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How do you explain a food allergy at a restaurant abroad? Eating safely without the language

For anyone with a peanut, milk, gluten or shellfish allergy, eating abroad is a bigger worry than not being able to read the menu. Asking the waiter “what's in this?” is not enough; you also need to explain how serious the allergy is, what must not be in the dish at all and how it is prepared. You can do this without speaking the language, as long as you use clear sentences and confirm the answer.

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Name the allergen and how serious it is

“I don't like peanuts” and “I'm allergic to peanuts” mean completely different things in a kitchen. Tell the waiter plainly that this is a health issue, not a preference:

  • “I have a severe peanut allergy; even a tiny amount is dangerous.”
  • “I can't eat gluten. I have coeliac disease.”
  • “I'm allergic to milk and dairy, including butter, cheese and cream.”
  • “I'm allergic to prawns, mussels and other shellfish.”

Ask about hidden ingredients

Allergens are often not in the name of the dish. Sauces, desserts and fried food are where surprises usually hide. Before you order, ask:

  • “Is there any peanut, sesame or milk in the sauce?”
  • “Is the fried food cooked in the same oil as other dishes?”
  • “Does the dessert contain hazelnuts or almonds?”
  • “Is the soup made with fish or seafood stock?”

Talk about cross-contamination

An allergen-free dish may still not be enough; food prepared on the same counter, with the same knife or in the same oil can also cause a reaction. If your allergy is serious, ask about that too: “Can my dish be prepared in a separate pan with clean utensils?”

If you are not sure about the answer, or the kitchen cannot guarantee it, choosing a different dish or a different restaurant is the safest decision.

Confirm the answer

When the waiter says “no problem”, try to tell whether they checked with the kitchen or are guessing. Keeping your question short and unambiguous makes the answer clearer as well.

When the food arrives, ask once more that it is your order and that the allergy note reached the kitchen. In a busy restaurant, plates can get mixed up.

Prepare before you travel

If your allergy is serious, carry the emergency medication your doctor recommends and make sure the people with you know how to use it. Save the local emergency number of the country you are visiting in your phone.

A short card explaining your allergy in the local language also helps; in a noisy place where talking is hard, showing it to the waiter is enough.

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