Mr Chen's Auth Cooking

I was hesitant to try this place since it gives “hole in the wall” vibes, but it really surprised me! We called ahead and talked to someone about my Celiac’s and asked what options they had. She was very knowledgeable and answered every single question we had about cross-contamination, separate cooking spaces, changing gloves and utensils, etc. They take GF seriously and have many options on their menu. We ordered veggie spring rolls that were so incredible I couldn’t believe they were GF. The chow fun with beef was amazing, noodles were yummy and the sauce and meat were good! We also got an order of the Mongolian Beef GF, which we didn’t like as much due to the sauce being too sweet, but it was still a great option. Overall, I would absolutely come back and I really appreciated how accommodating they were with GF soy sauce and allergy precautions! Really awesome and safe Chinese option in Tuscaloosa.

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

— Somewhat

Safety Feature Ratings

• Dedicated gluten-free space in the kitchen
• Other dedicated kitchen equipment (oven, toaster, pots, pans, utensils, etc.)
• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked
• Food comes out flagged or marked gluten-free

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

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

Server absolutely rocked! Talked me through my options. Essentially, if you’re concerned about cross contamination- don’t order fried. Anything else can be GF. The dishes such as sweet and sour chicken would simply not be breaded. I had the ChowFun Noodles with chicken. I feel great now 6 hours later, no issues. They also have a great grocery store with fresh veggies and TAMARI!

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

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Other dedicated kitchen equipment (oven, toaster, pots, pans, utensils, etc.)
• 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?

— Most/All

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

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dairy-free
• Good for dinner
• Good for lunch
• Good vegan options
• Good vegetarian options
• Good with other allergies

I used to eat here before I had to go gluten free but stopped for several years due to learning what I could and couldn’t have. I decided to try it out and just ask for veggies and plain meat (and not fried obvi) with no sauces but upon investigating, the server realized what was going on and said they can make most dishes gluten free. I ate here two days ago and I am well and healthy, no inflammation or issues. I usually know what I need to avoid so I don’t always say I need stuff gluten free but I’m so glad my server went above and beyond. The food was delicious and I will be going back.

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

— Very

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

I have gone to school here for 3 years and have always been afraid of Chinese food in general because of the risk of contamination/cross contamination from the soy sauce and other ingredients. I recently went to Mr. Chen’s and told them about my gluten allergy and then told me they can make most menu items gluten free! I had the best rice noodles with chicken and veggies that they fried in gluten free soy sauce. Will definitely go back.

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

— Very

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