Gluten-free coeliacs in china

Question

Could anyone please give me advice on eating as a coeliac in China? My granddaughter is visiting on a school trip.

Does Jenny Lou’s have gluten free bread and can you get it delivered to her hotel?

All advice welcome please

Answer

Traveling in China as a coeliac can be challenging due to the widespread use of wheat, soy sauce, and other gluten-containing ingredients in many dishes. Careful planning and communication are key to ensuring safe meals for your granddaughter.

General tips for gluten-free eating in China:

Learn and carry a gluten-free card in Chinese: this can be shown at restaurants to explain dietary restrictions. For example, “我对麸质过敏，请不要用含面粉或酱油的食物” means “I am allergic to gluten, please do not use foods containing flour or soy sauce.”
Stick to naturally gluten-free foods such as rice, rice noodles, vegetables, meat, fish, and tofu, while confirming that sauces or marinades are gluten-free.
Avoid street food unless you can verify the ingredients, as cross-contamination is common.
International chain restaurants and hotels sometimes offer gluten-free options, but always ask in advance.

Regarding Jenny Lou’s and gluten-free bread:

Jenny Lou’s Bakery (Shanghai, Beijing, and other major cities) is known for its Western-style breads and some gluten-free options.
Availability can vary, so it is recommended to contact the specific branch in advance to confirm if gluten-free bread is in stock during your granddaughter’s stay.
Delivery: Jenny Lou’s may offer delivery through platforms such as Meituan or Ele.me, but again, this depends on the location. Pre-ordering is recommended to ensure the bread reaches the hotel safely.

Other helpful options:

Bring some packaged gluten-free snacks or bread from home as a backup.
Use apps like HappyCow to locate restaurants with gluten-free or Western dietary options in major cities.
Consider staying at hotels with Western-style breakfast options, where gluten-free bread or cereals might be available upon request.

Overall, while traveling as a coeliac in China requires caution, with advance preparation, communication, and some backup supplies, it is entirely possible to manage safely and enjoyably.

Gluten-free coeliacs in china

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