By Aiden ArmstrongDue to food allergies and other health conditions, many people have to eat healthy meals or avoid certain ingredients. This can make eating out difficult, especially if the food ingredient you have to avoid is fairly common. Fortunately, if you’re looking for a great Asian dining establishment that will also accommodate your dietary needs, you do have options. Here are a few of the health concerns people have and how these restaurants have addressed them.
Gluten
While many see going gluten-free as a type of fad diet, there are people who do have a true sensitivity to gluten and get ill if they eat foods high in wheat. For some, this is a gluten allergy, while others may have celiac disease. Being allergic to wheat is actually more prevalent than many think and ranks in the top eight food-related allergies in the country. Because of this, Asian dining restaurants have started offering gluten-free options.
MSG
MSG, or monosodium glutamate, was once used in many different Asian dishes to enhance the flavor. In addition to being found in restaurants, it is also sometimes used in processed meat, soup, and canned vegetables. It’s been classified as a safe ingredient, but some people find that they feel ill after eating food high in MSG. If you’re looking for Asian dining in Los Angeles, you may want to ask if they use MSG in their food. Many of the best restaurants no longer include this ingredient in their dishes.
Other Food Allergies
Some people have allergic reactions to peanuts and other foods. While many Asian dining establishments do their best to accommodate all diners, it’s always best to call ahead and ask about allergens in the kitchen if you have any concerns. Most restaurants will be open about potential allergens, but if for whatever reason the restaurant is unable to answer your questions, you may want to dine somewhere else just to be safe.
