{"id":8709,"date":"2018-08-08T18:23:41","date_gmt":"2018-08-08T16:23:41","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/madridfoodtour.com\/?p=8709"},"modified":"2018-08-08T18:23:41","modified_gmt":"2018-08-08T16:23:41","slug":"eating-with-allergies-in-madrid-our-comprehensive-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/dev.devourtours.com\/blog\/eating-with-allergies-in-madrid-our-comprehensive-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Eating with Allergies in Madrid: Our Complete Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Food allergies can be difficult to deal with even at home. Throw in an unfamiliar culture and language, and there’s suddenly so much more to think about. How can you effectively communicate your dietary needs to your server and be sure that you’re not eating anything that can make you ill? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
There’s a lot to consider when eating with allergies in Madrid. This guide will walk you through important vocabulary, safe dishes, and foods to avoid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you’re eating with allergies in Madrid, it’s important to know how to communicate your needs effectively. Plus, you’ll want to know which foods you can’t<\/em> eat. (You’d probably never guess that a bowl of refreshing ajo blanco<\/em> soup contains finely ground almond, making it usafe for those with tree nut allergies.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here’s everything you need to know so that you can dine safely and still enjoy every bite!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n Nuts can be quite sneaky, as those with nut allergies certainly know. You may be surprised which foods they can end up in. This section of our guide to eating with allergies in Madrid outlines how to avoid nuts safely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Important note<\/strong>: Peanuts are rarely used in Spanish cuisine. Those with strictly peanut allergies will not have as much to worry about, but may find these tips useful just in case!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some common items you’ll see at tapas bars and restaurants contain nuts, even if you don’t realize it. Occasionally the ingredients are obvious from the name of the dish, but not always. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here’s what guests with nut allergies should avoid ordering or eating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Luckily for those with nut allergies, many of Spain’s classic dishes are perfectly safe to eat. Tortilla de patatas<\/a> <\/em>(potato omelet) tastes perfect when accompanied by a tapa of gazpacho or its lesser-known cousin, salmorejo<\/a><\/em>. Both cold soups are closely related to ajo blanco<\/em>, but neither contain nuts (and the tortilla is nothing more than potatoes, eggs and onions!).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite its central location, Madrid is home to the freshest seafood in the country. Chow down on a bocadillo de calamares<\/a> <\/em>(fried calamari sandwich) at one of the bars off of Plaza Mayor (La Campana is our go-to!) or try gambas al ajillo<\/a> <\/em>(garlic shrimp) at a classic tapas joint. So much flavor and no nuts in sight!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Eating with allergies in Madrid can be complicated if you’re lactose intolerant. After all, dairy products aren’t always so obvious, especially when they’re hidden in a sauce or dressing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here’s how to navigate Madrid’s food scene safely without coming into contact with dairy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many times, foods containing dairy products will jump right out at lactose-intolerant diners on the menu. You probably wouldn’t be ordering a cheese plate, for example. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, sometimes dishes that contain milk products aren’t as obvious. Here are some common dishes that those with dairy allergies should avoid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite their rich, thick texture, cold soups such as ajo blanco <\/em>and salmorejo <\/em>don’t contain a trace of dairy! They’re thickened with bread, making them a great option for those with dairy allergies looking for a filling meal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many restaurants in Madrid offer some type of grilled meat. There’s not much to it\u2014the meats are simply seasoned with herbs and grilled to perfection! These would be great heartier options for dairy-free diners as you don’t have to worry about any sauces that might contain milk or cream. Look for carne <\/em>(meat), pechuga de pollo <\/em>(chicken breast) or pescado <\/em>(fish), prepared a la plancha<\/em> or a la brasa<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n And due to the recent embrace of veganism, there are plenty of restaurants in Madrid that avoid dairy products altogether. Many vegan and vegetarian<\/a> restaurants would also be great choices for guests with dairy allergies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite their affinity for bread and beer, Spaniards are becoming increasingly aware of the needs of those who need to avoid gluten. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For an even more complete look at eating with allergies in Madrid if you’re gluten free, check out our gluten free guide to Madrid<\/a>. The Madrid Association for Celiacs & Gluten-Sensitive People also has some great recommendations<\/a> (in Spanish) for fully gluten-free eateries in the Spanish capital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the meantime, here are some quick pointers on how to eat safely anywhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many of these dishes can easily be prepared with gluten-free products. However, celiacs should avoid ordering these unless you know for sure that you are at a place that uses gluten-free alternatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Luckily for celiacs, many of Spain’s most delicious foods don’t contain gluten! Jam\u00f3n <\/em>is safe to eat, as are patatas bravas <\/em>(just check to make sure no flour was used in the frying process\u2014it usually isn’t). Tortilla de patatas<\/a> <\/em>and Spain’s excellent rice dishes<\/a> also make our safe list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The most commonly used phrase for “gluten free” in Spain is sin gluten<\/em>. <\/p> <\/div> Lactose intolerant in Spanish is translated as intolerante a la lactosa<\/em>. To describe your own needs, use it with the verb soy<\/em> (I am) at the beginning of the sentence: Soy intolerante a la lactosa<\/em>.<\/p> <\/div> Trigo<\/em> means wheat, so it’s a good word to look out for if you’re gluten free.<\/p> <\/div> Eating with Peanut & Tree Nut Allergies in Madrid<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Important Spanish Vocabulary for Peanut & Tree Nut Allergies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Common Spanish Dishes that Contain Nuts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Nut-Free Spanish Foods<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Eating with Dairy Allergies in Madrid<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Important Spanish Vocabulary for Dairy Allergies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Common Spanish Dishes that Contain Dairy Products<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Dairy-Free Spanish Foods<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Eating with Gluten Allergies or Intolerance in Madrid<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Important Spanish Vocabulary for Gluten Allergies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Common Spanish Dishes that Contain Gluten<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Gluten-Free Spanish Foods<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Eating with Allergies in Madrid FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n