Regardless of the occasion, eating out is quite normal for people these days. Whether it’s your lunch break or a dinner with your friend, or you just simply don’t want to cook, going to a restaurant or ordering takeout seems to be an easier option.
However, dining in a restaurant can be challenging if you’re on a strict gluten-free diet. Many people have to follow this diet due to celiac disease or other medical reasons since they can’t consume wheat, rye, barley, etc. and any food made of these ingredients.
Don’t worry! While a restaurant can be a scary place for a person with gluten sensitivity, it can also be an enjoyable place to eat if you can place the order right.
This article will help you with placing your order in a restaurant while you’re on a gluten-free diet.
How to Order Gluten-Free at a Restaurant
Ordering gluten-free in a restaurant is tricky but can be done by following these steps. Most restaurants nowadays offer customised orders for those in need. All you need to do is to do your research while looking for the restaurants near you and let them know your preferences.
Choose Wisely
Are you planning to go to a bakery or hand-tossed pizza place? Stop and think twice. These restaurants tend to frequently use gluten-containing flour in the main part of their kitchen.
While some of these restaurants have gluten-free options, there’s a high chance of gluten-free ingredients and equipment coming into contact with gluten, as flour can easily mix into other ingredients and equipment and remain airborne for the rest of the day.
On the other hand, restaurants that offer a higher proportion of naturally gluten-free dishes are likely to be better equipped to prepare and serve gluten-free options and make substitutions safely. Additionally, you can expect a broader range of safe choices at these establishments.
Do Online Research
In today's digital world, everything is online. So before you go to a particular restaurant, just look at its online menu. Check if it has any items marked gluten-free (GF), if there is any allergen information, and what substitutes it may offer.
For example, if you look at Gabriellas’s menu, you can see that they have a separate section for gluten-free dishes. Having such options will surely help you choose your next destination for dinner.
Besides, you can look into the reviews and comments on different social media sites and online communities, where you may find people with similar medical issues. Look for anyone who mentions any place that serves gluten-free dishes. Doing so will make your decision-making easier.
Call The Restaurant Before Going
When contacting a restaurant or food service provider during their off-peak hours, such as when they're open but not bustling, you have a prime opportunity to discuss your dietary needs, especially if you require gluten-free options. Here are some key considerations for your conversation:
Measure their Knowledge: Ask about the staff's familiarity with celiac disease and gluten-free food preparation techniques. A solid understanding is crucial for safe dining.
Fryer Safety: Ensure there's a dedicated fryer for gluten-free items like fries. Shared fryers pose contamination risks.
Cross-Contact Prevention: Ask about separate areas, equipment, and utensils designated for gluten-free food prep and storage to prevent cross-contact. This includes everything from cutting boards to serving utensils.
Glove Usage: Confirm if fresh gloves are always used when handling gluten-free food to minimise contamination.
Equipment Hygiene: Check if shared equipment undergoes a thorough cleaning and is stored separately from gluten-containing items. Dishwasher-cleaned metal tools may be acceptable, except for certain items like colanders, which must always remain gluten-free exclusively.
Make a Reservation With Notes
For a seamless dining experience, consider making a reservation and including a note about your dietary needs. The additional information you provide gives the restaurant valuable insight into how best to accommodate you. Whether it's allergies, intolerances, or specific preferences, clear communication beforehand helps ensure a satisfying meal for everyone involved.
For example, you want to make a reservation at an Indian restaurant and let them know about your gluten sensitivity. In that case, they might suggest you try some of their famous dishes like Chicken tikka masala, tandoori, chicken, and Palak Paneer, which are gluten-free.
Don’t Hesitate, Just Ask
When you arrive at a restaurant with specific dietary needs, you must communicate these to your server, even if you have made a note on your reservation. If you've previewed the menu online, confirm with your server whether there have been any recent changes.
For those who haven't had the chance to look at the menu beforehand or notify the restaurant, mention your gluten-free requirements upon seating and inquire about safe options or dishes that can be adjusted to suit your needs.
Gluten often hides in sauces, gravies, salad dressings, marinades, and processed foods. If the gluten-free status of a dish cannot be confirmed, it's safest to avoid these items entirely. For added clarity and to ease communication, consider carrying a gluten-free restaurant dining card in your wallet or having one ready on your phone.
Once your meal is served, ensure everything meets your specifications. If any uncertainty or error occurs, don't hesitate to ask for your meal to be remade from scratch, as removing gluten-containing elements from a dish is not enough to ensure it's safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Dine Early or Late
When dining out, consider scheduling your meal before or after peak times. This strategy ensures you'll have more time to interact with attentive staff who can better accommodate your needs.
Even the friendliest servers can be overwhelmed during busy "rush hours," making it challenging for them to provide the personalised service you might require. By choosing a quieter time, you’ll enjoy a more relaxed dining experience and easier access to assistance, making your visit more enjoyable and stress-free.
Wrapping Up
Navigating a gluten-free diet while dining out can seem daunting, but with the right strategies, it can be a pleasant and safe experience. From doing thorough online research to communicating clearly with restaurant staff, the steps outlined in this guide are designed to help you.
If you choose establishments that understand gluten-free preparation and minimise cross-contact, you can confidently broaden your dining options. Remember, it's okay to ask questions and request modifications to ensure your meal is safe. Whether making reservations with dietary notes or carrying a gluten-free dining card, these proactive measures support a stress-free, enjoyable dining experience.
Also, do not forget to show your gratitude towards your favourite restaurant by nominating it for the renowned Asian Restaurant & Takeaway Awards (ARTA). If you want to learn more about this prestigious award, visit artauk.com.
