If you are gluten-free, you might be wondering which cuisines you should try when traveling. Some dishes are gluten-free naturally, while others require healthy alternatives.
Some cuisines are easier to eat than others. French food is one of the hardest to find safe options, since it uses a lot of bread and wheat flour as a thickener in sauces. Other cuisines use fewer grain ingredients, making them safer.
Mexican
Mexican food is a popular staple in American kitchens due to its affordability and loveability. It is full of healthy, fresh ingredients that complement a balanced diet.
Many Mexican foods are naturally gluten-free, meaning they don’t use wheat or flour as a base ingredient in their dishes. These include vegetables, cheese, beans, and meats.
Ask the server or chef to tell you what Mexican dishes are gluten-free when you order any Mexican dish. It is also a good idea to ask the server or chef if they use a separate fryer for chips and guacamole. These are often deep-fried.
It’s possible that other ingredients in a dish may be contaminated with gluten, too, so it’s important to ask about everything. Some restaurants may offer pre-shredded cheese coated with flouring agents to prevent it from sticking together.
It is important to avoid cheesy dips or sour-cream if you have a gluten allergy. They can contain wheat, or other gluten-containing ingredient as a thickening agent.
You should also be aware if the meal contains rice. Some recipes have gluten-containing ingredients added to rice as a thickener.
You should order your meal without rice, or ask the chef for a different dish. This will ensure that your gluten-free dish is safe.
The most popular dish in Mexico is mole poblano, which is a thick dark sauce made with over twenty different ingredients and typically served over meat. This Mexican favorite is a favourite for Independence Day celebrations. It is also a great choice to order at a Mexican restaurant.
Besides being a delicious dish, mole poblano is also incredibly healthy. It is high in fiber and protein, and it is rich in potassium, magnesium, antioxidants, and other nutrients.
In addition, it’s a great source of vitamin C and iron. This dish can be enjoyed as a side or main dish.
Indian
Indian cuisine is renowned for its wide variety and unique flavors. This makes it the perfect choice for those who are gluten-free.
Nearly all Indian vegetables can be eaten gluten-free. Some popular vegetable dishes include dal, a lentil stew; palak paneer, a spinach curry with Indian cheese; and korma, a rich coconut-based dish.
Many traditional Indian meat dishes can also be ordered vegetarian. This North Indian dish is usually served with rice and naan. However, it can be made vegetarian by substituting tofu.
You can also try samosas, which are fried turnovers with savory fillings like potatoes, peas, or lentils. These are a popular snack in India, and can be found at many restaurants.
The best part about Indian cuisine is that the ingredients used are varied and wholesome. There are a lot of fresh and delicious vegetables, fruits, grains, spices, and nuts in the country’s cuisine.
There are many Indian spice blends that can be added to fresh fruits and vegetables. These are a mix of cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, fennel and other spices.
These are often used in a variety of dishes, including dal and chapati. They are often paired with yogurt or ghee which is a clarified butter that has a toasty taste.
Asafoetida (made from plant resin) is another spice used in Indian food. It is a very pungent and garlicky spice that can be used to add depth to a variety of dishes.
Other common spices in Indian food are mustard seeds, which look like tiny black or brown balls; and coriander, which is often added to dishes for a light lemony flavor.
Communicating your requirements with your server is the most important thing to do when you eat gluten-free Indian cuisine. This is especially important if traveling with others or if there are sources of cross-contamination such as shared fryers.
Greek
Greece is a top-rated travel destination, with its unique combination of culture and history, food, sun, sea and beaches. Whether you’re looking to party in Athens, explore the island of Crete, or relax on Kos, it’s all possible here.
Because Greek cuisine is based on fresh, healthy ingredients, it is naturally gluten-free. This includes lots of fresh fish, meat, vegetables, and olive oil. It is the most common type fat in Greek dishes.
There are many hearty Greek soups and stews that you can find. Moussaka is the most well-known. It is made with layers of aubergine and minced beef, and topped with a creamy Bechamel sauce. This classic dish is served with rice or salad.
A vegetarian version of gemista, also known as yalantzi, is another comforting dish. It is a traditional Greek dish that can either be served cold or warm. It can be served with a squeeze lemon or dipped into a yogurt sauce.
This dish is also made using spinach and rice, which are high-antioxidant foods that can help prevent damage to cells. Spinach is rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Folic acid. It also contains Potassium and Iron.
You can also enjoy the dish with feta cheese or lemon. This will ensure that you get your daily nutrients. The feta can also be topped with raisins and pine nuts, which is a great way to get even more antioxidants into your diet!
The Greek cuisine is also known for its pie, which comes in a variety of sweet and savoury flavors. These can include spanakopita (phyllo pastry with feta and sour cream) or tyropita (phyllo pastry wrapped in a savoury-cheese filling).
Baklava can also be found. It is made from phyllo, filled with butter, sugar and nuts, and baked until crispy. It’s a wonderful dessert and the perfect way to end a meal.
Other dishes you can enjoy when you visit Greece include dolmades, which are vine or grape leaves stuffed with herby, lemony rice. They can be served with meat or vegetarian options, and are traditionally steamed before serving. Keftethes, breaded lamb meatballs served with a yoghurt-based sauce, are another classic Greek dish.
Thai
Thai cuisine is generally gluten free, making it an excellent choice for those with celiac disease and other dietary restrictions. Most Thai traditional dishes, including Som Tam (papaya soup), Pad Thai (chicken stir fry with vegetables), and Tom Yum soup are gluten free.
Many of the staples in Thai cooking, such rice, coconut milk and curry paste, are naturally gluten free. Before ordering a dish, however, it is important to know if any ingredients may contain wheat or gluten.
When eating out, it’s important to let your waiter know that you are gluten-free so that they can provide you with a safe menu item. This way, you can avoid cross-contamination.
It is also a good idea ask about the availability of gluten-free soy sauce. Although this is a common ingredient found in Thai cuisine, it can be difficult for you to find a gluten-free alternative.
Noodles, oyster sauce, oyster sauce and nam pla (fish paste) are some common ingredients that could contain gluten. Always read the label to make sure that your dish is completely gluten-free.
It can be a little more difficult to avoid gluten in Thailand. However, there are many delicious Thai dishes that are both healthy as well as tasty. Kaeng tai pla is a popular Thai dish that’s thick and sour. It is made with shrimp paste and turmeric. It is often served with roasted fish, fish innards, bamboo shoots and eggplant.
Khao mok is another great dish. It’s a traditional Malay biryani. It’s a simple meal, but it has an abundance of flavor. This is a great meal for lunch or dinner. It’s also a great example of how little can make a big difference in Thai cuisine.
Finally, khao Yam, a Thai classic, is a rice dish that is served with Thai chilies and finely chopped bai makrut (kaffir-lime leaves). This salad is a great way of trying something new while staying gluten-free in Thailand.
Peeps Thai Eatery is a great place to go if you are looking for a delicious, gluten-free meal in Bangkok. They have a dedicated gluten-free menu, separate prep area in the kitchen and use gluten-free soy sauce for their dishes. It’s a fantastic place to have some gluten-free food and enjoy the beautiful city of Bangkok.