Living a gluten-free lifestyle can be tricky, especially when dining out or attending social events. But with the right knowledge and a little planning, you can enjoy a wonderful meal anywhere, without compromising on your gluten-free commitment. Today, let’s talk about combining gluten-free living with some exciting global cuisine. Bon appétit!
First, a bit of backstory. My love affair with world flavours started in college. My roommates were from different parts of the globe, and we had a deal. Each week, one of us would cook a meal from our home country. Through this, I tasted my first Ethiopian Injera (which is funnily enough, naturally gluten-free!), my first Korean Kimchi, and my first Indian Biryani.
This early exploration of flavours sparked a lifelong interest in international cuisine. But when I discovered my gluten intolerance, I was worried. Would I have to give up my love for food and flavours? My connection to my friends’ cultures? Happily, the answer is an unequivocal no! With some simple hacks and careful choices, you can bring the world to your plate, while maintaining your gluten-free lifestyle!
Let’s start our global food tour in Italy — the land known for pasta, pizza, and everything wheat. Seems like a nightmare for gluten intolerance, right? Wrong. First up, swap traditional pasta for gluten-free alternatives. Brands like Barilla and Ronzoni have excellent options that don’t compromise on taste or texture. For pizza, you have two options. Either opt for restaurants that offer gluten-free pizza bases or make your own at home using a gluten-free crust. You can check out our previous blog post on [how to make a scrumptious gluten-free pizza at home](#) to give it a try.
Next, we’re heading to the Far East, specifically — Japan. Sushi can be a great gluten-free option. Just keep in mind to avoid regular soy sauce as it often contains wheat. Opt for Tamari, a gluten-free soy sauce substitute, instead. Also, if you fancy tempura, remember that it’s traditionally made with a wheat flour batter. Opt for sashimi, grilled fish, or meat without any coating.
For our third stop, let’s step into the vibrant culture and equally vibrant cuisine of Mexico. Traditional Mexican food relies heavily on corn, which is naturally gluten-free. Tacos, enchiladas, and nachos are great options, provided the tortillas are made from pure corn and not a wheat-corn blend. Stuffed peppers, or chiles rellenos, are another delicious gluten-free option. As always, be wary of sauces and marinades!
Traversing further west, we land in South India. Unlike North Indian cuisine, South Indian food is predominately rice-based and offers numerous gluten-free options. Dosas (a kind of crispy pancake), idlis (steamed rice cakes), and a variety of rice dishes can make for a tasty, gluten-free meal. The key, again, is to ensure that the sauces and condiments are gluten-free.
Lastly, we make our way to Ethiopia. As hinted earlier, Ethiopian cuisine uses a lot of injera, a sourdough-risen flatbread made from teff — a naturally gluten-free grain. Along with loads of meat and vegetarian stews, your Ethiopian meal can make you forget about gluten altogether!
A note of caution before we finish our journey: when dining out, always make sure to communicate your dietary needs with your server. Cross-contamination is a real issue when it comes to living a gluten-free life, and even a speck of gluten can result in a reaction for those with gluten-intolerance or a condition like celiac disease.
Diving into the rich tapestry of international cuisine may appear challenging when following a gluten-free lifestyle; however, with awareness, tweaks, and careful choices, it’s certainly achievable! It’s all about enjoying the journey while managing a healthy lifestyle. If you’re new to gluten-free living, start slow and welcome the world of flavours gradually. You can find more guidance in our post on [gluten-free living for beginners](#).
Food has always been a fantastic way to explore other cultures. So, pack your adventure bags (and your gluten-free essentials) and enjoy this culinary world tour from the comfort of your own kitchen. Who knows? Maybe your new favorite dish is just a cookout away!
**Category: Lifestyle & Social**
