Tag: gluten-free

The Ultimate Gluten-Free Guide to Cardiff: A Coeliac’s Haven in Wales (2025)

by liam.jamesh, posted in Blog

Looking for safe gluten-free options in Cardiff? As a coeliac who’s explored this vibrant Welsh capital, I’m excited to share this comprehensive guide to help you navigate Cardiff’s growing gluten-free scene with confidence. Cardiff has become increasingly coeliac-friendly over the past few years, making it a fantastic destination for anyone following a strict gluten-free diet.

Gluten free Cardiff

🌟 Quick Highlights:

  • Cardiff’s dedicated gluten-free spots
  • Coeliac-friendly restaurants with cross-contamination protocols
  • Hidden gems and local favorites
  • Tips for safe shopping
  • Price ranges for budgeting

Safe Havens: 100% Gluten-Free Establishments

  1. Coeliac Kitchen (Cardiff Bay)
  • Dedicated gluten-free bakery with zero cross-contamination risk
  • Must-try: Their Welsh cakes (£2.50 each) and afternoon tea (£25 per person)
  • Pre-order available for special occasions (48 hours notice required)
  • Indoor and outdoor seating available
  • Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 9am-5pm
  • Perfect spot for breakfast meetings or casual lunch
  1. The Free From Café (City Centre)
  • 100% gluten-free premises with dairy-free options
  • Extensive breakfast and lunch menu (£8-15 per main course)
  • Popular for their Sunday roasts (booking essential)
  • Kids menu available
  • Cozy atmosphere with local artwork
  • Weekly specials board featuring seasonal dishes

Coeliac-Friendly Restaurants

  1. The Real Italian (Castle Quarter)
  • Certified gluten-free pizza options (£12-18)
  • Separate prep area with color-coded equipment
  • Staff trained in coeliac safety protocols
  • Extensive wine list with clearly marked GF options
  • Beautiful castle views from the terrace
  • Perfect for romantic dinners or group celebrations
  1. Cardiff Castle Kitchen
  • Clearly marked menu with 40+ gluten-free options
  • Dedicated fryer for chips and other fried items
  • Traditional Welsh dishes with GF alternatives
  • Price range: £15-25 for main courses
  • Historic setting with modern safety standards
  • Seasonal menu changes with local ingredients

Shopping for Gluten-Free Products

  1. Cardiff Central Market
  • Several stalls offering GF products
  • Fresh produce and local goods
  • “Free From Wales” stall specializes in Welsh GF products
  • Best times to visit: Tuesday-Saturday, 8am-12pm for freshest selection
  • Local producers often offer samples
  • Monthly artisan food markets with GF options
  1. Major Supermarkets
  • Tesco Extra (Western Avenue)
    • Largest Free From section in Cardiff
    • Weekly deals on GF products
    • Dedicated GF freezer section
  • Marks & Spencer Food Hall
    • Premium GF ready meals
    • Extensive GF snack selection
  • Morrison’s (City Centre)
    • Budget-friendly GF basics
    • Fresh GF bakery items daily

Local Tips:

  • Always mention you’re coeliac, not just gluten-free
  • Cardiff has a strong coeliac community group that meets monthly at The Free From Café
  • Download the local celiac society app for instant updates
  • Join the “Cardiff Coeliacs” Facebook group for real-time recommendations

Safety First:

  • Always call restaurants in advance during peak hours
  • Carry a Welsh translation card for “coeliac disease” (available at tourist offices)
  • Keep emergency snacks handy (local shops close early on Sundays)
  • Consider downloading the local allergen alert app

Hidden Gems:

  • Cardiff Bay’s weekend market (Saturday-Sunday, 10am-5pm) features 5+ GF street food vendors
  • Several traditional Welsh cake makers now offer GF versions (pre-order recommended)
  • Local food festivals usually have dedicated GF sections with sampling opportunities
  • Monthly pop-up GF bakery events across the city

Planning Your Visit:

  • Book popular spots at least 48 hours in advance
  • Consider staying near Cardiff Bay or City Centre for easy access to GF options
  • Join local Facebook groups for current recommendations
  • Best times to visit: Spring and Autumn for food festivals

Transportation Tips:

  • Most GF restaurants are within walking distance of Cardiff Central Station
  • Bay Bus runs every 10 minutes to Cardiff Bay’s GF spots
  • Parking available at St. David’s Centre for city centre locations
  • Bike-sharing scheme available for exploring multiple locations

For more gluten free tips & tricks, subscribe for free:

Go back

Your message has been sent

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.

Go back

Your message has been sent

#GlutenFreeLisbon #CoeliacTravel #GlutenFreePortugal #LisbonFoodGuide #GlutenFreeDining

🌟 Join our gluten-free community! We share daily tips, certified restaurant finds, and travel guides for living deliciously gluten-free. Hit follow for your daily dose of celiac-safe inspiration! 🌍✨ #GlutenFree #CeliacLife
https://www.facebook.com/whatgluten/

Why Gluten-Free Bread is the Culinary Equivalent of a Practical Joke

by liam.jamesh, posted in Blog

Let’s face it: gluten-free bread is nature’s way of reminding us that nothing in life comes without a catch. Gluten is the glue that holds bread together—literally—and when you take it out, you’re left with something that barely qualifies as bread and more closely resembles a dense sponge that doubles as a yoga block.

Gluten free bread

The Texture Tango
Biting into gluten-free bread is like chewing on sadness. It crumbles when you don’t want it to and sticks together when you least expect it—usually mid-chew, leaving you wondering if you’re eating bread or attempting to patch drywall. Toast it, and you’ve got yourself a cracker with trust issues. Don’t toast it, and it feels like someone’s cruel experiment in damp cardboard.

Flavor? What Flavor?
Traditional bread has a warm, yeasty aroma that makes you think of cozy kitchens and happy grandmas. Gluten-free bread, on the other hand, tastes like a dare. It often has the delightful essence of rice flour, tapioca, and crushed dreams. Smear on some butter, and instead of soaking it in like a proper slice, it just sits there like an awkward houseguest who refuses to leave.

Slice, Dice, Cry
You ever tried making a sandwich with gluten-free bread? Good luck. It breaks apart faster than my willpower at a buffet. You start with two slices, but by the time you’ve added the fillings, you’re holding a sandwich casserole. And forget cutting it evenly—gluten-free bread has a mind of its own, slicing at angles that defy geometry and common sense.

The Price of Disappointment
And don’t get me started on the price. Regular bread costs a few bucks, but gluten-free bread? That’s an investment. At $7 a loaf, it’s like paying premium prices for an artisanal brick. For that cost, I expect it to taste better than air and not disintegrate the moment I look at it funny.


Let’s stop pretending gluten-free bread is bread. It’s just an expensive science experiment that’s escaped the lab. Gluten-free brownies, cookies, and even pizza crusts have come a long way—why can’t bread? Until then, I’ll be here with my gluten-filled sourdough, living my best life.

If you’re a coeliac or live a gluten-free lifestyle, sign up for updates to stay informed and discover tips, recipes, and more!

Go back

Your message has been sent