In recent years, gluten-free has become one of the most talked about diet options. Whether you are shopping for groceries or dining in a restaurant, you will notice some options marked “Gluten-free”. And trust us when we say it is not a new fancy dining term coined just to make your dining option look posh or elite. For some it is a necessity and for some a conscious choice.
What Is Gluten?
Gluten is a group of proteins found in wheat, barley, and rye. It’s what gives bread its chew and pasta its structure, and it also turns up in places people don’t expect, like sauces, marinades, soups, and fried coatings.
Going gluten-free means avoiding those grains and anything made with them. Rice, corn, potatoes, quinoa, legumes, vegetables, fruit, meat, fish, and dairy are naturally gluten-free.
Why Do People Prefer Gluten-Free?
People eat gluten-free for different reasons:
- Celiac disease. This is an autoimmune condition in which gluten damages the lining of the small intestine. Strict avoidance is the only treatment, and even small amounts of cross-contact can cause problems.
- Gluten sensitivity. Some people without celiac disease feel bloated, tired, or uncomfortable after eating gluten and feel better without it.
- Wheat allergy. This is a separate condition, but it also means avoiding wheat-based foods.
- Digestive comfort and lifestyle. Others choose gluten-free because they feel lighter after meals or prefer food that is less processed and built around whole ingredients.
The medical reasons are well established.
Why Mediterranean Food Suits a Gluten-Free Diet
Much of Levantine and North African cooking centers on chickpeas, eggplant, tahini, olives, herbs, grilled meats, seafood, and roasted vegetables, which don’t involve gluten at all. That makes the cuisine easier to navigate than, say, an Italian or American diner menu. The watch-outs are wheat-based pita and flatbread, couscous (which is made from wheat), and breaded or fried items.
Looking for a gluten-free dining option in Heights?
Houston Heights is full of restaurants, and more and more diners are asking the same question before they book: “Can I eat here without getting sick?” If you’re avoiding gluten, a Mediterranean kitchen is a good place to start. Spice in Heights, has a lot of naturally gluten-free cooking to work with.
Dishes Gluten-Free Dishes At Spice in Heights
While you are on a gluten-free diet, it is always better to verify the contents while ordering online or at the restaurant. It is always advised to let your waiter know about your food allergies. These are some of the gluten free options you will find at Spice in Heights.
Alt text: Gluten-free tuna tartare at Spice in Heights, a Houston Heights restaurant.
- Baba Ganoush
Double-cooked eggplant dip with pepitas and lemongrass oil. A smoky, creamy mezze with fresh herbal notes and a light crunch. - Crisped Chickpeas & Okra
Lightly fried chickpeas and okra served with tangy tomato, onion and cilantro. A crunchy, flavorful vegan option with a bright finish. - Falafel
Crispy falafel served with roasted beetroot hummus, sumac onion, fresh pomegranate and pepitas. A colorful vegetarian and vegan mezze balancing earthy, tangy and sweet flavors. - Tuna Tartare
Fresh tuna paired with avocado, capers and chives. A light and refreshing starter with creamy avocado and bright, briny accents. - Beef Tenderloin Skewer
Tender grilled beef served with lemon-garlic tahini, labneh and pink pickled radish. Rich, savory beef is balanced by creamy tahini and a sharp pickled element. - The Heights Harvest Bowl
A vegan bowl of fresh greens, kale, avocado, cherry tomato, cranberry, olives, walnuts and cashew cheese. Maple vinaigrette brings a subtle sweetness to this fresh, vegetable-forward dish. - Roasted Butternut Squash & Quinoa Salad
Roasted squash and quinoa come together with mint, parsley, pistachio, pomegranate, cranberry and feta. A vibrant combination of sweet, nutty and tangy flavors. - Zahara (Arabic Roasted Cauliflower)
Roasted cauliflower served with sautéed sprouts, cashew coconut cream, garlic tahini and herb oil. A hearty vegan entrée with creamy, nutty and aromatic flavors. - Halloumi & Shishito
Halloumi and shishito peppers are served with tomato-coconut reduction, saffron rice pilaf and a stuffed grape leaf. A rich vegetarian dish combining salty cheese, gentle spice and fragrant rice. - Seared Red Snapper
Skillet-seared snapper with tomato-coconut reduction, saffron vegetable couscous, olives and pickled pearl onion. For a gluten-free meal, the restaurant indicates that a GF version is available, so confirm the preparation with your server.
Tips for Ordering Gluten-Free at Any Restaurant
- Tell your server whether it’s a preference or a medical need, since that changes how the kitchen handles your food.
- Ask about shared fryers, shared grills, and marinades or sauces thickened with flour.
- Order the dishes that are naturally gluten-free instead of heavily modifying complicated ones.
The Bottom Line
At Spice in Heights, you can relish the gluten-free dinner with its thoughtfully designed and curated menu. With a menu built around chickpeas, vegetables, grilled meats, and spices. With a few questions for your server, there’s plenty to enjoy, and it’s a good place to share plates and enjoy your food with your loved ones.