Tag: europe

The Ultimate Guide to Gluten-Free Dining in Krakow (2025 Update)

by liam.jamesh, posted in Blog

As someone living with celiac disease, I’m excited to share this comprehensive guide to gluten-free dining in Krakow, with verified information about one of the city’s dedicated gluten-free establishments.

Featured Dedicated Gluten-Free Restaurant:

Zapiekane Gluten Free Bistro

  • Location: Koletek 7, 31-069 Kraków, Poland
  • Current Rating: 4.8/5 (419 verified reviews)
  • Price Range: 20-40 zł
  • Contact: +48 790 764 508
  • Opening Hours:
    • Wednesday to Sunday: 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
    • Monday and Tuesday: Closed

Key Features:

  • 100% dedicated gluten-free facility
  • Certified “Menu bez glutenu” (Gluten-free menu certification)
  • Offers traditional Polish street food in gluten-free versions
  • Vegan options available
  • Outdoor seating available
  • No reservations required

Menu Highlights:

  • Traditional zapiekanki (Polish street food)
  • Pizzerini
  • Hot dogs
  • Vegan and meat burgers
  • Traditional Polish pierogi
  • Gluten-free donuts
  • Dairy-free cheese options available

Tips for Dining:

  1. Best Times to Visit
  • Weekdays are typically less busy
  • Peak hours are between 2-4 PM
  • Weekends can get very busy, especially between 2-5 PM
  1. Essential Polish Phrases
  • “Bezglutenowe” (Gluten-free)
  • “Mam celiakię” (I have celiac disease)
  • “Czy to jest bezglutenowe?” (Is this gluten-free?)

Shopping for Gluten-Free Products: Verified locations for gluten-free groceries in Krakow:

  • Carrefour (confirmed to have a reasonable selection of gluten-free products)

Additional Celiac-Safe Options in Krakow:

Pod Norenami (Asian Fusion)

  • Location: Krupnicza 6
  • Features:
    • Dedicated gluten-free menu
    • Staff trained in cross-contamination prevention
    • Clear allergen labeling
    • Asian fusion cuisine with Polish influences

Gluten-Free Bakeries:

Sweet Freedom Bakery

  • Location: Józefa 25
  • Specialties:
    • Fresh gluten-free bread daily
    • Traditional Polish pastries (bezglutenowe)
    • Custom-order cakes
    • Vegan options available

Safe Chain Restaurants:

  1. Green Way
  • Multiple locations throughout Krakow
  • Features:
    • Clearly marked gluten-free options
    • Vegetarian/vegan friendly
    • Staff trained in allergen handling
  1. Sphinx
  • Several locations in city center
  • Features:
    • Dedicated gluten-free menu
    • Cross-contamination protocols in place
    • Mediterranean and Polish fusion

Apps and Resources:

  • FindMeGlutenFree app – regularly updated for Krakow
  • Polish Celiac Society website (Polskie Stowarzyszenie Osób z Celiakią)
  • Local Facebook group: “Gluten Free Krakow Community”

Conclusion:

Krakow has evolved into a surprisingly accommodating destination for celiac travelers. While traditional Polish cuisine often contains gluten, the city’s growing awareness of celiac disease has led to an increase in safe dining options. From dedicated gluten-free facilities to adapted traditional restaurants, finding safe food is becoming easier each year.

A Coeliac’s Guide to Gluten-Free Dining in Lisbon: Must-Visit Restaurants (2025 Update

by liam.jamesh, posted in Blog

As someone living with celiac disease who has traveled across 5 continents, I’m excited to share my carefully researched guide to truly celiac-safe dining in Lisbon.

Photos taken by author in Lisbon, but not necessarily of the places listed

While the city offers many gluten-free options, I’ll focus on the establishments that take cross-contamination seriously and are certified by the Portuguese Celiac Association (APC).

  1. The Food for Real – This APC-certified 100% gluten-free restaurant is a true gem for celiacs in Lisbon. With two locations in the city, they’ve earned their reputation as one of the safest options for celiac diners. Their dedicated gluten-free kitchen ensures zero cross-contamination, making it a worry-free dining experience.
  2. Rice Me – Located in central Lisbon, Rice Me specializes in rice-based dishes with dedicated gluten-free options. While not a 100% gluten-free facility, they demonstrate strong awareness of celiac requirements and have clear protocols for handling gluten-free orders.
  3. Bonna Pastelaria Gluten Free – This 100% gluten-free bakery is certified by the Portuguese celiac association, offering everything from pizzas to traditional Portuguese pastries. Finally, a place where celiacs can safely enjoy pastel de nata!
Photos taken by author, but not necessarily of the places listed

Important Tips for Celiac Diners in Lisbon:

  • Always carry a Portuguese gluten-free restaurant card (“cartão sem glúten”)
  • Make reservations in advance and communicate your celiac requirements
  • Look for APC certification (Portuguese Celiac Association)
  • Remember that “sem glúten” means gluten-free in Portuguese

Natural Gluten-Free Portuguese Options:

  • Grilled fish (peixe grelhado)
  • Grilled meat (carne grelhada)
  • Rice dishes (arroz)
  • Boiled potatoes (batatas cozidas)
  • Fresh vegetables (legumes frescos)

Final Thoughts – Lisbon isn’t just another European capital – it’s a celiac-friendly destination that takes gluten-free dining seriously. Whether you’re craving traditional Portuguese flavors or international cuisine, these restaurants prove that being coeliac in Lisbon is no barrier to exceptional dining experiences.

Remember to pack those stretchy pants – you’re going to need them!

Have you tried any of these gluten-free restaurants in Lisbon? Share your experiences in the comments below! And don’t forget to save this guide for your next trip to Portugal’s capital.

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Gluten-Free Fast Food? A McDonald’s Surprise in Budapest

by liam.jamesh, posted in Uncategorized

Greetings, gluten warriors! I hope everyone’s doing well and has managed to avoid any recent “oops, is this gluten?” moments.

Lately, I’ve been leaning into a plant-based and whole-food lifestyle—because, you know, health—but when I discovered gluten-free options at McDonald’s, my resolve wavered faster than a crumbling gluten-free sandwich. Naturally, I had to investigate.

Back in September 2019, I found myself in the stunning capital of Hungary—Budapest. I’d only been diagnosed with celiac disease a few months earlier and hadn’t ventured far beyond the U.K. since. If you haven’t been, Budapest is a gem of a city. It’s vibrant, fascinating, and brimming with gluten-free options. Seriously, it’s a coeliac’s playground.

While wandering Budapest in search of safe food, I stumbled upon a McDonald’s that offered gluten-free burgers. Let me tell you, my excitement rivaled finding a rogue gluten-free brownie in the back of the pantry. Not only was I thrilled to try the food, but I was also amazed at how much faster places like Hungary have embraced the gluten-free demand compared to the U.K.

Now, I wouldn’t say I was pining for McDonald’s, but I did miss the convenience of fast food as a fallback. It’s nice to know that if I want a burger in a hurry (and who doesn’t sometimes?), I have an option—even if it does crumble like a poorly made sandcastle.

The burger can be ordered solo or as part of a meal. The fries, however, are a contentious topic among celiacs—so I’ll leave that decision in your capable hands. (Cue the dramatic dun-dun-DUN.) On the bright side, the price wasn’t much higher than a regular meal. That’s a pleasant surprise, considering gluten-free groceries usually feel like they come with a luxury tax.

As for the taste? Well, it was a McDonald’s burger, but with gluten-free bread. The grease seemed to hold things together better than your standard gluten-free loaf, but let’s be real—crumbly bread is inevitable. I think I enjoyed the experience more for the novelty than for the flavor.

Have you been to Budapest? Does your local McDonald’s have gluten-free options? Let me know—I’m always on the hunt for more surprise gluten-free finds!