We’ve spent a lot of time in the festival scene over the years. I feel like that’s a given considering what we do, and it’s been an insane experience to be a part of. But let’s get into the details for a minute.
As someone who’s recently transitioned into gluten-free living, finding a way to refuel in the music scene has had its challenges. We go to a lot of shows. We get hungry. And there’s only so far I could go with “safe” ways to refuel with snack bars, especially at a festival. I could really go on about how difficult it is to find food that feels safe enough to eat as someone who’s gone gluten free in the music space. Mainly, it’s hard to know for sure as gluten in America is everywhere, especially in festival food.
Last time we were at Outside Lands, I was shocked by all the options I found; yes, in a good way. Not only are there literal hundreds of options for every attendee to choose from, I was able to pick and choose freely and know confidently that I was safe from being “glutened.”
We tried it all so that you don’t have to. Here are our favorite highlights of the options in Outside Lands this year, featuring local restaurants and eateries around the city:
1. Japanese Peruvian Shrimp Ceviche from “Sabores del Mar”
This ponzu marinated shrimp enriched my day with its cucumbers, pickled daikon, and corn served with taro chips and furikake. While served cool, it filled my senses with a burst of flavors unlike much I’ve tasted in the gluten free scene. Granted, I’m still learning to try new things, and it’s a difficult thing to do with the limitations I have.
2. Sweet and Sour Chicken Rice Plate by “Mamahuhu”
It’s been a long time since I’ve been able to have something FRIED, my goodness. Not only is the rice-battered chickened seasoned so perfectly, it felt buttery and melted right in my mouth. The sweet & sour sauce was served with jasmine rice and sesame cucumber salad and kept me full as I stood in the barricade for over five hours.
3. Chicken Fried Rice from Oakland’s “Ramen Shop”
This chicken fried rice was the most perfect option for dinner after a long day of walking around the festival. Seasoned with ginger, scallion oil, long beans, cauliflower and herbs, I was filled with the great portion size and kindhearted service from the stand.
While the festival may be over, all these options exist around San Francisco. Be sure to check these places out the next time you visit! Stay tuned for more news about Outside Lands.
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