After receiving numerous requests about traveling gluten free to Asia, I'd like to share some suggestions that have helped fellow travelers feel safe eating gluten free, dairy free and even vegan while experiencing Asia.
I also highly recommend carrying gluten free chef translation cards with you at all times to assist in communicating your dietary needs. Check out SelectWisely for language cards in Chinese, Japanese and more for purchase. I make extra copies of the translation cards because a lot of time chefs and restaurants want to keep your copy for future gluten free customers.
Since a lot of Asian dishes are prepared using soy sauce, bring individual packets of gluten free soy sauce available from vendors such as San-J in the US. Some people like to bring multiple bottles of gluten free soy sauce too - your preference!
In addition, remember that most major cities in Asia offer a very wide range of ethnic restaurants without gluten free menus. Based on this, I recommend that you understand the ingredients, food preparation and precise questions to ask to make sure your ethnic meals are safe while traveling in Asia or around the world as detailed in our Let's Eat Out series which includes Thai, Indian, Italian, French cuisines and more.
Believe it or not, when in Japan, you can even find lots of Italian restaurants including the Italian restaurant / store experience chain of Eataly in numerous locations!
Share with us your ideas about gluten free and allergy friendly travel throughout Asia!