Six under-the-radar gluten-free friendly places to eat
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I’ll be the first to admit it—the minute I make plans to eat out, I Google the menu.
I know most people like to be surprised, to follow their gut (or stomach) when choosing what to order…but not me. As someone who needs to eat gluten-free (GF), I like to be prepared, and to have a decision pre-made so I don’t panic order under pressure.
And when it comes to GF options, sometimes it’s better to go to a place knowing all you’ll be ordering is the salad or grilled chicken.
But I have noticed that there are a few places in Canberra that are under the radar when it comes to gluten-free eats—that instead of menu options that include Disappointment and I’ll Be Heading Home Hungry, there’s genuine, delicious food I actually want to try.
Here are six locally run eateries that offer under-the-radar meals that are not only dietary friendly, but darn delicious.
55 Turkish (Belconnen)
Put your hand up if sometimes all you want is some gut-busting, topping stuffed Pide?
Honestly, you can never go wrong with cheese, bread, and tasty toppings but if you don’t want a chain-made pizza, your gluten-free takeaway choices become somewhat limited. Enter 55 Turkish.
Now open in Belconnen, they’re currently working to make all of their Pide options available gluten-free—including the tandoori chicken, traditional beef, and classic cheese and spinach. Yum. Of course, if you want something more gourmet and pizza-like, you can also order one of their traditional pizzas with a gluten-free base (including the kabab flavour, which isn’t too far off the real thing) or try a gluten-free Kenan wrap. And don’t worry if you’re vegan or vegetarian, there are also plenty of plant-based options—the team are more than happy to make a meal to suit your needs.
2 Grazier La, Belconnen | Open Sunday to Wednesday, 11:30 am – 9 pm and Thursday to Saturday, 11:30 am – 10 pm | 55turkishcuisine.com
Dumpling Social (Phillip)
Okay, okay—as soon as I see the word ‘dumpling’, my stomach usually gets up and leaves out of pure anger that I can’t eat the light, fluffy and tender little parcels of goodness. So, I admit when someone suggested I try Dumpling Social, I was ready for food FMO. But then I actually looked at the menu.
While the dumplings aren’t gluten-free (which shouldn’t shock anyone), they do have a delicious range of offerings that left me drooling—think Eggplant Delight (with lemon soy, daikon and coriander), Sichuan Style Fried Chicken Wingette (with chilli jam, Thai basil and peanut) and Bubble Tea Panna Cotta (with pearl, black sugar caramel, and milk crumb). And with all dietaries clearly marked, it’s now at the top of my ‘Places to Try’ list.
9 Bradley St, Phillip | Open Sunday to Thursday, 11:30 am – 9 pm and Friday to Saturday 11:30 am – 9:30 pm | dumplingsocial.com.au
Dada (Phillip)
If you’re a GF foodie and you haven’t been to Dada, let me introduce you to paradise. Owned and run by chef, Peter Kang and Kaye Park, 90 per cent of their menu can be made gluten-free (sympathetically designed by Peter and Kaye after their experience of catering to their youngest daughter’s many food allergies)—and let me tell you that not only is it impressive, but it’s mouth-wateringly delicious.
The first time I went, I definitely overate because I wanted—no needed—to Try. It. All.
And from Rice Skewers with sweet chilli sauce and cashew to the Salted Coconut Banana Gelato with crumb and caramel (my colleagues can attest to the very loud sigh of contentment the moment the spoon touched my mouth), I have absolutely no regrets. And I’ll be going back to do it all again.
G4/12 Furzer St, Phillip | Open Wednesday to Saturday 12 pm – 2 pm and Tuesday to Saturday 5:30 pm – 9 pm | dadarestaurant.com.au
Rama’s Fiji Indian Restaurant (Pearce)
Indian isn’t usually my go too for dining out or takeaway (even though a lot of dishes are naturally gluten-free) but I have to say my little meal planning-to-avoid-disappointment heart was incredibly happy to see on their vast menu of Indian-Fijian influenced dishes, Rama’s takes it up a level—because each dish that contains gluten is very, very clearly marked with the actual words CONTAINS GLUTEN. Hallelujah.
A suggestion from a lovely intern, open since 1991, it’s no wonder locals love the flavoursome offerings of Rama’s. Personally, I’ll be trying the Prawn Pakoras (prawns dipped in lentil flour and deep fried) and Aamm Chicken (boneless chicken pieces cooked with fresh spices and a sweet mango sauce). *Chef’s kiss*.
Pearce Shopping Centre, Cnr Macfarland &, Hodgson Cres, Pearce | Open Tuesday to Saturday, 5 pm – 9 pm | ramas.com.au
MY’s Restaurant (Weston)
This little Weston Creek gem is dangerously close to my house—and when I tell you that I’m obsessed with their traditional, modern, and seasonal Vietnamese dishes, you better believe it. With an incredible range of gluten-free options available (something that isn’t often seen at Asian restaurants), I’ve eaten everything from seafood stir-fries to sticky pork belly.
Is it sad to admit that when I ate beef with sweet and sour sauce for the first time in four years I almost cried? (….okay, it does sound a little sad. But I was so happy).
35 Brierly St, Weston | Open Tuesday to Sunday, 11 am – 9:30 pm | mysrestaurant.com.au
D’Browes Restaurant (Narrabundah)
I love a brasserie meal, but I hate leaving feeling vaguely disappointed with the menu. After all, you’re usually indulging for a reason, right?
But for gluten-free foodies, a visit to D’Browes is perfect if you’re craving something more than a quick meal. Serving European cuisine, what makes it extra special is that chef Damien Browes comes to the table to talk you through the menu—including the gluten-free options available (…hello crème caramel served with a toffee crust).
And with crisp linen, friendly service and generous portions, a delicious date night (without the crippling stomach pains) has never sounded so good. Chicken breast stuffed with brie, prosciutto, and cranberry, served in a white wine and chive sauce anyone?
59 Boolimba Cres, Narrabundah | Open Wednesday to Saturday from 11:45 am for lunch and from 5 pm for dinner | dbrowes.com
