I have the “dreaded” Christmas party season coming up, where I go to restaurants with students for a meal. One is my local Indian restaurant, which I requested because I know what’s safe. But the other is a pasta restaurant! About all I will be able to have is coffee and juice. Guess I’ll eat before I go, and keep talking so no one notices. :)

I live in the Philippines … and soy sauce finds its way into most dishes. I have only found one locally made soy sauce that doesn’t have wheat or caramel color (something I’ve been told may have wheat when it is made outside the US).

Actually, eating gluten free is not a hardship for me. How could I want to eat something that makes me feel badly!? But it often is a problem for people around me, in a culture where food is so important, when they can’t share their enjoyment/bounty with me. They feel badly which, in turn, effects me.

Hope you enjoy Austria! The cuisine may be more familiar but it seems like it would be much more wheat-based than the food in India. I’m sure the GF pension house will be a great respite.

Hi Maeve- perfect, thanks for the info. I modified the post to include those brand names. :)

Hi Still Learning, Where are you located? I’ve found that each country I’ve visited or lived in has its own dangers- and unfortunately, weddings and festivals can be the most difficult for eating gluten-free. Actually, even in the States weddings can be a real headache- I’ve brought my own food many times, and been glad to have it. Isn’t it annoying how gluten can hide in so many dishes? And even if there isn’t gluten, cross contamination can be a real pain, too. *sigh* I’m having a good time, but definitely testing my limits- and I will be relieved to be back in my own kitchen… in another couple of weeks. *eeek!*

As far as suggestions go- I think it really depends on the situation and country’s cuisine so much, that I’m not sure how valuable my advice will be. Except- don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself and your own health, don’t be pressured into trying something that you feel is risky, and do bring your own food in situations where safe food may not be available. Also, it never hurts to ask for special dishes to be made from, say, head chefs at restaurants. The nicer the place the more likely they will be to accommodate you, in my experience. I am sometimes too quick to assume that people can’t or won’t be willing to make special accommodations, and then when they unexpectedly volunteer sometimes it’s too late… if that makes sense. :)
-Sea

I have lived abroad for more than twenty years but it is only more recently that I have had to go gluten-free. I have given up eating out of the house … We were guests at the head table of a friend’s wedding the other week and I just kept waving the waiters on. I did bring out some homemade GF crackers and fruit just so I could “join” the meal. Don’t think I’d even do that next time as it proved to be a bit awkward.

I have been surprised by gluten tucked in all kinds of places. And, that’s not counting the unusual places one won’t expect, except that I know the food. My husband’s work takes us out of the house fairly often … but I’ve given up on eating food that I haven’t seen prepared or can specifically order at a restaurant.

Any suggestions? I’m jealous that you seem to be doing so well!!