Tag: Melbourne

Bali, Indonesia

Whether you’re looking for a beach holiday, spiritual serenity, or surf breaks, Bali delivers and does it all with an allergy-aware food scene. Thanks to its popularity among Australian and European travellers, gluten-free options are widely available, especially in hotspots like Canggu, Ubud, and Seminyak. The island’s love for fresh produce, rice, and coconut also means naturally gluten-free dishes abound.

Gluten Free dining highlights in Bali

• Alchemy – Bali’s first raw vegan café with GF options throughout in Ubud, Uluwatu and Canggu
• The Shady Shack – vegetarian haven with GF clearly marked in Canggu
• Ginger Moon Canteen – a modern Asian restaurant and canteen in Seminyak, known for its sharing-style, locally inspired dishes
• Bali Buda – organic café and grocery with baked goods and allergen info in Canggu
• Mamasan Bali – An asian fusion restaurant in Kuta

Must try Gluten Free eats:

• Nasi campur – a mixed plate of rice with vegetables and meat (ask for gluten-free sauces)
• Chicken or tofu satay – grilled skewers with peanut sauce (confirm no soy sauce)
• Tempeh bowls, smoothie bowls, and vegan platters from Bali’s thriving plant-based cafés
• Grilled fish with sambal matah (a fresh, spicy shallot and lemongrass relish)
• Smoothie bowl with GF granola – everywhere and beautiful

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai blends ancient temples, lush mountains, and buzzing night markets, all with a laid-back, welcoming energy. While Thai cuisine can be tricky for gluten-free travellers due to soy sauce and oyster sauce, Chiang Mai is ahead of the curve. Thanks to its expat and wellness communities, you’ll find health cafés, gluten-free bakeries, and restaurants that truly understand allergies.

Gluten Free dining highlights in Chiang Mai

• Blue Diamond Breakfast Club – Celiac-friendly and clearly marking gluten‑free menu items. Expect brunch classics like pancakes, muffins, sandwiches, and Thai‑style dishes made safe and delicious.
• Happy Allergy Bakery – A fully gluten‑free bakery offering sourdough toast with avocado, poached eggs, cookies, cakes, buns, and gluten‑free burgers and fries
• Free Bird Café – socially conscious café with marked GF menu
• Goodsouls Kitchen – This vegan cafeteria stocks a generous gluten‑free menu
• Garden to Table Chiangmai – Caters to vegan and gluten free dietary needs
• Health shops and markets with GF snacks and Thai-style superfoods

Must try Gluten Free eats:

• Khao soi with rice noodles – this famous northern Thai dish is typically made with egg noodles, so ask for rice noodles and soy-free curry base
• Sticky rice with mango – naturally GF and widely available
• Papaya salad (som tum) – fresh, spicy, and gluten-free if made without soy sauce
• Thai curries (green, red, massaman) – traditionally made without wheat, but double-check if any commercial pastes or thickeners are used

Travel tip: Chiang Mai’s conscious food scene makes it easier to avoid cross-contamination. Always ask about soy sauce (ซีอิ๊ว – see ew). A Thai-language allergy card is essential for markets or street food, especially if you’re exploring beyond the Old City.

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Colombo is a vibrant city where traditional Sri Lankan flavours meet a growing modern café culture. Thanks to its rice- and coconut-based cuisine, many dishes are naturally gluten-free, perfect for travellers who want to explore bold, fresh tastes without worry. English is widely spoken, and allergy awareness is on the rise in boutique cafés and markets.

Gluten Free dining highlights in Colombo

• Culture Colombo – Authentic Sri Lankan fare served with allergy-aware staff
• The Good Market – weekend market with local producers offering fresh, allergy-conscious foods and snacks
• Ceylon Curry Club – Accommodating of coeliac needs and dishes up tasty versions of traditional dishes.
• Upali’s by Nawaloka – traditional Sri Lankan restaurant with helpful staff and naturally gluten-free curries
• Ranbath Organic – An all‑vegan gluten free gem serving traditional foods

Must try Gluten Free eats:

• Hoppers (appa) – bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour, often served with coconut sambol or curry
• Pol sambol – a fiery coconut relish that’s a staple accompaniment
• Kiribath – creamy coconut milk rice traditionally eaten for breakfast or celebrations
• Fish ambul thiyal – a tangy, dry fish curry made without wheat-based thickeners
• Dhal curry (parippu) – red lentil curry that pairs perfectly with rice

Travel tip: Carry a gluten-free allergy card in Sinhala or Tamil, but English is widely understood in Colombo’s restaurants. Many chefs are happy to adapt dishes once they know your needs.

Hong Kong, SAR China

A world-class destination for food lovers, Hong Kong delivers dazzling diversity—but gluten-free travellers should tread carefully. Cantonese cuisine often relies on soy and oyster sauces (loaded with wheat) and high cross-contamination risks, especially in traditional eateries. That said, things are changing rapidly and it is fast becoming much easier to dine Gluten Free.

Gluten Free dining highlights in Hong Kong

• Dandy’s Organic Cafe – Dedicated, 100% gluten-free restaurant, but they recommend coeliacs avoid some menu items and can cater to additional health concerns, intolerances, and allergies
• 1908bc British Chinese – One of the few places in Hong Kong to serve truly safe gluten free Chinese food
• Oolaa Star Street – This cafe in Wan Chai is able to do delicious gluten and dairy free meals
• Madame Fu Chinois – Serving unique, high quality specialty Cantonese dishes, not dedicated gluten free but staff are knowledgeable
• Chilli Fagara – If you’re a fan of spicy Sichuan cuisine this intimate spot is very accommodating for gluten free

Must try Gluten Free eats:

• Steamed seafood or dim sum (custom GF versions) – some dim sum spots now offer GF soy or rice paper wraps
• Roast meats with rice – skip the sauce, and you’re safe
• Congee (rice porridge) – request no soy or gluten-containing toppings
• Western fusion brunches – shakshuka, avocado toast (on GF bread), smoothie bowls

Travel tip: Always carry a gluten-free allergy card in Traditional Chinese — soy sauce and oyster sauce are everywhere. Even small substitutions (like tamari or plain rice) can keep a meal safe. Many locals speak English, but staff appreciate the effort to show a translated card for clarity.

Seoul, South Korea

While gluten is common in Korean soy sauce and battered dishes, awareness is growing, and rice-based staples give you a solid base. With smart planning and the right phrases, Seoul can be a fantastic gluten-free adventure.

Gluten Free dining highlights in Seoul

• Plant Café – 100% vegan and gluten-free options clearly marked
• Buddha’s Belly Itaewon – GF burgers and brunch in a stylish setting
• Sunnyhouse – One of the very few fully GF restaurants in Seoul it also caters to vegana s well
• High-end hotels – like the Four Seasons and Lotte often accommodate dietary needs well

Must try Gluten Free eats:

• Bibimbap (without soy sauce or use GF version) – rice bowl with veg and egg
• Samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly) – cook it yourself at BBQ restaurants with separate sauces
• Japchae – sweet potato noodles (ask for GF sauce or dry-fried)
• Bingsu (shaved ice dessert) – check toppings but base is safe

Travel tip: Learn or carry phrases like “밀가루 없어요” (milgaru eopseoyo – no wheat) and use allergy cards. Stick to spots that understand dietary needs — many international cafés do!

Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo can be tricky if you’re relying on soy sauce heavy dishes, but with the right tools (like allergy cards) and insider tips, it’s an incredible destination for gluten-free travellers. Rice-based dishes are everywhere, and a growing number of restaurants and cafés cater to dietary restrictions. If this is your first trip learn why Japan handles food allergies differently.

If you’re planning a trip? I’ve put together a full gluten free guide to Japan, labelling, safe dishes, allergy card, kombini tips & restaurants to help you travel confidently. Read the full Japan guide and if Tokyo is the starting point for a Nagano or Niigata ski trip I go deeper on that in a dedicated post.

Gluten Free dining highlights in Tokyo

• Gluten Free T’s Kitchen – Restaurant serving delicious gluten free Japanese dishes, its small so you may need to book.
• Tempura Asakusa SAKURA – Everything is gluten free and the flavours and atmosphere come highly recommended
• 2foods Vegan restaurant Ginza – This vegan restaurant has some delicious gluten free options including omurice & a couple of sweet offerings. Delicious.
• Ain Soph. Ginza – This is a great place to experience a variety of Japanese vegan food. They’re known for the pancakes. In summer you do need to book.
• RICEHACK GlutenfreeBakery – This riceflour based bakery also does dairy free food. Note there are no tables only a bench outside
• Marbre vegan – This vegan restaurant has a number of gluten free options including delicious cakes and pastries
• Convenience stores (konbini) with plain onigiri, fruit, and allergen labels

Must try Gluten Free eats:

• Yakitori (salted, not sauced) – grilled chicken skewers seasoned simply with salt
• Onigiri – rice balls with plain fillings like umeboshi or salmon
• Mochi or daifuku – chewy rice desserts (always check fillings)

Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne isn’t just hipster cafés and laneway bars — it’s a gluten-free paradise. Australia has strong allergen labelling laws, heaps of coeliac-safe bakeries, and menus that mark GF clearly (often with dedicated fryers and prep areas).

Planning a trip? We’ve put together a full gluten free guide to Melbourne — Discover Melbourne’s gluten-free dining scene, featuring safe eateries and delicious options for coeliac travelers to help you travel confidently. Read the full Melbourne guide

Gluten Free dining highlights in Melbourne

• Seedling Café – 100 % gluten-free and friendly from the first bite. This cozy spot on Flinders/Little Collins Lane bowls you over with crave-worthy waffles, creamy acai bowls, savory toasties, and vibrant smoothies and it’s celiac-safe all the way
• Schmucks Bagels – Located at Guests Lane & Collins St, it is a top pick for gluten-free travelers. They offer delicious bagels and will ask if you’re coeliac, then prepare it separately and toast it with care. Reviewers rave about their fluffy GF bagels and knowledgeable staff.
• Hella Good – Emporium Melbourne If you’ve been craving a proper wrap and thought being gluten free your days were behind you, think again. Hella Good lives up to its name. Tucked inside the Emporium, this Greek spot nails it with gluten free options clearly marked, clued-up staff, and a Coeliac Australia sticker on your meal for extra reassurance. I mentioned I was also dairy free, and they swapped the tzatziki for hummus without skipping a beat. Safe, delicious, and seriously satisfying.
• Bodega Underground – Hidden beneath the Crossley Hotel in Chinatown, Bodega Underground delivers authentic Mexican street food, all entirely gluten-free. Think loaded tacos, churros, birria, and mezcal cocktails in a moody, cinematic basement setting. With bottomless brunches on weekends and late-night vibes, it’s the ultimate feel-good spot for celiac diners and gluten-free adventurers alike. Don’t forget to book, this place fills up fast!

Must try Gluten Free eats:

• Eggs on GF sourdough – brunch is a Melbourne institution
• Bao or poke bowls – often GF with tamari or custom sauces
• Gluten-free beer or cider – many bars stock dedicated Aussie brands
• Lamington or Tim Tam-inspired treats – GF bakeries do them justice

Travel tip: Even small cafés usually understand “coeliac” — just clarify cross-contamination if it’s essential.

Auckland, New Zealand

Auckland’s food scene blends Māori, Pacific, Asian and global influences with fresh, local produce and a strong gluten-free understanding. Supermarkets and eateries often stock GF goods, and dietary requests are met with kindness.

Gluten Free dining highlights in Auckland

• HNT Kitchen – This dedicated gluten free cafe also caters to many other allergens. Don’t worry the line moves quickly
• Ekiben – This japanese stall in the Waitematā Train Station has gluten free, dairy free meals and also caters to vegans
• Wen & Yen Bakery – No listing of Auckland gluten free eats would be complete without mentioning this bakery. They also do vegan treats as well so if your GF DF you’re in luck
• Pioneer Pies – On the Albany hill this bakery has a range of fresh and frozen gluten free pies that are delicious
• Orewa Fish & Chips – What can be more kiwi than fish and chips on the beach, and they have a dedicated fryer
• BurgerFuel – offers dairy and gluten-free buns, often a dedicated fryer and the staff are very helpful

Must try Gluten Free eats:

• Meat pie — as Kiwi as it gets, and gluten free versions are out there if you know where to look. Head to Wen & Yen Bakery or Pioneer Pies on the Albany hill
• Mussels or fresh snapper — New Zealand seafood is exceptional and naturally gluten free, look for it fresh at restaurants or the waterfront
• Asian Fusion Cuisine – Auckland does this well and it can often be gluten free
• Asian fusion cuisine — Auckland does this better than almost anywhere in the country, and it often lends itself well to gluten free eating. Ask about sauces and you’re usually sorted

Queenstown, New Zealand

Adventure capital meets alpine charm, Queenstown is stunning in every season. Whether you’re hitting the slopes in winter, hiking Ben Lomond in summer, or wine tasting year-round, it’s a bucket list stop and has an international airport with flights from Australia. Better still? It’s gluten-free friendly.

Planning a trip? We’ve put together a Gluten Free Queenstown Guide: Restaurants, Skiing & Tips to help you travel confidently. Read the full Queenstown guide

Gluten Free dining highlights in Queenstown

• Flame Bar & Grill – Legendary for their ribs and steaks. Staff are knowledgeable about gluten and dairy, and many mains are naturally GF.
• Tanoshi – Japanese izakaya with rice bowls and sashimi that can be safely adapted. The team is allergy-aware, just confirm sauce ingredients.
• Yonder – A brunch and cocktail spot with loads of gluten-free and dairy-free options clearly marked.
• Bespoke Kitchen – Organic-focused, allergy-aware café with GF pancakes, bowls, and baking. A dream for coeliacs.
• Erik’s Fish and Chips – Halal and Gluten Free fish and chips
• Kinross Winery (nearby in Gibbston) – Gluten-free platters and dedicated food prep make it a great lunch stop if you’re wine tasting in the region.

Must try Gluten Free eats:

• Fish and chips — a New Zealand institution and genuinely doable gluten free. We recommend Erik’s Fish and Chips who have a dedicated fryer
• Blue cod — the South Island’s finest, fresh, naturally gluten free, and on menus across town
• Wine tasting and lunch at one of the the Gibbston Valley wineries
• Wine tasting and lunch in the Gibbston Valley — a short drive or a lovely bike ride from Queenstown, Kinross Winery does gluten free platters and the setting is hard to beat

Rarotonga, Cook Islands

With its laid-back lifestyle and short flight from NZ, Rarotonga is perfect for a weekend getaway. The island’s traditional cuisine leans gluten-free by nature grilled fish, root vegetables, coconut-based dishes — and many resorts are used to accommodating allergies.

Gluten Free dining highlights in Rarotonga

• Takitumu Tapas – Visitors praise the gluten free tacos and other offerings
• Beluga Café – GF-friendly brunches and coffee
• Nautilus Restaurant – upscale, allergy-aware resort dining
• Saigon Shack Raro – Known for their clear understanding about food restrictions and allergies, its worth a visit

Must try Gluten Free eats:

• Ika mata – raw fish marinated in coconut milk and lime (naturally GF)
• Taro, breadfruit, or maniota fries – local carb swaps
• Tuna poke bowls – just ask about sauces
• Fresh tropical fruit – think pawpaw, mango, coconut, guava

Island travel tip: Bring your own GF snacks or wraps — stock is limited outside the resorts and central town.