How to Handle Food Allergies When Eating Out: An In-Detail List

Do they talk about being allergy-friendly/or mention how they handle customers with different dietary restrictions?

• This can show you if they are good about serving people with food allergies and if they understand how to treat people with food allergies.
• If they have a specific allergy menu (e.g. gluten free menu), this is probably listed on their website.
  • If you can’t find one, you could ask about it when you call ahead (described below)

Checking labels for food that you eat is always super important, and that does not change when you eat out. Reading over the ingredients list of the different dishes they serve can also show you how detailed they are, which could also show you if they are careful with food allergies.

If the restaurant is not super detailed and doesn’t mention allergies/dietary restriction in its website, then it could mean that they are not aware of cross-contact. If other dishes that they serve contain your allergen(s), then they could get into your food if it cooked in the same place

Always carry two! Better to be safe than sorry, as mistakes can always happen.

I have had instances where I was unsure if I was having an anaphylactic reaction. It is always best to have your Allergy Action Plan on you so you can identify and pinpoint if you are having an allergic reaction.

For cleanliness and for safety, hand wipes are essential. You want to keep your hands clean, but you also want to be careful if there are crumbs leftover on your table from the last person who dined. Depending on where you dine you can ask your waiter to clean up the table for you.

Identify a “safe” menu item - something simple and allergy-friendly that you know you can likely eat. 

• Even if this isn’t what you plan to order, it always helps to have a backup in case you can’t eat your first choice.
• Think about where and how the food is prepared? Are there preparation-specific questions you need to ask (such as what oil they use to fry foods or whether it is a cross-contact risk)?

If you find something you want to eat that contains your allergen (depending on what it is) you might be able to remove or substitute it out.

• Consider how safe you feel doing this and how realistic it is. Many places are willing to make slight modifications but often aren’t willing to create you a completely new dish.

Substituting and removing items from a dish also increases the chance you’ll encounter the dreaded WRONG ORDER which means you’ll have to be prepared to send it back. If this does happen, you should feel confident and not guilty about sending it back.
 

• Be clear and concise with what your allergies are and if there are specific things you need the restaurant staff to do. If you have many allergies, it can be helpful to have them written down on an index card or something similar that you can hand to your server. This can also be helpful in a foreign country with a different language, as you can translate your allergies and show your server easily. Some waiters will want to remember it by memory and will say they don't need the card. Personally, I am not comfortable with this, so I politely but firmly insist they take it back to the chef.
• Personal preference, but I like doing this post-drink order once the waiter is ready to discuss food orders. This is also a great segue to asking allergy-related questions about the menu and or what you’re ordering. I also remind them again when they’re taking my food order and note whether they wrote it down or repeated it when confirming our orders with us.
  • If the waiter seems unsure about the answer to any question you ask then request that they ask the chef or person actually preparing your food- a good waiter isn’t going to mind having to ask and this will get you accurate information.  You can also ask to speak to the chef directly as outlined below- keep in mind that it may take a second before someone can speak to you, especially if they’re busy.

• Some questions just need to go straight to the top- in which case you need to speak to the chef. This can be kind of nerve wracking but most chefs aren’t going to mind discussing how to make sure you can safely enjoy their meals. When asking to speak to the chef, do so clearly and firmly. Once the chef has arrived, reiterate what you’re allergic to and ask your questions. Make sure to be specific in what you’re asking and ask follow up questions as needed- this will ensure you feel safe eating your dish and your chef will be confident with how to accommodate you.
• If you don't feel confident in your ability to eat safely after talking to the chef, don't feel guilty. Your safety is the number one priority. Thank the chef for speaking with you and ask for a moment to consider. Then talk to your family or whomever you're dining with and figure out the best way to leave.