I dropped by Da Nang here in Bend, OR, after it was named Food Cart of the Year in the The Source Weekly. Vietnamese cuisine usually has a lot of gluten-free options and, sure enough, Da Nang did not disappoint. Everything on its menu is gluten free except the bahn mi baguette.
In addition, the fare was delicious! My husband and I tried the chicken and steak offerings, one with vermicelli rice noodles, the other on steamed rice. Both were prepared to perfection and topped with crushed peanuts, fried shallots and cilantro. The sauce is light and delicately sweetened, not cloying as you might find at other Southeast Asian eateries, and they'll customize the spice level. You really taste the care that goes into the making, with moist and flavorful proteins and expertly cooked noodles and rice. There's even a crisp, fresh salad included. Although the menu is spare, there is something for everyone here: vegan, carnivore, gluten-free, you name it.
The truck is located in front of the Deschutes Brewery tasting room off Simpson in Southwest Bend. Co-owners James Ngo and his business partner Tony Ngo (no relation) say they cook the foods their Vietnamese moms make, and you can taste the love.
The ease of the menu reminds me of Nong's Khao Man Gai, a landmark Thai place in Portland (also with GF options), whose owner started out with just one, flawlessly executed offering, chicken and rice. Likewise, the guys at Da Nang make just a few dishes, but each is sublime.
I
901 SW Simpson Ave., Bend, OR 97702, 541-639-1420
Thanks