Finding delicious and, most importantly, safe gluten-free food can be a challenge, especially when you’re traveling. At Casa Loco, we believe that a dietary restriction shouldn’t mean restricting flavor. That’s why we’ve become a go-to spot for gluten-free diners in both Da Nang and Hoi An, and we’ve created this guide to help you order with total confidence at any of our locations.
The foundation of any great Mexican meal is the corn, and our corn chips are the perfect place to start. They are not an afterthought; they are a deliberate choice and the result of extensive research into creating the best, most authentic experience.
Unlike most places, our chips aren’t bought from a bag. They are made in-house from the very same corn tortillas we use for our tacos. This ensures a consistent quality and flavor that carries through our entire gluten-free menu.
Our journey began with a challenge: finding the right corn. We partnered with an expert supplier in Saigon, owned by a native Texan who grew up on the New Mexico-Mexico border—so it’s safe to say he knows his tortillas.
We initially tried using the highly processed corn that many people are used to in commercial chip brands. However, we quickly found a problem: the tortillas were too soft and friable. They simply didn’t hold up to the moisture from our generous taco fillings. The only solution would have been to double up the tortillas for every taco, which adds unnecessary cost and bulk.
Our search for a better solution led us to a more robust, traditional variety of corn called ‘Dent’ corn. This corn has a higher starch content and is not as refined as others, which is key to its superior quality.
Here’s the secret: the higher starch content holds more water inside. When we cook the tortillas to make chips, that water steams and slightly ‘puffs’ the corn. The result is a more ‘puffier’ chip with a unique, fluffy texture when compared to the flat, highly processed corn chips most people know.
For comparison, this is the exact same style of corn used by the famous brand ‘Fritos’. While the texture may be different from what you’re used to, we can assure you it is a 100% authentic corn chip and a legitimate example of what you would find on a visit to Mexico.
Navigating our menu is easy when you know what to look for. Here are our recommendations for a fantastic gluten-free feast.
This is the most important step. Always choose dishes made with corn.
The majority of our fresh fillings and toppings are naturally gluten-free! You can confidently choose from our savory meats, fresh salsas, guacamole, cheese, and vegetable toppings to customize your meal.
We are proud to be a trusted spot for the gluten-free community, as you can see from our dedicated page on Find Me Gluten Free.
Our team understands that safety is just as important as flavor. When you place your order, please inform your server of your gluten allergy or intolerance. Our kitchen staff will then take extra care and precaution in preparing your meal to minimize the risk of cross-contamination.
Ready to enjoy a worry-free meal? Check out our full menu to see all the options, and come visit the home of some of the best Mexican food in Vietnam, whether you’re in Da Nang or Hoi An. We can’t wait to serve you.