One thing that I often miss while eating gluten-free is Japanese food. I absolutely loved fried rice and chicken or steak cooked on a flat grill. Thankfully, there are a few options around central Florida to fill this gap for those who need gluten-free!

Recently, we traveled over to Benihana at 12690 International Dr in Orlando. Benihana offers many different gluten-free options as they offer gluten-free soy sauce. It is worth noting that they quickly told me there is a risk of cross contamination for all of their cooking, but that they take as much precaution as possible to prevent it.

I wasn’t given a specific gluten-free menu. I was given a regular menu and told to share with the server what I wanted and she would help me with options for it to be gluten-free.

The regular menu shares that they do have a gluten-free menu, vegan menu, etc. available. I did share my gluten allergy immediately on entering, but the menu still wasn’t shared. We did opt to sit in the lounge area, to help mitigate any cross contamination as well.

For the main entrees, the only option for the salad to be gluten-free is an oil and vinegar dressing. I wasn’t so excited about that, so our server offered me edamame. It was very good and steamed fresh when I ordered it.

I also ordered the steak dinner, which was cooked in the gluten-free soy sauce. Instead of the white rice, I did get the gluten-free fried rice. It was so delicious! The server shared the white sauce that came on the side was also gluten-free!

While not a perfect experience, it was good food overall. I probably wouldn’t opt to eat here every day, but when you want gluten-free Japanese food, this helps fill the void. There are a couple of options for Benihana in the Orlando area as well.