Don’t Do Without – A Celiac’s Guide to Safe Takeout!

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned since being diagnosed with Celiac disease is that if I am craving a food, I can either make it at home or find a reasonable take-out solution with a little bit of research. This is really valuable at busy times of the year, like in the weeks leading up to Christmas!

Here are our top ideas so that you can satisfy your cravings with some gluten-free goodies.

 

What You’re Craving	Eating In	Taking Out
Burgers and Fries	There are a ton of gluten-free hamburger and bun options at your local grocery store. We recommend all-beef burgers on an Udi’s bun with whatever toppings you like! Fries are super easy to make at home, too – here’s our favourite recipe.	Gourmet burger chains like Relish, Cheese Curds, Flip Burger, and Krave have plenty of gourmet gluten-free burgers. The latter two also have gluten-free French fries!
Chinese Food	Making Chinese food at home is pretty easy, especially if you’ve got gluten-free soy sauce (which is easier to find than ever). Here are some great recipes to put on your menu: Chicken fried rice Honey garlic chicken (you could also do this with pork) Ginger beef Sweet and sour chicken Just make sure to use gluten-free ingredients!	Fan’s in Dartmouth is our favourite gluten-free Chinese food source. We’ve heard that Jean’s off Spring Garden Road has some excellent options, too.
Fish and Chips	This one is also easier than you might think. We’ve got recipes for both pan-fried and deep-fried fish, as well as French fries and a unique oven-baked recipe.	For takeout, Evan’s Fresh Seafoods and Catch of the Bay at Masstown Market (open seasonally) are excellent spots for Celiacs.
Pub Food	You can make pretty much anything you want at home, and it’s probably easier than you think. Mozzarella or zucchini sticks, wings, and potato nachos are all perfect party foods!	The only place I have found that does great gluten-free pub food is in Freeport, Maine. If you ever find yourself there, be sure to check out Linda Bean’s Topside Tavern!
Pizza	Our favourite bake at home pizza is Sabatasso’s from Costco. Two large frozen pizzas are $12.99. Plus, they only come with cheese so you can add your own toppings. Udi’s also offers a delicious pizza crust, as well as some frozen options. (We’ve got a post all about pizza here!)	Top picks for pizza takeout in HRM include Piez Bistro (Dartmouth), Morris East (Bedford West and downtown), and Odell’s (also downtown). Odell’s does donairs too, usually on Friday!
KFC	This year, the market has been flooded with gluten-free breaded chicken. Pinty’s EatWell, M&M Meats, and even the President’s Choice brand all have chicken nuggets, filets, and burgers. Make some homemade sauce (like this honey-garlic recipe, or these buffalo wing sauce recipes) and you’re all set.	Sadly, KFC itself doesn’t have many gluten-free options. Even their mashed potatoes contain gluten! Instead, make yourself a delicious gluten-free popcorn chicken bowl at home.

 

Do you have a gluten-free substitute for your favourite treat? We’d love to hear it!