Gluten Free Food on the Move – O Tuga

Gluten free food truck

Last Monday a mass email was sent out to everyone at my work letting us know that there would be a food truck attending our business for lunch on Friday. With the email came a word document menu that boasted ‘GF’ symbols.

Giddy with cautious enthusiasm I messaged their facebook page inquiring about cross contamination. They politely messaged me back saying that the only items on their menu that contained gluten were their sandwiches, desserts and the soup of the day and that the soup is ladelled into containers, the breads had their own separate tongs as did the desserts. This was their way of reducing cross contamination. Of course as they were all contained in the same area there is always the possibility of airborne contamination.

I ordered:O Tuga Gluten free food truck meal

  • two pieces of Frango Assado (pieces of chicken) in the Inferno sauce – $2.50
  • a piece. a serve of the Arroz (Tuga Rice) – $5.00
  • a side of the Batata Fritta (Chips) – $5.00

On the menu there are also a few more gluten free options; they have a plain salad, a salad with chicken and a larger rice called the Valenciana (not listed as GF on their online menu but it is on the side of the truck and if you ask them)

Frango assado Gluten free food The Frango Assado is marinated chicken pieces in the sauce of your choice. All gluten free sauces are listed on the side of the truck and the staff were willing to clarify for me when asked. The chicken was slightly dry in sections but the majority was moist and slid from the bones with  ease. It was infused with tremendous flavour although the Inferno sauce was not overly hot it did make my nose run a little towards the end. It left a beautiful tingle in my mouth for half an hour afterwards.

 

Gluten Free Arroz Rice

 

The Arroz rice was essentially rice cooked in vegetable stock, with carrot, corn and peas and some lovely and rice herb flavours. There was a slight pepper tang through the dish as well. It was a little dry, although granted it had been in the warmer for a little while. It was by far my favourite of the three dishes. It was exactly how I like to enjoy my rice. I would definitely go back for seconds or thirds, if my stomach permitted me. The serving size was more than adequate for the price.

 

 

The Batata Fritta or chips were nothing special. You can see them underneath the wing in the photo of the chicken. If you aren’t craving chips then you could easily forgo these. They were crunchy which was their saving grace but other than the piri piri salt added to them, they were simply chips. If of course you are craving chips then feel free to grab them.

I didn’t order the salad however a co-worker did, they again weren’t anything special. Some lettuce, onion, tomato and other items in a plastic container with some dressing.

Everything I received was packed in recyclable packaging, I was provided with a knife, fork and ample napkins.

I don’t think I’d go searching for them but if given the opportunity to eat there again I wouldn’t say no. It would be a perfect option if you’re out and about at a festival or event where food trucks are present.

Do you know of any other gluten free food trucks? I didn’t even know they existed. If you do know of some please let me know in the comments below or even on one of our social media pages. I am definitely open to trying more food trucks if they take precautions as O Tuga did in the preparation and serving of their food.

Until Next Time.

Ashlee. The Aussie Coeliac. O Tuga Tastes of Portugal Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato