The Burj Khalifa
Who are you and where are you?
I am Linda, I am originally from Sweden, but i live in Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Tell me about your relationship with gluten..
My relationship with gluten has always been pretty bad, but it got a lot worse when my daughter was born. From weaning onwards she was a very very angry and sickly child. She was diagnosed with Celiac just before her second birthday, and the entire family cut their relationship with gluten in order for her to get well. She did get well, and we have never looked back, who needs gluten anyway? 🙂
Why should gluten free travellers visit your town?
Well, while the UAE may be behind some other countries when it comes to availability of gluten free foods and restaurants who can handle a gluten free visitor, it’s an amazing place to visit. Dubai has the tallest building in the world, man made islands, old souks, gorgeous beaches and so on. We also have an amazing mix of cultures living side by side. Visiting Dubai should be on everyones ‘to do’ list.
Tell me something fun about your town..
We have a ski slope in the middle of the desert! Its inside a mall (mall of Emirates), and you can go snow boarding, skiing, or even visit penguins!
View from the huge building!
Where is your favourite place to eat out in your town and why?
We don’t have a favourite place. Dubai is still learning to cater to those on a gluten free diet, but things are getting better and better all the time, We have an ever growing list on the website I founded, Gluten Free UAE, but it can be hit and miss so visitors must take care to ask the right questions and do their own mini investigation.
These are a few of the places we do go but with things getting better by the month, by the time you read this, that may have changed already :) Welcome to Dubai!
- Popular US chain, PF Changs has three locations in Dubai - Dubai Mall, Mirdif City Center and Mall of Emirates.
- Carluccios, a popular UK Italian chain, also has a few locations in Dubai. (Dubai Mall, Mirdif City Center, Dubai Marina Mall). They have a separate gluten free menu and offer gluten free pasta but unfortunately the Mirdif City Center location also does pizza and therefore cross contamination could be an issue.
- Balance Cafe in the Oasis Centre also offers gluten free options.
- As in other Asian capitals such as Seoul, South Korea; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; and Singapore you can also find US chains like Ruth’s Chris Steak House and Outback Steakhouse in Dubai.
Elan
Mar 9th, 2013I also live in Dubai and am finding a rapidly growing trend of gluten-free offerings. The best g-f pizza i’ve ever had is in Dubai at Oregano’s, but several other pizzazerias now offer g-f choices. All of the major hotels and their various restaurants also offer g-f; The Ivy has amazing g-f bread available any time. We are spoiled for choice here, come visit!