Celiac-Safe Travel: Qdoba
June 23, 2024
Hello and happy Sunday! Welcome to another Celiac-safe travel review. Today’s spotlight is on Qdoba. This Tex-Mex chain is similar to Chipotle and can be found across the USA and Canada. This was my first time trying Qdoba and I was pleasantly surprised. I had yet until this experience to find a restaurant that truly competes with Chipotle for value, flavor, and chiefly, safety regarding cross-contact.
Available on the menu for gluten-free eating are tacos and burrito bowls. The staff was very knowledgeable and took precautions when I mentioned I needed my food to be gluten-free and free from cross-contact. The employee making my food washed his hands and changed his gloves and the remaining staff stepped aside while he went down the line making my food.
I did some research before deciding to eat here and found that most gluten-free people recommended getting a burrito bowl, so that is what I chose.
Qdoba was having a seasonal special of habanero lime steak so that was the meat protein I chose for my burrito bowl; I also chose the cilantro lime rice, black beans, fajita veggies, guac, and lettuce. I avoid any cheese or sour cream due to a dairy allergy.
Also available to choose for filling your burrito bowl:
– Meat proteins: hot and sweet chicken, brisket birria, grilled adobo chicken, grilled steak, ground taco beef, pulled pork, a vegetarian option which I believe is extra rice and beans portions
– Rice: Mexican brown rice
– Beans: pinto beans
– Queso: 3-cheese queso and queso diablo
– Toppings: Mexican street corn, pickled red onions, jalapenos, shredded cheese, cotija, tortilla strips, and cilantro
– Salsa & Sauces: mild salsa, pico de gallo, corn salsa, citrus lime vinaigrette, medium salsa, chile crema, picante ranch dressing, hot salsa, and habanero salsa
The overall serving portion is large (could be two meals if you don’t eat much at mealtimes) and each ingredient portion is good. As with all eating out and especially at chain restaurants, use your judgement and critical thinking to do your best ensuring you eat safely according to your needs.
I hope this review helps you make informed decisions when looking for an establishment to patron. Always do your research when searching for somewhere to eat out; maintaining a lifetime adherence to a gluten-free diet is important to your health if you have Celiac Disease. But also don’t forget: going out to eat with your loved ones is good for your mental and emotional health. Sharing a meal and quality time is important. Take precautions and make informed, purposeful decisions and enjoy living your life. You can always count on my reviews to be honest and thoroughly researched.
If you have questions, please comment below.
