International – Page 10 – Celiacs and the City

Our dearest readers,

I am so sorry for this two-year late post! I was in South Africa in 2014, and never got around to posting on it. However, for what it’s worth, it’s been on my to-do list, and perhaps it still offers some useful tips to those of you planning to go.

In general, South Africa is an easy-to-live-in place for GFs. Most the food is naturally gluten-free, and people are general aware of what ingredients go into the foods they are preparing. The difficulty, for me at least, was finding meat-free options. South Africa is a big, meat-eating country! But thankfully, there are sea food options at most meat-focused places. And there are lots of new health food stores popping up!

This post will be more of a catalogue of general tips and “possibilities” for GF food options. The information may be outdated, so do check online before heading out to the specific spots. I hope you all get out there – it’s truly a wonderful country and a compassionate – and strong! – people.

JOHANNESBURG / PRETORIA

Sheraton, Pretoria: The traditional South African dish of pap (millet mush, sort of like millimeal) and veggies. Almost always gluten-free.

Greek Restaurant, Nelson Mandela Square, Johannesburg: GF salads are aplenty in almost any restaurant! Check the dressing, and if in doubt, always sauce on the side!

Greek Restaurant in Johannesburg: Fried Halloumi. Just amazing!

"NeighbourGoods Market" in Johannesburg: The market is a fantastic place for a mishmash of cooked and canned foods. A little tricky for GFs, but stick to simple food, like oysters! — “NeighbourGoods Market” in Johannesburg: The market is a fantastic place for a mishmash of cooked and canned foods. A little tricky for GFs, but stick to simple food, like oysters!

"NeighbourGoods Market" in Johannesburg: Fun to walk through, but as a GF person, avoid these large pot offerings. Plenty of opportunity for cross-contamination. — “NeighbourGoods Market” in Johannesburg: Fun to walk through, but as a GF person, avoid these large pot offerings. Plenty of opportunity for cross-contamination.

"NeighbourGoods Market" in Johannesburg: Organic biltong - a softer, chewier version of jerky. Available for a variety of meats, with equally varied flavouring! — “NeighbourGoods Market” in Johannesburg: Organic biltong – a softer, chewier version of jerky. Available for a variety of meats, with equally varied flavouring! Biltong is usually GF.

Restaurant recommendations:

La Madeleine (Johannesburg)
La Pentola (Pretoria)

CAPE TOWN

"Birds" in Cape Town: The texture of their gluten-free bread. — “Birds” in Cape Town: The texture of their gluten-free bread.

"Keenwai" in downtown Cape Town: A lovely little restaurant with many GF options! — “Keenwai” in downtown Cape Town: A lovely little restaurant with many GF options!

"Keenwai" in Cape Town: A beautiful Veggie Tower. Yummy too! — “Keenwai” in Cape Town: A beautiful Veggie Tower. Yummy too!

"Keenwai" in Cape Town: A snap shot of the menu — “Keenwai” in Cape Town: A snap shot of the menu

"Keenwai" in Cape Town: A health outlet in the heart of Cape Town. Soup with quinoa. Gluten-free. — “Keenwai” in Cape Town: A health outlet in the heart of Cape Town. Soup with quinoa. Gluten-free.

"Mama Africa" in Cape Town: Popular tourist spot on Long Street. Live (and lively) African music. — “Mama Africa” in Cape Town: Popular tourist spot on Long Street. Live (and lively) African music.

"Mama Africa" in Cape Town: Veggie curry. In general, African veggie curry is another reliable option. — “Mama Africa” in Cape Town: Veggie curry. In general, African veggie curry is another reliable option.

Indian Restaurant at the Hilton in Cape Town: Again, Indian food is a reliable option always!

DURBAN

"Ribs" at Gateway Mall in Durban: Typical South African food that is GLAZED! Watch out for this! — “Ribs” at Gateway Mall in Durban: Typical South African food that is GLAZED! Watch out for this!

"Kauai" on Florida Road, Durban: Gorgeous salad! — “Kauai” on Florida Road, Durban: Gorgeous salad!

"Kauai" on Florida Road in Durban: This place actually has a variety of GF offerings. This is the Mediterranean Wrap! — “Kauai” on Florida Road in Durban: This place actually has a variety of GF offerings. This is the Mediterranean Wrap!

"Havana Grill" at Suncoast, Durban. Chef-designed mixed rice dish. — “Havana Grill” at Suncoast, Durban. Chef-designed mixed rice dish.

Lots of grilled goodies in South Africa, especially seafood! Almost always gluten-free. Check for glazes or marinades.

"Jaipur Palace" in Durban: Palak paneer tastes a little different - the spinach is chunkier than we're used to out in Malaysia, but still good. And most importantly, still gluten-free! — “Jaipur Palace” in Durban: Palak paneer tastes a little different – the spinach is chunkier than we’re used to out in Malaysia, but still good. And most importantly, still gluten-free!

"Havana Grill" at Suncoast, Durban: Steak! Almost always grilled without any seasoning. People tell me South African meat is super delicious! — “Havana Grill” at Suncoast, Durban: Steak! Almost always grilled without any seasoning. People tell me South African meat is super delicious!

Random Chinese restaurant near Three Cities Hotel, Durban: Okay, so Chinese food is the trickiest (it always is). Stick to simple options, like maki, even though it is... umm... rather unoriginal. — Random Chinese restaurant near Three Cities Hotel, Durban: Okay, so Chinese food is the trickiest (it always is). Stick to simple options, like maki, even though it is… umm… rather unoriginal.

Three Cities Hotel, Durban: Pretty much my staple in South Africa. Mozzarella and mushrooms. My own rule of thumb: when in doubt, simplicity is key.

DRINKS

In addition to the chai, there's also excellent rooibos tea to be had everywhere! — In addition to the chai, there’s also excellent rooibos tea to be had everywhere!

Peace,

Daisy

My apologies for the hiatus! I can’t think of a concrete reason for the lapse, other than Life coming at me fast. So sorry!

Here’s a cheap and tasty gem I discovered recently: Shifon Japanese Rice Cake. Healthy and so amazingly cheap at RM7.00++ per generous portion! It’s got no preservatives, no coloring, it’s low in sugar, and has no trans fat. And it’s light, fluffy, and delicious! (Not to mention, completely gluten-free!)

In addition the staple “Chocolate” and “Vanilla” flavours, the cakes come in a variety of exotic combinations – Green Tea and Red Bean, Tofu and Brown Sugar, Seaweed and Pumpkin Seed, Pandan and Kaya, Durian, etc. I can attest that most of them taste great!

You can choose from a variety of very interesting flavour combinations!

Check them out at the bridge between KL Sentral LRT station and NUSentral.

Here’s a link to Shifon’s Facebook Page.

Peace,

Daisy

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Celiacs and the City

Category: International

Gluten-Free in South Africa

Rice Cake!