai Shot on the side! This desert is so cute and is served with a pink umbrella.
TenPenh is a hidden gem in Tyson’s and is situated away from the hustle and bustle of the traffic serving gluten-free Asian Fusion dishes and has a great sushi bar. I will definitely be back to enjoy the outside seating and try more of their extensive menu!