Ho Lee Chix

Decided to try out this restaurant located in a busy food court in downtown Montreal during the festivals. I tried the fried 6 piece chicken combo and although advertised as gluten free, cross contamination is unavoidable. The chicken was OK but underseasonned and require sauces to enhance the experience. The staff is friendly and open to accommodate if it's no too hectic. Sides lack veggies for my taste, but to each their own. Glad to have tried it but I won't be going back anytime soon.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Average

I headed there hoping to eat some gluten free food safe for celiac. When I spoke with them, they confirmed their fryer and their food is safe with no gluten. However they were making a chicken burger and we're manipulating the burger and grabbing the chicken/fries in the bins with the same gloves. It was completely cross contaminated and having celiac, I ended up not being able to eat there...I informed them and maybe they'll change things up in the future.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Dedicated gluten-free fryer
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

We went on a Friday night, it’s in a food court which was loud and crowded. We found a quieter area near the street to eat.

I verified that they were gluten free (including the fryer) and got some of the fried chicken, some vegan chix, some waffle fries, and three flavors of dipping sauce. The vegan chix were alright, but a little squishy for my taste.

FYI the chicken contains milk. I’m dairy intolerant and took some pills (that help digest lactose and casein) and felt fine.

I asked the staff to change gloves, which they did and they also washed the tongs before serving my food.

The fried rice and noodles contain gluten and their containers were located next to and slightly below where the fries were. It made me nervous that those dishes were so close to the fries.

They also make burgers by putting the chicken in wheat buns. It makes me slightly nervous that there could be cross contamination between the buns and the tongs which then touch the chicken.

I definitely got my greasy food fix fulfilled(!) and it was pretty tasty. My partner didn’t like the burger but is a more picky eater.

I don’t get symptoms when exposed to gluten. It was probably fine but still makes me a bit nervous. I’ll probably check out one of the many other celiac-friendly establishments listed when I visit Montreal again.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Safety Feature Ratings

• Dedicated gluten-free fryer
• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Other Characteristics

• Good for dinner
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Good vegan options
• Good vegetarian options

Been twice always good although they're a bit unclear on which sauces are gluten free

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

The chicken and fries are made in a GF fryer. I asked for the veggie chicken to also be made In GF fryer and they did it. Were understanding of contamination concerns. The fries and veggie chicken were yummy.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Tried both GF chicken and GF vegan chicken and had no reaction, plus they were yummy

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Delicious fried chicken, sides are also gluten free, ask about the dipping sauces, not all of them are GF

Celiac friendly?

Yes